Masters in computational physics

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around pursuing a master's degree in computational physics, particularly for someone with a double major in computer science and physics. The individual is nearing completion of their computer science degree and has secured a valuable internship in IT, raising concerns about lacking physics experience for graduate school applications. Insights shared indicate that computational physics programs often require more physics knowledge than computer science skills, suggesting that a CS degree may not be essential. Astrophysics is highlighted as a promising field that integrates programming for modeling and simulation, aligning with the individual's interests. Participants also mention that many programs are categorized under "computational science," which may not demand extensive CS knowledge. Recommendations include exploring scientific computing and computational engineering programs, which could be more accessible for those with a CS background.
Carnivroar
Messages
128
Reaction score
1
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
176
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
114
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Back
Top