Preparing PhD in American University Without Physics Background

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of pursuing a PhD in physics at an American university without a formal background in physics. Participants explore the prerequisites and challenges associated with such a path, particularly for individuals with degrees in other fields, such as biology and management. The conversation touches on potential research interests, specifically in gravitational anomalies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a PhD in physics despite lacking formal physics courses, citing a passion for the subject and previous thoughts on related topics.
  • Another participant argues that success in a physics PhD program without prior physics coursework is extremely unlikely, emphasizing the cumulative nature of physics education.
  • A different participant states that admission to a physics PhD program without any physics courses is not possible, but notes that students from other fields with substantial physics coursework may be considered.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of a biology background for entering a physics program, particularly if the only physics coursework completed is at the introductory level.
  • One participant shares a link to a previous discussion that may provide additional insights on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a strong background in physics is necessary for admission to a PhD program in the field. However, there is disagreement on the extent to which a non-physics undergraduate degree can be acceptable, with varying opinions on the specific coursework required.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the specific qualifications needed for admission and the varying interpretations of what constitutes sufficient physics coursework from other disciplines.

Rizak
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Greetings to the members and staff of this forum which I find very good.

I want to know if it is possible to prepare a PhD in an American university without having a course in physics.
I have a background in natural science (biology) and in management but I am passionate in physics. I knew that physicists (including well-known) followed this route.

I would to prepare a thesis on the possible gravitational anomalies with original experimental projects.

Thanks,
 
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Rizak said:
I want to know if it is possible to prepare a PhD in an American university without having a course in physics.

The chances of someone being able to succeed in doing this are extremely low. Physics is a cumulative subject and all graduate work is going to call on the physics one learned as an undergrad.

If your interested in graduate work in physics, then my suggestion is to:

1. Take the Physics GRE practice exams. How well do you do?

2. Find a university you are considering applying to and ask to see their old Physics PhD qualifying exams.These are usually indicative of the undergraduate material the department expects students to be proficient in.

3. If you don't do well on these exams (and, in all likelihood, anyone without a background in physics won't do well) then you seriously need to consider going back and getting a B.S. in Physics if you are seriously considering a physics graduate program.
 
If you're asking if you can be admitted to a PhD program in physics without having taken a single physics course, the answer is no. If you're asking if you can be admitted to a PhD program in physics with an undergraduate degree in another field, the answer is that it depends on what courses you have taken. Engineering, physical chemistry, and math students who've done substantial physics coursework are generally able to get in. Biology students with only first year physics are not.

I'm not sure why you would even want to do such a thing.
 
Choppy said:
I'm not sure why you would even want to do such a thing.

Because it is more than 5 years I thought about topics in physics, and the variation of constants (if proven) will open many doors and will be an especially exciting area of ​​research beyond the standard model .
I thought on experiments that can be made for that.
 

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