PhD in Physics for Computer science

Graduate School
1

Hi;

I have a bachelor degree in Computer Science and currently studying Master degree in Computer science also.

But I’m interested to do PhD in Physics. Do you think I have a chance for admission for PhD in Physics ?

Thanks!

Best regards,

2

Paging dr. @xraymancs :slight_smile:

In order to get a PhD in physics you have to have some baseline coursework/foundational knowledge in physics. So if you have little to no coursework in physics, I would think your chances of getting into a PhD program in physics is slim. However, @xraymancs would know better than me since that’s his field and he advises physics undergrads in this matter.

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Thank you.

4

Hi @diver777,

Not all physics programs will take applicants without a degree in physics but we have had successful experiences with this at my university. In fact, one of these students who had a CS degree is defending his Ph.D. Thesis next week.

If you want to pursue this path, you need to get some baseline courses under your belt before applying. I am assuming that you have had some Calculus, hopefully through multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations. Also, you should have had some general physics with Calculus (First and second year stuff), maybe 2-3 courses. If so, you would need to take a Junior level Classical Mechanics course (two semesters is best), a course in Statistical Mechanics & Thermodynamics, and then one semester at least of Senior level Quantum physics and Electrodynamics (again 2 semesters are better than 1).

A graduate program might still want you to take some makeup work which might or might not count toward a graduate degree (at my university, we do allow it to count) and they might ask you to enroll for a Masters first but itis possible.

Good Luck!

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Thanks you @xraymancs
I appreciate it.