Selecting Concentration for Grad School

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SUMMARY

Prospective physics students can successfully transition to graduate programs in physics-related mathematics or engineering fields. Admission to these programs is generally more accessible for physics degree holders compared to traditional physics graduate programs, especially as many engineering colleges actively welcome such candidates. However, the competitive nature of graduate admissions may require applicants to demonstrate their capability to handle qualifying exams and core coursework, potentially necessitating remedial courses. To enhance their applications, students should consider taking upper-level elective courses that overlap with their desired field of study.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school admission processes
  • Familiarity with physics and its applications in mathematics and engineering
  • Knowledge of core coursework and qualifying exams in graduate programs
  • Experience with upper-level elective courses in related fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific admission requirements for graduate programs in physics-related mathematics and engineering.
  • Explore upper-level elective courses that align with desired graduate fields.
  • Investigate the structure and content of qualifying exams in targeted graduate programs.
  • Connect with current graduate students in physics-related mathematics or engineering to gain insights on the transition process.
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in physics, undergraduate physics majors considering a shift to mathematics or engineering, and academic advisors guiding students in their graduate school applications.

kitaewolf
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I am a prospective physics student currently attending a 4-year university. As I began to work in a lab in preparation for graduate school, I have been hearing cases of people with physics degree switch their graduate major/concentration and go to physics-related mathematics or engineering field.
So my question is, how hard is it to make such a switch, and can I applied for such physics-related mathematics or engineering fields with physics degree? Finally, I understand that admission to physics graduate school is very competitive. So I was wondering how hard would it be to get into these physics-related mathematics or engineering fields compared to physics grad program?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Most engineering colleges welcome physics degree holders into their graduate programs.
 
I quote myself from a related thread:
I think it "used to be less of a concern in a "related field" during graduate admissions... but with possibly larger applicant pools in the present poor economy, it might play a role if the graduate program doesn't feel you can pass qualifying exams (if the institution has them) and core coursework (and possibly comprehensive exams) without additional remedial courses in the field."

With that in mind, try to take upper-level overlap courses as electives in the field(s) of interest.
 

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