Research in field other than graduate school specialization?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relevance of undergraduate research experience in fields unrelated to a prospective graduate school specialization, particularly in the context of applying to PhD programs in Material Science/Materials Engineering. Participants explore the implications of diverse research backgrounds on graduate school applications and the value of skills acquired through such experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether research in unrelated fields, such as computer science and economics, is valued by graduate programs in Material Science.
  • Another participant suggests that the skills gained from any research experience are more important than the specific subject matter, indicating that these skills can be applicable across different fields.
  • A third participant raises a question about the relevance of biology research for someone intending to pursue physics in graduate school, indicating a concern about the applicability of diverse research experiences.
  • Some participants express reassurance that having varied research experiences does not imply indecisiveness regarding research interests.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the skills acquired through research are valuable, regardless of the field. However, there remains uncertainty about how graduate programs perceive research in unrelated areas, indicating multiple competing views on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the weight that graduate programs place on research experience outside of the intended field of study, and the discussion does not resolve how different programs might evaluate such experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students considering diverse research opportunities, applicants to graduate programs in STEM fields, and those interested in the intersection of different academic disciplines may find this discussion relevant.

crr14
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
I know that undergraduate research is extremely helpful for graduate school, but how about research that was done in a field not directly related to what you're hoping to go to graduate school for? I'm looking at applying to PhD programs in Material Science/Materials Engineering this fall and have had two research positions as an undergraduate (one of which resulted in a paper while the other has a submitted paper pending approval), but one of the research positions was computer science/computer engineering based and the other was economics/mathematics based. I realize that it obviously looks better if undergrads have done research in the area they want to study, but do schools still take into account evidence that you can perform some kind of independent academic research?

I'm working on a new research project this summer and into next fall while I finish up my last couple of classes. I was thinking of trying for an internship to save up some money prior to graduate school, but I should I be looking for MatSci research opportunities (which I'm not even sure you can get as a graduate)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
They are all good! It shows that you have the ability to expand beyond your immediate horizon.

One should not worry too much on the applicability of the research done while an undergraduate. Don't pay too much attention on the subject matter. Rather pay attention to the skills that you acquire when doing such things. Such skills often transcends a particular subject area, or even your major.

Zz.
 
what about biology research for someone who wants to go into physics for grad school? I'm engineering right now
 
ZapperZ said:
They are all good! It shows that you have the ability to expand beyond your immediate horizon.

One should not worry too much on the applicability of the research done while an undergraduate. Don't pay too much attention on the subject matter. Rather pay attention to the skills that you acquire when doing such things. Such skills often transcends a particular subject area, or even your major.

Zz.

Phew! Good to hear that it won't make me look indecisive in my research interests.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Tips for a CS and physics major
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Admissions Advice to enhance my profile for grad school
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Graduate school admission chances
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Admissions Sincerely seeking graduate school admission advice
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Admissions Graduating a year early anxieties + grad school
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Schools Can I still be competitive at a small school?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Graduate School Advice regarding Arvix
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Admissions Latebloomer with many past mistakes applying to graduate school
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Other What "research" are graduate schools looking for?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Is Spending an Extra Semester in Undergraduate Research Worth It?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K