Transition from Engineering to Physics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on transitioning from a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering to a Bachelor's degree in Physics. The participant possesses a strong foundation in electricity and magnetism, waves, and advanced mathematics, including vector calculus and complex analysis. However, they express a deficiency in general relativity and seek guidance on how many years of coursework they may be able to skip. The consensus is to contact the physics department of the desired institution for specific advice regarding credit transfer and program requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Strong understanding of electricity and magnetism
  • Advanced mathematics knowledge, including vector calculus and complex analysis
  • Familiarity with special relativity and introductory quantum physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Contact the physics department of the desired university for credit transfer policies
  • Research general relativity and its foundational concepts
  • Explore graduate school requirements in physics
  • Review the Physics Forums discussion on transitioning to physics for additional insights
USEFUL FOR

Individuals with a background in engineering seeking to transition into physics, particularly those interested in theoretical physics and graduate studies in the field.

medwatt
Messages
122
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I already have a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. I was wondering that suppose I want to obtain a bachelors degree in Physics, for a 4 year bachelors physics program how many years will be allowed to skip given that I already know to my fingertips electricity and magnetism, waves, mathematics including Vector calculus, multivariable calculus, ODE and PDE, Complex Analysis as most of these were thought in courses like Field Theory, Microwave engineering, Communication engineering, Control eng etc etc.
Of course I am deficient when it comes to General relativity, which apart from the tidbit one learns from first year is all I know. My introductory physics included Special Relativity to its fullest and a little bit of Quantum and Particle Physics.
So how can I make the transition because I feel I have more love for theoretical and abstract things rather than making things to work.
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
lisab said:
You should find a school you're interested in and contact the physics department.

Are you ultimately interested in going to grad school in physics? This thread can be a big help:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

The question is, will they allow me given that I am not very familiar with what I have already stated !
 

Similar threads

Admissions Should I Pursue a PhD in Physics with an Engineering Background?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Physics Research as Electrical Engineer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other After an Engineering Physics BSc, can I enroll in a Physics MSc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Other Electrical Engineering bachelors to Astrophysics PhD -- good idea?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Is an Engineering Degree More Difficult Than a Math or Physics Degree?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Programs Is a Physics BA a good route for exciting CS/Engineering Work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Moving from nursing to physics
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Admissions How to prove Physics competency to grad school admission committees?
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K