Scope for pursuing physics masters in the US.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the eligibility and prospects of pursuing a master's degree in physics in the US for a student currently enrolled in a dual degree program in biology and chemical engineering. Participants explore concerns about academic background, admissions criteria, and the relevance of GRE scores.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their eligibility for a master's program in physics due to their background in biology and chemical engineering, questioning whether universities prefer applicants with a pure physics degree.
  • Another participant suggests that the amount of physics coursework taken during the undergraduate program is crucial and that the name of the degree is not the sole factor in admissions decisions.
  • A different participant questions the choice of studying biology and chemical engineering instead of physics, raising the possibility of transferring to a physics program.
  • The original poster mentions the perceived rigor and quality of engineering programs in India compared to B.Sc or M.Sc programs, indicating a belief that their current program may enhance their prospects for graduate studies.
  • The original poster seeks advice on the difficulty of securing admission into a good graduate physics program in the US and inquires about the importance of GRE scores in the application process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the eligibility criteria for master's programs in physics, with differing views on the importance of undergraduate degree relevance and coursework. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific admissions criteria of various universities, the weight of GRE scores, and the potential for transferring programs, which remain unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition to physics graduate programs from non-physics backgrounds, as well as those interested in the admissions process for master's programs in the US.

siddharth5129
Messages
94
Reaction score
3
I am a second year engineering student currently enrolled in an undergrad dual degree program in BITS Pilani , India. I'm doing M.Sc (Hons.) Biology and B.E (Hons.) Chemical engineering which constitutes a 5 year long course. I am really interested in pursuing a masters degree in physics in the US, but I've had this gnawing concern for a while about my eligibility to apply for such a program. I mean, wouldn't universities in the US grant admission to students with an undergrad degree in pure physics in preference to someone like me. Would it even be possible for me to pursue a masters in physics with such an educational background? or are my fears irrational and invalid? I'd be really grateful for any sort of clarification.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes they will be more likely to choose someone with an undergrad degree in physics, but it can really depend on how much physics you actually took as an undergrad. The name of your degree isn't everything. If you got your Chemical Engineering degree but also took a ton of physics courses, or even the equivalent of a "double major" (not sure if this is possible in your program), your chances would increase greatly. I'm curious though, why are you looking to pursue a masters in physics when you are already doing other fields? Graduate schools will be asking this as well, and you will need to have an answer.
 
If you like Physics that much, why are you doing Biology and Chemical Engineering? You could be doing Physics instead. Are you certain it's not too late to transfer?
 
B.Sc or M.Sc Programs in India do not match up to the rigor, quality and hands-on experience offered by Engineering programs, and besides, I managed to secure admission to the best private engineering college in India, so I figured that might help my prospects whatever I eventually decide to pursue. At any rate, it is too late to transfer, so I have to see this through till the end. Could you help me out with how to go about this, would it really be that hard to secure admission into a good graduate physics program in the US. What about my GRE score. How much would that count? Thanks for the replies.
 

Similar threads

Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Other Master's degree advice to work in the Space Industry
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Other Masters in Physics after working in Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Scope for pursuing masters in physics after doing engineering.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Moving from nursing to physics
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Admissions Should I Pursue a PhD in Physics with an Engineering Background?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Other After an Engineering Physics BSc, can I enroll in a Physics MSc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K