Can I apply to physics or computer science graduate program if my undergraduate degree is math?

[lotring]

<p>computer sicence or physics, I'm not sure which field I want to go after undergraduate, so I'm studying pure math as my undergraduate degree and also I took some physics class and computer science class as well.</p>

<p>In this case, can I appy to graduate physics or computer science in future </p>

[gravitas2]

<p>Majoring in pure math can be the foundation for CS or physics graduate programs (it will be tough but doable especially if you have at least minored in either physics or CS)…but you will be competing with some of the best minds who have majored/researched in CS or physics at Stanford/other institutions (they do have some advantage in having majored in the field they plan to pursue) applying for the limited graduate slots…</p>

<p>…for reference more than 1500 apply to CS graduate program (extremely competitive) and more than 500 apply to the physics graduate program each year according to their latest numbers…</p>

[gravitas2]

<p><a href=“http://www.cs.stanford.edu/admissions/application-requirements”>http://www.cs.stanford.edu/admissions/application-requirements&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

Admission to the Computer Science Department is very competitive. Each year approximately 1,500 applications are received for our graduate programs. It is recommended that all parts of the application be strong as many outstanding applications are received. In order to ensure a complete and competitive application, careful preparation and attention is required. Please plan well in advance of the application deadline and submit your application early.

</p>

<p><a href=“https://physics.stanford.edu/graduate-program/graduate-admissions”>https://physics.stanford.edu/graduate-program/graduate-admissions&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
The selection of the Ph.D. students admitted to the Department of Physics is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the student’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on both the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GRE Subject test in Physics, the statement of purpose, personal qualities and characteristics, as well as past accomplishments. Every year we receive approximately 500+ applications and offer admission to approximately 60 students. Applications must be submitted by the middle of December to be considered for the following Autumn Quarter. In January and February of each year, the Physics Department Graduate Admission Committee reviews each application and the admission decisions are made before March. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 1.</p>

<p>The Department does not offer a separate program for the M.S. degree, but this degree may be awarded for a portion of the Ph.D. degree work with approval from the Department.</p>

<p>Graduate students have opportunities for research in theoretical physics, low temperature physics, molecular physics, high energy physics, spectroscopy, atomic and quantum electronics, gravitation and astrophysics, and condensed matter physics. Opportunities for research are also available with the faculty at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the areas of theoretical and experimental particle physics and accelerator design. In Applied Physics there are opportunities in the areas of theoretical and experimental condensed matter physics, materials research, quantum electronics, and novel imaging technology.

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<p>…hope this helps.</p>

[Pennylane2011]

<p>Some graduate programs will admit students with a bachelor degree in another major if that student demonstrates proficiency in the subject. If admitted, the student could be required to take additional prerequisites for the required graduate level classes.
However, as Gravitas noted, you would be at a disadvantage compared to students who have a BS in the degree in several ways. Graduate programs require research in the subject, recommendations, and for physics, the physics GRE which is a bear of a test. Physics majors aiming at top graduate programs would have participated in research and also taken more classes which would prepare them for the physics GRE.
Even for the most prepared, and proficient student, Stanford is highly competitive. Students who are accepted have truly distinguished themselves as undergraduates through research and taking many physics classes. They would have outstanding scores on the physics GRE.
It is possible to double major physics-math, CS- math and these are common combinations. Both physics and CS require many advanced math classes and are only a few classes short of the major as it is. Physics-CS is another combination. Each enhances the other.
When you apply to grad school, ask a professor in your department/area of interest to advise you about programs you would be suited for. Stanford is a dream school/reach for anyone, but there are many programs that are less competitive that are still good preparation. </p>

[BrownParent]

<p>Browse the Grad School forum for discussion on this topic. Coming from a math degree you are in a better position than most but you will still be lacking some prereq’s. I don’t think Stanford MS in CS is all that difficult to get into. If you are working at a software firm in the area they have a professional MS degree on offer.</p>