PhD in Physics after getting my MS Physics in the US

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Fernando Rios
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Phd Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from a Master's program in Physics to a PhD program, specifically addressing whether additional coursework is required at the PhD level after completing a Master's degree. The context includes considerations of institutional policies and requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessity of taking courses during a PhD after completing a Master's in Physics.
  • Another participant suggests that such questions should be directed to the specific department for accurate information.
  • A clarification is made regarding whether the PhD would be pursued at the same institution or a different one, emphasizing that the answer depends on the policies of the specific PhD program.
  • A participant notes that San Jose State University only offers a Master's degree and implies that transitioning to a PhD would likely require taking additional classes at a different institution.
  • It is mentioned that based on the requirements for the Master's program at SJSU, it is almost certain that multiple classes would be necessary at the PhD-granting institution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the requirements for PhD coursework depend on the specific institution's policies, but there is no consensus on the exact requirements since it varies by program.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about different institutions' PhD requirements and the need for participants to verify details with their respective departments.

Fernando Rios
Messages
96
Reaction score
10
I will start my Master's in Physics next August at San Jose State University. If I decide to start a PhD in Physics once I am done with the Master's, will I still need to take courses at the PhD? Or will I just have to do the research?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: DeBangis21
Physics news on Phys.org
Those questions are best posed to your department.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PhDeezNutz and vanhees71
Fernando Rios said:
I will start my Master's in Physics next August at San Jose State University. If I decide to start a PhD in Physics once I am done with the Master's, will I still need to take courses at the PhD? Or will I just have to do the research?
Just to clarify, are you talking about continuing a PhD program at San Jose, or at a different school? Either way, that depends on the policy of the specific school with the PhD program. No general answer to your question.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
CrysPhys said:
are you talking about continuing a PhD program at San Jose
They only offer an MS.

While what people said is true, you need to check, having looked at the SJSU requirements for an MS, it is virtually certain that you will need to take multiple classes at your PhD-granting institution.
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: PhDeezNutz, vanhees71 and berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
11K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K