Programs The education of physics degree.. and jobs.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges and considerations of pursuing a physics degree, particularly for someone who enjoys documentaries about physics but feels intimidated by advanced mathematics. The individual expresses concern about their ability to handle higher-level math, acknowledging that physicists typically have extensive math training. There's a contemplation about whether some people are inherently better at math than others. Additionally, the discussion touches on the practicality of a physics degree in terms of job prospects, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's degree with career goals. The community encourages further exploration of existing threads that address these concerns and highlights the necessity of self-reflection on personal aspirations related to a physics degree.
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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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