The education of physics degree.. and jobs.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing a physics degree, particularly focusing on the challenges of advanced mathematics and the potential job prospects associated with such a degree. Participants explore both the personal apprehensions regarding mathematical ability and the practical implications of obtaining a physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a physics degree but feels intimidated by the advanced mathematics involved, questioning whether some individuals are inherently better at math than others.
  • Another participant suggests that the key question is what the individual wants to do with their degree, indicating that personal goals should guide the decision to pursue a physics education.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of the first question regarding mathematical ability over the job prospects associated with a physics degree.
  • Links to previous discussions on the topic are shared, suggesting that this is a common area of inquiry within the community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the importance of mathematical ability versus job prospects, indicating that multiple views remain on how to approach the decision of pursuing a physics degree.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about mathematical predisposition and the lack of detailed exploration of specific job opportunities for physics graduates.

OrionVTOL
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I love watching documentaries on that which utilizes physics principles and since I lost my job, I have pondered the idea of going to get a second degree. A part of me thinks how great it would be to go into a physics type degree, but I know that means the highest level math would be required. I did pretty well in the lower level math classes, but didn't get into the more cerebral types and I must admit that I find the posibility of being in such a class quite daunting. When I watch documentaries, they often have very advanced equations written down, and to me, I don't see how I could ever wrap my mind around it. Now, I know that they [the physicists] have many years of "gradually increasing difficulty" math in their past as they attained their knowledge, . . . but I have to wonder if some people's minds are predisposed to being good at math where others would never be able to "get it".

Having said that, . . . I am open to the possibility that a physics degree would be difficult to transfer to a good paying job, so the second part of this thread has to do with. . . "what would I do WITH a physics type degree"?

I appreciate your input.
 
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This topic comes up once a week - I did a quick search and found these threads. The general consensus is a counter question to yours of "what do YOU want to do with your degree?"

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=338504

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=156268&highlight=physics+degree

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209590&highlight=physics+degree

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=376056&highlight=physics+degree

Keep searching around there's plenty of these threads. Good luck.
 
Definitely those links address the second question. However, the first question is more important.

Thanks.
 
Normally questions have a question mark (?), I only see one question mark in your thread. :-p I'll assume that you mean the "but I have to wonder if some people's minds are predisposed to being good at math where others would never be able to "get it"." part. So in that case, I found this thread.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=312073

Good luck.
 

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