Seeking Advice on Physics Grad-Schools with EE Degree

  • Thread starter Thread starter uglybachelor
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Degree Ee Physics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a recent electrical engineering graduate with a focus on signal processing and communication networks who aspires to transition into a research career in physics, specifically in cosmology or astronomy. The individual faces challenges in applying to physics PhD programs due to a lack of a formal physics degree, as most programs require applicants to have a physics background. However, there is a belief that some programs, like those at Arizona State University, may accept candidates with strong skills in signal and image processing, even if their undergraduate degree is not in physics. The graduate seeks guidance on finding relevant programs and resources, expressing confidence in their ability to perform well on the GRE subject test after self-studying physics. They also mention their background from China and invite clarification on any points if needed.
uglybachelor
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
Hi, everyone~
I majored in EE in college, to be more precise, signal processing and communication network. And I just graduated a week ago.

But I've always wanted to be a researcher in physics, especially in cosmology or astronomy. Since almost every physics grad-school in US require their applicants to have a physics bachelor's degree, or at least to have taken several physics courses. Generally speaking, my degree is in IT, so I think it's safe to say that I have no shot applying to a physics PHD program with this degree.

However, I'm given to understand recently that some physics programs doesn't require their applicants to have a very strong physics background, because they are focused on signal processing or image processing etc. For instance, a very nice person(I don't know it's a he or she...) in this forum told me that the Arizona State University has some such programs in astronomy and astrophysics. My issue is that I have no channel of getting such information. So, I would be very grateful if someone can direct me to a website or give me some advice.

P.S. I understand that I have to take the GRE sub anyway, which I'm confident of scoring high because I've been teaching myself physics all along college.
P.P.S. I'm from China. So, if I didn't make myself clear enough at some places. Feel free to point it out~

Thank you~
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Anyone?
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Back
Top