Which MSc to do after BSc physics if you love to code?

[yezia]

Hi everyone!
Merry christmas first and I hope you're getting great rest with close ones around :)

Well, as title may suggest it, I will graduate soon in physics and I'm not sure of the next step in my academic curriculum.
I like theoretical physics, I've touched upon most fondamental physics topics, I also did 2 research-internships in condensed matter which lead to some publications.

But what I loved above all was coding: the computational projects, the simulations during my internships, using git, always coding something on my computer (even if it's LaTeX ..) – a good indicator might be the fact that for most homeworks/preparing exams/reading literature (publications) I was procrastinating so bad but for anything related to code, I was just delighted to getting started!

I know computer science is something drastically different with all the "computer theory" that we totally skip in physics.

I don't know if it's the correct name but I believe "applied computer science/applied mathematics" would be what I'm interested in. Now a Master degree in what field has this "applied/modeling" feature ? Big data ? Machine learning ?
I thought of a MSc in Computational physics but I don't know ... research is cool (it always was my first career-perspective) but way too boring/muddled and I can still get a PhD later on if I regret "normal work" ..

What do you guys think ?

Thank you!

 

[malawi_glenn]

Theoretical condensed matter physics & fluid dynamics comes to mind

 

[yezia]

Theoretical condensed matter physics & fluid dynamics comes to mind

Thank you for your answer! But as I previously said, this is still research-oriented and, in an ideal world, would lead to a PhD. I was thinking of something more "direct" to the working world.

 

[Office_Shredder]

I think it's significantly harder to start working then switch to a phd later, compared to starting a phd now and dropping out to work

 

[Dr Transport]

Fluid dynamics is good, I can't hire enough of them

 

[hutchphd]

I think it's significantly harder to start working then switch to a phd later, compared to starting a phd now and dropping out to work

But you will learn more useful stuff by getting a real job for a while. Its a conundrum. I would opt for the job but agree with @Office_Shredder analysis. You need to look deep here.

 

[malawi_glenn]

Most of my friends who did their phd in experimental particle physics ended up in industry after graduation. Simply because their programming and problem solving skills became top notch. For instance one friend is at a medical company currently using AI to find optimal properties of certain drugs and pharmaceuticals. Another friend who is more inclined towards statistics is now working in life science. Despite that I myself am very good at programming and solving problems with a computer, I choose to pursue work as a teacher - simply because I love basic physics and interacting directly with people more.

 

[yezia]

I think it's significantly harder to start working then switch to a phd later, compared to starting a phd now and dropping out to work

You are probably right because PhD is kind of a big commitment, you know, 3-4 more years in full research mode .. Once you get out of the academic world, it might be challenging. But as I said, what I love above all is coding! Research on the other hand is cool but I just see myself procrastinating in it xD

Fluid dynamics is good, I can't hire enough of them

Wow, in which field do you work if that's not too much asking ?

But you will learn more useful stuff by getting a real job for a while. Its a conundrum. I would opt for the job but agree with @Office_Shredder analysis. You need to look deep here.

I see ... I'll try to find a more practical internship in the industry during the next months and see if it helps me decide.

Most of my friends who did their phd in experimental particle physics ended up in industry after graduation. Simply because their programming and problem solving skills became top notch. For instance one friend is at a medical company currently using AI to find optimal properties of certain drugs and pharmaceuticals. Another friend who is more inclined towards statistics is now working in life science. Despite that I myself am very good at programming and solving problems with a computer, I choose to pursue work as a teacher - simply because I love basic physics and interacting directly with people more.

Thank you for such a great enlightenment! Transitioning after PhD requires a long road for my present me .. do you think going right from a BSc physics to a MSc in specialized fields such as Machine Learning, Data Science, etc. a conceivable thing ?

 

[Dr Transport]

Aerospace

 

[Office_Shredder]

You are probably right because PhD is kind of a big commitment, you know, 3-4 more years in full research mode .. Once you get out of the academic world, it might be challenging. But as I said, what I love above all is coding! Research on the other hand is cool but I just see myself procrastinating in it xD

I actually mean more, to get into school you need letters of recommendation, you need to convince the school you're in for a 5 year commitment, and you need to make sure your physics skills are all sharp. These are all tough after working a couple years. I think you should probably just work, but don't fool yourself into thinking going back to a phd is a question of your own willpower. Getting into a program is not easy, and you will never be better positioned to get into one than you are now, unless you get a specific kind of job.

 

[yezia]

I actually mean more, to get into school you need letters of recommendation, you need to convince the school you're in for a 5 year commitment, and you need to make sure your physics skills are all sharp. These are all tough after working a couple years. I think you should probably just work, but don't fool yourself into thinking going back to a phd is a question of your own willpower. Getting into a program is not easy, and you will never be better positioned to get into one than you are now, unless you get a specific kind of job.

Wow that's deeper than I thought ^^