Pursuing a Master's in Physics: Double Majoring, AP Credit, and More

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and implications of pursuing a Master's degree in Physics while double majoring in Mathematics, particularly focusing on the feasibility, benefits, and requirements of such an academic path. Participants explore the potential utility of a math major for theoretical physics, the structure of Master's programs, and the impact of AP credits on graduation timelines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to graduate early with AP credits or to take four years to double major and pursue a Master's, questioning the utility of a math major for theoretical physics.
  • Another participant suggests that the feasibility of a Master's degree may depend on the specific country and program structure, indicating that in the USA, a Master's is often not required for Ph.D. applications.
  • Some participants emphasize the importance of confirming whether graduate coursework will lead to a Master's degree and whether it can be combined with undergraduate honors thesis work.
  • Concerns are raised about potential class time conflicts when planning a double major and Master's program, suggesting that such planning may be premature before taking upper-level courses.
  • There is a discussion about the differences in Master's program structures between the US and Canada, with one participant noting that a thesis may be more beneficial in Canada for Ph.D. applications.
  • Several participants recommend consulting with academic advisors or the director of undergraduate studies for tailored advice regarding the specific program and requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that careful planning is necessary and that the feasibility of pursuing a Master's alongside a double major is complex and dependent on specific program requirements. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the necessity and benefits of a thesis versus coursework for the Master's degree, as well as the overall approach to academic planning.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarification on specific program requirements, the potential for class conflicts, and the uncertainty surrounding the recognition of graduate coursework towards a Master's degree. Participants acknowledge that their advice may be limited by their own experiences and knowledge of different academic systems.

mc0210
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in physics. Alright so I could either graduate a year early with my AP credit or take four years and double major in math and...get a masters in physics? I am unsure of how this would work though. My goal is to get into the best possible school. If I take four years, I will have room for about 9 graduate courses in physics and a math major.
1. Is the math major moderately useful for theoretical physics?
2. Should I do a masters with or without thesis, if so could I combine this with my undergrad honors physics thesis into one? Sounds reasonable to me.
3. I will have the 9 grad courses spread out over two years if that affects how I could do a masters.
4. Would it be possible to do a masters with the given info? UCONN says for without thesis: 24 credits. With thesis: 9 credits of thesis research (is that all?).
Thanks! I think it'd be an interesting idea and Id really learn a LOT.
 
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Which country are you in? The answer will depend on where you are, I think.
 


Good ole USA. Also, I think about two of the grad courses would have to be used towards undergrad requirements if that changes anything
 


I think doing a masters is ambitious. It is possible, but be sure to check that courses that count for your masters also count for you Bsc.

I double majored in math and physics. I think the math major contributed to my mathematical maturity, gave my confidence, and let me focus on the physics when i got into grad school.

Many of your questions should be directed towards the director of undergraduate studies in your physics dept.

Personally, I think you will be better prepared to make such decisions after you take your first real math or physics class.
 


I agree zombiefenyman, though to be fair it was your suggestions that led me to such an idea :) I just wanted to gather an initial take on such an idea. Quite often I have dumb ideas that I prefer to realize aren't possible from an anonymous online community than my adviser! I agree the masters may be too much depending on how it works out, though I believe the extra physics research courses will be beneficial even if they don't end up being recognized officially. I really do like the idea of a math major to help build up my skillset and background
 


mc0210 said:
I agree zombiefenyman, though to be fair it was your suggestions that led me to such an idea :) I just wanted to gather an initial take on such an idea. Quite often I have dumb ideas that I prefer to realize aren't possible from an anonymous online community than my adviser! I agree the masters may be too much depending on how it works out, though I believe the extra physics research courses will be beneficial even if they don't end up being recognized officially. I really do like the idea of a math major to help build up my skillset and background

Take any advice from me with heaps of salt,

You must realize that I am an undead new yorker who roams around in search of brains to eat and interesting problems to solve.



But also, the limitations of help you receive in this area of the forum are immense.
 


ZombieFeynman said:
Personally, I think you will be better prepared to make such decisions after you take your first real math or physics class.

I second this.

It's kinda ridiculous to plan out an entire undergrad double major with a master's from the start. One thing that might happen is class time-conflicts which might set you back if you're trying to stay strict to the plan.
 


Im unsure of what you mean by this. I have taken first year physics with calculus and calc 1 and 2. Unless you mean upper level math and physics as being "real", in which case I think id be in such a position after this semester during which I'll take quantum, independent study in nuclear physics, and calc 3 and 4. Either way such planning is not completely out of line. Though I do recognize that I overthink such things >_<
 


Have you confirmed that your program will actually give you a Master's degree just by doing some graduate coursework? Since most graduate program's don't offer a terminal master's degree - usually it's just something you can pick up along the way to a Ph.D. after you meet some coursework requirements - I don't know if in the US you can pick one up with your Bachelor's degree.

Just in case you don't know, Physics Ph.D. programs in the US don't require you to have a Master's before applying.
 
  • #10


I have not confirmed. I feel like they must if I do the thesis route but maybe if I do coursework. And I know its not required, just figured if I want to stay with friends and build up my skills in a fourth year a masters would probably be beneficial.
Again, do you guys recommend with or without thesis if I intend to go on for a ohd elsewhere?
 
  • #11


You should find out first whether or not the extra work will even net you a Master's degree before you decide whether or not to do a thesis vs. coursework Master's. Also, many undergraduate programs have honours thesis type courses in which you do a thesis project with a professor; however, they don't award Master's degrees for this course, and the requirement for an undergraduate honours thesis would be less than for a Master's thesis.

At any rate, if you can pick up a Master's by doing extra coursework, that's probably the better way to go if you intend on doing a Ph.D. in the US. As I said, in Physics Ph.D. programs in the US you enter directly into a Ph.D. program. You don't even need to get your Master's along the way to the Ph.D., but if you opt to get the Master's degree on your way, it's usually only coursework you would have to complete. So, I doubt you would need to do a Master's thesis in the US. Having a Master's thesis is not going to let you cut any corners on your Ph.D. thesis.

However, if you were to consider doing your Ph.D. in Canada, then doing a thesis Master's may be beneficial. In Canada, if you do not have a Master's degree, you have to apply to a Master's program, even in Physics. Then, to get into a Ph.D. program you can either do a Master's thesis, get your Master's degree and then apply to a Ph.D. program at another school, or if you are doing well many Master's programs will allow you to apply to transition directly into the Ph.D. program without finishing the Master's thesis. So, this is one situation in which I could imagine getting a Master's thesis along with your Bachelor's degree could benefit you, but I can't say with 100% certainly that this is correct.

That said, I will reiterate that you should check with your program that you even can get a Master's degree along with your Bachelor's degree. by just doing extra coursework or some thesis work.
 
Last edited:
  • #12


I will ask for sure, I just wanted to know if I should be asking about with or without thesis. Thanks for your response btw!
 
  • #13


mc0210 said:
in physics. Alright so I could either graduate a year early with my AP credit or take four years and double major in math and...get a masters in physics? I am unsure of how this would work though. My goal is to get into the best possible school. If I take four years, I will have room for about 9 graduate courses in physics and a math major.
1. Is the math major moderately useful for theoretical physics?
2. Should I do a masters with or without thesis, if so could I combine this with my undergrad honors physics thesis into one? Sounds reasonable to me.
3. I will have the 9 grad courses spread out over two years if that affects how I could do a masters.
4. Would it be possible to do a masters with the given info? UCONN says for without thesis: 24 credits. With thesis: 9 credits of thesis research (is that all?).
Thanks! I think it'd be an interesting idea and Id really learn a LOT.

First, I encourage you to stop microplanning a possible future when you're not even sure if such future is possible at your school. Secondly, you need to look if your school has a combined undergraduate master programs. At some schools, this program would be one that you would go the normal route for the first two years, and if you maintain a certain GPA you may apply to the mastes program, and then for the two or three years (usually three), some of your credits will count towards both your undergraduate and masters.

That's the only way I see your plan being feasible.
 
  • #14


I agree. I have to stop microplanning. Its my last week of vacation and I just get carried away when I am out of school for so long
 

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