Masters in computational physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prospects of pursuing a master's degree in computational physics, particularly for someone with a background in computer science and limited experience in physics. Participants explore the relevance of their current studies and internships to graduate school applications in this interdisciplinary field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of physics experience while applying for a computational physics program, despite a strong computer science background and a valuable internship.
  • Another participant mentions that their professor indicated computational physics requires more physics knowledge than computer science skills, suggesting that a CS degree may not be essential for admission.
  • Astrophysics is highlighted as a field that requires significant programming for modeling and simulation, which aligns with the interests of one participant.
  • There is a note that many programs are categorized as "computational science" rather than strictly "computational physics," prompting inquiries about personal experiences in various programs.
  • A suggestion is made to consider scientific computing or computational engineering and science programs, which may have different prerequisites and focus areas compared to traditional computational physics programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a physics background for computational physics programs, with some suggesting that a strong computer science foundation may suffice, while others emphasize the importance of physics knowledge. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the specific requirements of various programs, as well as the varying definitions of computational physics versus computational science. The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions, which may not be universally applicable.

Carnivroar
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Has anyone here done a masters in computational physics?

I am doing a double major in computer science and physics and it was always my intention to combine both fields for a career.

I am basically finished with my CS degree and I have a very valuable internship at a large IT company doing research in a CS field. My concern is that I do not have much to show for physics.

The internship will last until I graduate, after which I will likely get a full time job there, so there's no way to find a physics internship now.

What are my chances of getting into graduate school for a computational physics program without any actual experience in physics?
 
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Bump.

I'd really like to talk to someone who has done CP. :)
 
My professor told me that computational physics involves much more physics than CS and that the computational part is easy to pick up, which is why a CS degree is not really required for the masters program.

But Astrophysics does require a lot of programming for modeling and simulation, so that would be a better field for me to go into if I want to stay in CS.

Astrophysics is my favorite area of physics so that's great news.
 
A lot of the programs are labeled as "computational science" and not computational physics. Anyone with personal experience with any such program (c. science or c. physics)? Especially a program not in Buffalo? (sorry to rip on Buffalo, ye from Buffalo)
 
You might be interested in looking at some scientific computing graduate programs or computational engineering and science programs. They seem to be closer to computational physics as in they don't require a lot of CS knowledge except for a few programming classes, but that's just what I can tell from looking at the course descriptions. I had a professor at the community college I attended that was in the PhD program at the local university and he said it's mostly made of CS and math majors.
 

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