What should i study in graduate school?

In summary, the speaker is a junior physics major with interests in statistical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics, and theoretical and mathematical concepts. They are unsure of which specific field to pursue and are seeking advice on how to find a professor to do research with. The suggestion is made to speak with a professor in theoretical physics at their university for guidance or to participate in guided reading or research to explore their interests.
  • #1
Austin Daniel
7
0
Im a junior physics major with interests in statistical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics and all thing theoretical and mathematical. I certainly want to go into something that is very mathematical but I am just not sure what I should look into. Also how to i go about finding a professor to do research under in the field i want?
 
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  • #2
The broad field of theoretical physics sounds to me like the best direction for you to go initially.
You might later feel more attracted to something more specialised, maybe QM or cosmology or whatever fascinated you the most.. .
 
  • #3
Austin Daniel said:
Im a junior physics major with interests in statistical physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics and all thing theoretical and mathematical. I certainly want to go into something that is very mathematical but I am just not sure what I should look into. Also how to i go about finding a professor to do research under in the field i want?
How about speaking to a professor working in theoretical physics at your university and asking advice. Or maybe you can ask if you can do some guided reading or research to get a feel for what you might enjoy?
 

What should I study in graduate school?

Graduate school is an exciting opportunity to further your education and specialize in a specific field. When deciding what to study, it is important to consider your interests, career goals, and the current job market. Some common questions people have when choosing a graduate program are:

1. Should I choose a program based on my undergraduate major?

It is not necessary to choose a graduate program that aligns with your undergraduate major. Many graduate programs welcome students from diverse backgrounds and value a variety of knowledge and skills. However, it can be helpful to have a foundation in the subject you plan to study at the graduate level.

2. How do I choose between a master's or a doctoral program?

The decision between a master's or doctoral program depends on your career goals and the level of education required for your desired career path. Master's programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and are more focused on practical skills and career advancement. Doctoral programs can take 4-6 years to complete and are more research-intensive, often leading to academic or research positions.

3. Will a graduate degree increase my job prospects and salary?

Having a graduate degree can open up more job opportunities and potentially lead to higher salaries. However, it is important to research the job market and demand for your chosen field of study to determine the potential impact on your job prospects and salary.

4. Should I choose a program based on the ranking of the school?

While the ranking of a school can be a factor to consider, it should not be the only deciding factor. It is important to find a program that aligns with your interests and goals, and that offers valuable opportunities such as internships, research projects, and networking opportunities.

5. What are some resources for researching graduate programs?

There are many resources available to help you research graduate programs, including university websites, program websites, rankings and reviews, and contacting current students or alumni. It can also be helpful to attend graduate school fairs and talk to representatives from different programs to gather more information.

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