What fields would an MS in Physics cover?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JOULEJATT
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fields Physics
AI Thread Summary
A Mechanical engineering student interested in pursuing a master's in physics with a focus on astrophysics and astronomy seeks clarity on specialization options and postgraduate courses in these fields. In the U.S., a Physics MS is typically not a terminal degree and is often pursued as a step toward a PhD, with many programs designed to prepare students for doctoral studies. The student, originally from India, inquires about the feasibility of transitioning from a master's in India to a PhD in the U.S. Responses indicate that obtaining a U.S. PhD with an Indian MS is generally possible, though acceptance varies by program. The concept of a dual PhD, where one could research different subjects simultaneously, is not commonly recognized, with the closest equivalent being MD-PhD programs, which do not align with the student's intent.
JOULEJATT
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I am a Mechanical engineering student planning to do masters in physics next year. I am interested in astrophysics and astronomy, but classical and quantum mechanics also interests me.If I take admission into a masters degree program in physics, would I be able to specialize in these fields?What are other post graduate courses in astronomy and astrophysics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The US is somewhat different from other countries in that a Physics MS program is rarely a terminal degree. We are a MS-only department, and our programs can be considered pre-professional: the coursework is highly specific. There are some MS programs that are aimed to get students better prepared for a PhD program, sometimes called 'bridge programs', but in the US, the overwhelming majority of Physics MS degrees are earned en-route to a PhD (and this includes people who drop out of the PhD program with an MS degree).
 
I did not mention
Andy Resnick said:
The US is somewhat different from other countries in that a Physics MS program is rarely a terminal degree. We are a MS-only department, and our programs can be considered pre-professional: the coursework is highly specific. There are some MS programs that are aimed to get students better prepared for a PhD program, sometimes called 'bridge programs', but in the US, the overwhelming majority of Physics MS degrees are earned en-route to a PhD (and this includes people who drop out of the PhD program with an MS degree).
sorry man I did not mention I am from India, I was asking generally.The reason I asked this is that I want to experience more and learn more. If I get a masters here in India, would I be able to do PhD from U.S.? Also is there anything like a Dual PhD, where I can learn and research on different subjects? I know this might sound stupid, please bear with me. :frown::nb):smile::wink::bow:
 
JOULEJATT said:
I did not mention

sorry man I did not mention I am from India, I was asking generally.The reason I asked this is that I want to experience more and learn more. If I get a masters here in India, would I be able to do PhD from U.S.? Also is there anything like a Dual PhD, where I can learn and research on different subjects?

I see no reason why you would not be able to matriculate to the US with a MS degree from India. Every program is different, and I can't comment on if you will get 'credit' for those course or have to start over.

Dual PhD- I have never heard of anything like that. Perhaps the closest is a MD-PhD program, but that's not what you are referring to.
 
Andy Resnick said:
I see no reason why you would not be able to matriculate to the US with a MS degree from India. Every program is different, and I can't comment on if you will get 'credit' for those course or have to start over.

Dual PhD- I have never heard of anything like that. Perhaps the closest is a MD-PhD program, but that's not what you are referring to.
what I meant by dual PhD is that can research studies be carried out on different subjects simultaneously?
 

Thread 'Where did all the “fundamentals-deepening” master’s programs go?'

I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
View full post »

Thread 'Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory'

TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
View full post »

Similar threads

What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
Replies
12
Views
2K
Courses Double degree in APhys and Materials Science Eng. or BS/MS in MechE?
Replies
1
Views
921
Admissions Curious about my grad school prospects
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs I'm a medical physicist, how can I get into astronomy/astrophysics?
Replies
26
Views
3K
Other Masters in Physics after working in Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
Replies
4
Views
816
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
Replies
1
Views
782
Programs Advice for majoring in theoretical physics
Replies
13
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top