Changing field

[kurdo]

Hi
I have a BA in English language teaching.
can I apply for Master in Physics and then do my Phd in Physics. what are the good and bad sides? Is it normal? what are your advices. I like physics alot.

[Johnny_L.A]

Reported for forum change.

Until it’s moved, here’s what the University of Washington says about their Master’s program:

The undergraduate background of prospective students should include intermediate-level physics courses, or equivalent courses in other physical sciences or engineering fields. Applicants who are unsure of their preparation may take core courses as Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) students, with credits transferable if they later matriculate in the MS degree program.

Students completing the Professional MS program do not normally enter the UW Physics PhD program. Also, as a part time program, it does not support applications for US student visas; applicants must already be US residents.

So you’ll have to complete the core classes, if you haven’t already. These would include a year of Calculus-based Physics, a year of Chemistry, a year of Calculus, and other science-based classes to get to a BS in the field you choose.

[bump]

What that means in plain language is that you’ll have to take and pass a bunch of prerequisite coursework in physics just to qualify for admission to the program. So essentially you’ll pay for about a year’s worth of classes that don’t necessarily even count toward your degree.

This isn’t uncommon really… back when I was getting out of undergraduate with a computer science degree, I looked into getting a MS in Information Technology, and found out that I’d basically have to take a full semester of prerequisiste business courses just to qualify for admission to the business graduate program at my university.

[Joey_P]

@bump

What that means in plain language is that you’ll have to take and pass a bunch of prerequisite coursework in physics just to qualify for admission to the program. So essentially you’ll pay for about a year’s worth of classes that don’t necessarily even count toward your degree.

This isn’t uncommon really… back when I was getting out of undergraduate with a computer science degree, I looked into getting a MS in Information Technology, and found out that I’d basically have to take a full semester of prerequisiste business courses just to qualify for admission to the business graduate program at my university.

A friend of mine switched her major from one thing to something pretty different (music to Lit IIRC). It ended up making her a 5 year college student since she basically had to redo a year of school to get back on track.

I changed my major twice. CompSci to Physics to Math. Luckily they’re all so closely related (and I never really did anything for Comp Sci for the major) that it involved very little extra work and I still graduated in 4 years.

[Mijin]

I have an MSc in Neuroscience despite the nearest thing I had prior to that being high-school Biology (that I almost failed).

I wasn’t really sure what they’d make of my application, but they just gave me a list of preparation materials and an unconditional acceptance.

I think this is typical in England, and much of Europe. Masters courses are not so competitive to get on to, and as you’re a bit older, and are paying for it out your own pocket (or your employer is), it’s just assumed you know what you’re doing.
I suspect the situation in the US might be different because of the huge amounts of money involved.

[Colibri]

Since the OP is looking for advice, let’s move this to IMHO.

Colibri
General Questions Moderator

[Ethilrist]

@kurdo

Hi
I have a BA in English language teaching.
can I apply for Master in Physics and then do my Phd in Physics. what are the good and bad sides? Is it normal? what are your advices. I like physics alot.

Those are some interesting capitalization, punctuation & plurality choices for somebody with a BA in English. And then there’s “alot”.

[friedo]

It’s certainly possible. Edward Witten majored in history and went to grad school for applied mathematics before eventually switching to physics. But anybody without a good undergraduate background in physics is going to need to do a lot of catch-up to be eligible for graduate study. The best thing to do is probably look at the program requirements for various schools that you would be interested in, and finding a way to take those classes.

[mcgato]

Since I haven’t seen it mentioned yet, I will add that there are precious few jobs out there for PhD physicists. The OP might want to research job prospects, if they are thinking of getting a job after graduation.

[simster]

@Ethilrist

Those are some interesting capitalization, punctuation & plurality choices for somebody with a BA in English. And then there’s “alot”.

I’m hearing that last part in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ voices…

[jayjay]

o/ What do you do with a BA in English? o/

[BlakeTyner]

OP said the degree was in English language teaching (i.e. education with emphasis in English–I’m assuming it’s an ESOL thing.)

That’s pretty different from a straight English degree.

[kurdo]

Thanx your answered helped me alot

[kurdo]

@friedo

It’s certainly possible. Edward Witten majored in history and went to grad school for applied mathematics before eventually switching to physics. But anybody without a good undergraduate background in physics is going to need to do a lot of catch-up to be eligible for graduate study. The best thing to do is probably look at the program requirements for various schools that you would be interested in, and finding a way to take those classes.

Thanx your answer helped me alot