Programs What is the best path to get into statistical physics?

[CarmineS]

Hello,

I was just curious about what academic education is the best to get into statistical physics, and more specifically the statistical physics of optics and lasers. I have considered a few possibilities.

• Getting a PhD in statistics but take physics electives and most physics courses that are available.
• Getting a double major in Physics and Statistics
• I don't know if this is possible, but take a specialized degree program, such as Statistical Physics.

Does statistical physics involve more physics or statistics? The answer to that question could help me guide myself.

Thanks,
- CarmineS

 

[vancouver_water]

Definitely more physics than stats. The stats you learn in stats courses are more along the lines of drawing conclusions from data, inferencing, extrapolating.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Carmine, you're getting way ahead of yourself. Relax. You will be roughly twice your age before you need to specialize. By then, you will learn what statistical physics is, and you'll be better positioned to see if that's the right path or not.

 

[ZapperZ]

Hello,

I was just curious about what academic education is the best to get into statistical physics, and more specifically the statistical physics of optics and lasers. I have considered a few possibilities.

• Getting a PhD in statistics but take physics electives and most physics courses that are available.
• Getting a double major in Physics and Statistics
• I don't know if this is possible, but take a specialized degree program, such as Statistical Physics.

Does statistical physics involve more physics or statistics? The answer to that question could help me guide myself.

Thanks,
- CarmineS

1. Get an undergraduate degree in Physics, but tell your Advisor that you intend to go into Statistical Physics when you do your graduate work. He/she may recommend that you take extra math/statistics classes.

2. Once you get your undergraduate degree, apply to schools that offer statistical physics as an area of specialization. Note that the name "statistical physics" may not be explicitly used as an area of specialization. It may be called something else, such as mathematical physics, etc. You need to know the topics of research that are based on statistical physics.

Zz.

 

[Apple_Mango]

You're thinking about getting a PHD at a young age? That must required extensive planning.

Im just going for bachelors.