Self-Taught Undergraduate Physics Major

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of self-studying undergraduate physics and mathematics within a year, utilizing resources such as MIT OpenCourseWare and edX. The participant expresses a desire to take the GRE subject tests in Physics, Math, and Chemistry to demonstrate competency for admission into a physics master's program, despite lacking a formal BS in physics. Several contributors emphasize that most graduate programs require a bachelor's degree and may not consider applicants without formal education. The consensus suggests that while self-study is commendable, it may not suffice for graduate admissions without formal credentials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate physics concepts
  • Familiarity with calculus, particularly up to Calculus II
  • Knowledge of GRE subject tests, specifically in Physics, Math, and Chemistry
  • Experience with online learning platforms like MIT OpenCourseWare and edX
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the requirements for physics master's programs regarding undergraduate degrees
  • Explore MIT OpenCourseWare for physics and mathematics resources
  • Investigate GRE subject test preparation strategies and materials
  • Look into volunteer opportunities in research labs to gain practical experience
USEFUL FOR

Self-taught learners, aspiring physics graduate students, and individuals seeking alternative education paths in physics and mathematics.

Aufbau
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
All,

Do you think that it would be possible for me design my own curriculum and teach myself all of undergraduate physics and the appropriate level math in a year potentially? I know that I will have to work lots of problems to become really good at the content. I was also thinking about taking the subject GRE in Math and Physics to show how much I have learned. I will be learning from MIT open courseware and other online sources as well. I will take timed tests from other courses with similar content. I haven't had any calculus beyond calculus II formally.

Too much or should I stay and get a formal education? Also I am not a genius but I work really hard in my opinion and am willing to learn as much as I need.

I want to be able to get into a physics masters program after taking several graduate level courses to show that I know my stuff along with the GRE subject tests in Math and Physics and Chemistry. Is this impossible. Again this is just for the undergraduate level.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you work four times faster than an MIT student with no professorial guidance?
 
Well, you are saying you work hard and have determination and passion, so I suppose you can try. For example, Scott h young completed MIT's four year computer science classes in an year. Also, after doing a bit of searching, I see that on MIT open courseware there are many resources including textbooks, video lectures, lecture notes for math and physics. Also, try edX for actual MIT courses from MIT professors online (edx.org). For classes you can't find resources for, find the class code (i.e. 18.xx) for the math classes from here http://math.mit.edu/academics/classes.php and find the textbook for it from here http://math.mit.edu/academics/classes.php?term=2014SP&sort=sorttexts
For physics, http://web.mit.edu/Physics/subjects/index.html
Just don't be disappointed if it takes more then one year. Good luck!
 
I think I can try. So far I have been teaching myself physics and I'm enrolled in a class. It seems like all we are doing is working problems right out of the book. The professors are great don't get me wrong but, I just don't get paying all that money for what I'm getting other than the credential. I'm with Wannabe, I don't know but I can certainly try.
 
You aren't saying that I can't and I know it will be difficult. I think its worth a shot. I don't know if I can work without a professor's guidance but with enough work, patience and dedication I think I can do it.
 
Vanadium, do you think they will hold it against me that I didn't receive a formal education for a BS in physics for say a masters program? I am planning on getting research experience and will take 4 or so subject GRE's to show my competence and any other exams they would like for me to take. In addition, I will take several graduate courses to show my competency.

If it becomes slightly more than a year I think it will be Ok.
 
Yes, they are going to hold not having a bachelors against you. A bachelors degree is the minimum requirement to apply to a masters program. The vast majority of schools won't even consider your application. In fact, I'd be surprised if any did. And how to you plan to get research experience? Most programs require you be an enrolled student.
 
Aufbau said:
Vanadium, do you think they will hold it against me that I didn't receive a formal education for a BS in physics for say a masters program? I am planning on getting research experience and will take 4 or so subject GRE's to show my competence and any other exams they would like for me to take. In addition, I will take several graduate courses to show my competency.

If it becomes slightly more than a year I think it will be Ok.
Why do you think they shouldn't hold it against you? I and most people that went trough the trouble of going trough four years of exams,lab reports, sleepless nights of doing homework and sometimes dealing with extremely annoying and stressful BS would definitively hope that any admission committee holds it against you.

Why take 4 subject GRE when you only need the Physics GRE?
 
Oops. Well I am thinking of taking the Math GRE as well as the Chemistry and Biochemistry subject tests. Maybe this is a bit overboard... I am hoping that I won't have it counted against me and am hoping that the graduate level courses I take before applying to a masters program will outweigh me not having the formal course work and going through the undergraduate system. I know I probably should go through the system but I don't have the money. BTW I would be a second degree student and have had some of the content formally.

Now what do you think?
 
  • #10
The point is to perform high on subject tests and in research and graduate course work in order to outweigh my deficiencies in undergraduate coursework.
 
  • #11
Again people, I already have a bachelors in an entirely different field. I'm pulling a Witten. I want to volunteer in a lab and work my way up.
 
  • #12
Aufbau said:
Vanadium, do you think they will hold it against me that I didn't receive a formal education for a BS in physics for say a masters program?

Of course they will.

Aufbau said:
I'm pulling a Witten.

It's a lot easier to claim to be as smart as Ed Witten than to actually be as smart as Ed Witten.
 
  • #13
I know that. I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying that I am doing something like what he did. I am no where near as smart as him--I think. However, I am willing to put in the work and make myself stand out to make up for my deficiencies. I think this way can work if I put in the time and dedication. I believe that anyone can do anything that they set their mind to. Its just hard work and mentality more so than intelligence (even though this helps a lot) that makes anyone anything. I am sure you know this.
 
  • #14
I also know that I don't learn quickly and that I don't learn in the manner that the system prescribes. But once I get the material it sticks. Teachers/professors don't seem to appreciate this quality. They want the fast person. I am hoping that the admissions committee will understand this.
 
  • #15
I think this has been asked and answered.
 

Similar threads

Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Safety School Programs for a Physics PhD
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Admissions I plan to apply for PhD program on 2025 Fall. What do you think?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Studying How Can I Improve My Vector Calculus Skills for Classical Mechanics?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Admissions GRE for USA PhDs? (and a couple more questions)
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
Other Math Help for Physics Undergrad: Advice Needed
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Programs Help me decide: physics or chemistry?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
9K
Testing Physics GRE or Math GRE for theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Programs How to pursue a physics grad program with a math degree?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K