Is physics bachelors degree required to carry out masters in quantum physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the requirements for pursuing a master's degree in quantum physics, particularly for individuals with a background in electronics and communication. Participants explore whether a bachelor's degree in physics is necessary and the implications of different educational pathways.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about whether to pursue a second bachelor's degree in physics or directly apply for a master's program in quantum physics.
  • Another participant questions the individual's exposure to quantum mechanics and their mathematical background, suggesting these are critical for graduate-level study.
  • Some participants assert that there is no specific master's in quantum physics, emphasizing that it is a master's in physics that typically requires a bachelor's in physics.
  • Concerns are raised about the recognition of a bachelor's degree from India by US institutions, with some suggesting that additional coursework may be necessary before applying to master's programs.
  • One participant shares their experience of obtaining a master's in physics without a bachelor's in physics, indicating that significant upper-division coursework was required.
  • Another participant agrees that while it is possible to enter a graduate program without a bachelor's in physics, substantial prior coursework in physics is expected.
  • There are discussions about the potential need for remedial undergraduate coursework for those lacking a physics background, with varying opinions on the extent of this requirement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a bachelor's degree in physics for pursuing a master's degree in quantum physics. Some argue it is essential, while others suggest that significant coursework may suffice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the variability in educational requirements based on institutional policies and individual backgrounds, indicating that the discussion is influenced by differing educational systems and expectations.

Vinay Hebbar
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Hi I'm currently pursuing electronics and communication degree in India. I'm confused whether to get another bachelors degree in physics or i can directly do my masters. Most of my friends suggested to directly carry masters in any US colleges so that professors would be knowing what i lack and would be of help. Please guide me through this as I'm aspiring to get my masters in quantum physics.
 
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Have you had significant exposure to quantum mechanics at an undergraduate level? Do you have a strong background in the mathematics necessary to study this subject at a graduate level?
 
There's no such thing as a masters in quantum physics. It's just a masters in physics, and it requires a bachelors in physics. Many US schools do not consider a bachelors from India equivalent to a bachelors here; some will make you earn a masters in physics in India before applying to their masters programs. Many also don't grant a terminal masters; it's a PhD or nothing.
 
uby said:
Have you had significant exposure to quantum mechanics at an undergraduate level? Do you have a strong background in the mathematics necessary to study this subject at a graduate level?

As i have encountered, the maths required for quantum physics is nowhere taught in engineering scheme in depth. And all i have in physics is analytical skills in physics and nothing theoretical. I'm strong at computing mathematics but not at analysing. So is it recommended to carry another undergraduation in physics? Or advance undergraduation program provided by colleges helps me carry on my masters? The reason behind my confusion is that i need in-depth understanding of physics and I am more interested in particle physics(theoretical prediction). So now is my move and i have to make it right. So kindly analyse a situation and shower me with best possibility. Thanks
 
eri said:
There's no such thing as a masters in quantum physics. It's just a masters in physics, and it requires a bachelors in physics. Many US schools do not consider a bachelors from India equivalent to a bachelors here; some will make you earn a masters in physics in India before applying to their masters programs. Many also don't grant a terminal masters; it's a PhD or nothing.

In India pertaining to engineering course, our masters would be completely channelised to the field of interest. So i never knew that it never existed. So suggest me about what its like doing masters there and BS physics.
 
eri said:
It's just a masters in physics, and it requires a bachelors in physics.

No, that's not true. I'll point to myself as an example: I have an MS in physics, but no BS in physics.

That said, I did end up taking most of the upper division undergraduate physics courses in the course of my studies.
 
TMFKAN64 said:
No, that's not true. I'll point to myself as an example: I have an MS in physics, but no BS in physics.

That said, I did end up taking most of the upper division undergraduate physics courses in the course of my studies.

So what's your point for me? How does it actually help me with those words?
 
Last edited:
Yes, you can get into a graduate program in physics without a BS in physics, but not without significant physics coursework. Grad schools don't start over at the beginning - they assume you just spent 4 years studying the subject and pick up from there.
 
eri said:
Yes, you can get into a graduate program in physics without a BS in physics, but not without significant physics coursework. Grad schools don't start over at the beginning - they assume you just spent 4 years studying the subject and pick up from there.

Exactly. If you really want to, it is possible. However, there are no short cuts... at least none that I know of.
 
  • #10
So you guys are implying me to have another BS in physics to support my courses and advanced UG course doesn't support my motto?
 
  • #12
Vinay Hebbar said:
So you guys are implying me to have another BS in physics to support my courses and advanced UG course doesn't support my motto?

No, not at all. Using the only example I have at hand, I had to do about a year's worth of remedial undergraduate course work when I got my MS. (I had studied a lot on my own before I started any courses, otherwise it would have been closer to two years.)

If you *only* take the upper division physics courses in a BS program, it takes much less than four years.

I'm actually trying to be encouraging here. You *can* get an advanced degree in physics without having a bachelor's in physics first. However, it will take longer, because you *will* have a lot of ground that you need to make up.
 

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