Looking to change my fieldAm I too late?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for a forum member, currently completing an engineering degree in Electronics and Communication, to transition into the field of physics, specifically particle physics. The member expresses a strong interest in physics and seeks advice on the feasibility of changing fields, the necessity of pursuing a Ph.D., and job opportunities following a master's degree in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant emphasizes that a Ph.D. in Physics is typically required to work as a physicist, while an M.S. may lead to opportunities in engineering or programming, contingent on skill development.
  • Another participant shares their experience of obtaining an M.S. in physics at 48, suggesting that age is not a barrier and that the original poster, at 22, should be able to manage well.
  • Several participants provide links to various physics programs and suggest contacting universities to inquire about eligibility based on the original poster's engineering background.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of master's programs in physics in India, with a specific mention of the IIT programs as desirable but requiring significant preparation.
  • One participant notes that while their M.S. in physics was driven by interest, it did not significantly aid their job prospects, reiterating the necessity of a Ph.D. for a career in physics.
  • Another participant discusses the admissions process for master's programs in Canada, indicating that an undergraduate degree in physics or equivalent coursework is typically required, and suggests comparing course lists to identify any gaps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the feasibility of changing fields and the requirements for pursuing a career in physics. There is no consensus on the specific pathways or the necessity of a Ph.D. for job opportunities in physics, indicating multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for specific coursework to meet admission requirements for graduate programs, highlighting the potential for missing prerequisites based on the original poster's engineering background. There are also concerns about the quality of physics programs in India, which may affect the original poster's options.

sndtam
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Hi
I am a forum member from two years.I never really post anything but I do check out the discussions at the forums.I am really interested in doing physics.I am not saying this by watching Brian Greene or Michio Kaku. I have a passion for physics.There are only two things in my life that I can do for entire day without any hesitation.They are physics and computer stuff.

The problem is that I am from India and like most of the students here I took a Engineering Degree in Electronics and Communication.But I have watched all the Walter Lewin Lectures from MIT,Classical and Quantum Mechanics courses from Prof. Balakrishnan,basic physics courses from Shankar and I really enjoyed them.

I am in the final year of completing my Under-Graduation but I really want to do Physics.I have already read So-you-wanna-become-a-physicist thread.I still did not decide about going for a Phd,but I want to do Physics especially Particle Physics.I have already searched through forums but I could not find any answer.

I spent already four years to get an Engineering Degree!Am I too late to change my field to physics and What job opportunities can I expect after completing my masters in Physics?Sorry if my English does not sound good.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
To have any chance of working AS A PHYSICIST, you really need a Ph.D. in Physics. With an M.S. in Physics, there are opportunities to work as an engineer or a programmer, assuming you have developed the necessary skills along the way.
 


TMFKAN64 said:
To have any chance of working AS A PHYSICIST, you really need a Ph.D. in Physics. With an M.S. in Physics, there are opportunities to work as an engineer or a programmer, assuming you have developed the necessary skills along the way.

I want to do a Phd but right now I am just focussing on my Masters.I am already 22.So,I expect 2-3 years for masters and then maybe Phd. Am I too late to change my field?I don't want to end up my life unsuccessful after completing my masters.
 
I got my M.S. in physics at 48. I think you'll manage well enough at 22. :smile:
 
TMFKAN64 said:
I got my M.S. in physics at 48. I think you'll manage well enough at 22. :smile:
I think that`s really great.How do you manage to get a job?Thanks for the response!
Edit:Just looked up your profile. You did a Phd. in Computer Science first.
Mépris said:
Look into those schools:

http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2860

http://portal.mytum.de/studium/stud...neering_physics_master?ignore_redirection=yes

Three more physics programs here:

https://www.elitenetzwerk.bayern.de...te-programs-according-to-fields-of-study/?L=2

E-mail the individual universities and see if you'd be eligible with your degree.

Look into doing an M.Sc in India as well.
Thanks for the links!
Well,I am looking to do a Masters course in India.But,most of the Universities in India do not maintain high standards for Masters in Physics.I would love to get into IIT but that needs a lot of preparation from my side.Their Physics programs are looking great and I would like to know about job opportunities from any Indians out here.
 
sndtam said:
I think that`s really great.How do you manage to get a job?Thanks for the response!
Edit:Just looked up your profile. You did a Phd. in Computer Science first.

I mainly did the MS because I was interested in the subject. From a work perspective though, it didn't really help. That's why I said if you want to do *physics*, you need a Ph.D. (I'm at a national lab now, hanging out with physicists, but still doing computer work.)
 
It's never too late to change the field your in, but it's really just a question of what's required for you to do it.

I don't know how things work in India. In my experience (Canadian schools) to enter into a master's program in physics you need an undergraduate degree in physics "or equivalent." The "or equivalent" usually means that the admissions committee will survey your transcripts for specific courses that will put you on par with other incoming graduate students. Missing one or two courses is usually not a big deal. They can be made up. But if it's more than that, you'll have to do the make up ork on your own dime.

So, compare your course list with that for a physics program and identify what's different. If you've covered most of the same core material you'll likely be okay, but if not you have some makeup work to do.

If you're still in question, then try contacting some of the specific schools you're interested in attending for gradaute studies and ask them what courses you need to take to be considered for admission.
 

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