Is Materials Science a good PhD route to pursue?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of pursuing a PhD in materials science for an undergraduate student interested in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and physics. It includes inquiries about the relevance of materials science to these fields and recommendations for graduate programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Daniel expresses interest in pursuing a PhD in materials science and seeks opinions on its relevance to his interests in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
  • One participant notes that materials science/engineering is a relatively new field and suggests that research in materials can often be found within physics or engineering departments, particularly in areas like condensed matter or solid state physics.
  • Another participant comments on the job market for materials science, suggesting it may be more favorable compared to high-energy physics due to its practical applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus on the suitability of materials science as a PhD route, as opinions vary regarding its relevance and job market prospects.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide detailed evaluations of specific programs or address potential limitations of pursuing materials science in relation to Daniel's interests.

dlivingston
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone,

I'm an undergraduate senior majoring in physics and math, with plans to go to grad school next year. I have two questions for you all: 1) for someone interested in nanotechnology, biotechnology, and physics, is materials science a good PhD to pursue? 2) If so, are there any graduate schools you recommend whose materials science program is particularly great in nano/biotech?

Much thanks,
Daniel
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Materials Science/Engineering on its own is a (sort of) new concepts.

A lot of times you can still find a physics department, or engineering, with faculty who do research in materials. Often in the name of condensed matter or solid state.

I am not too familiar with the programs or departments but you can look at Vanderbilt in Tennessee and U. Conn.
 
I guess the job market for material science is better than high-energy physics, since there are so many practical stuff...
 
Alright, great. Thanks for your help guys.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
11K