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Physics Phd
So im currently a Computer Science major at UCSC and was thinking of doing a Phd in Theoretical Physics, do you think its worth it? or would it be better to just learn by myself?
- claudius 13y agoHow exactly do you plan to do a PhD in theoretical physics with a background in CS? Sure, programming will come in handy and everything, but there is still physics to be actually done, especially in a PhD.
- ZeroLinux5 13y agoI've taken upper division physics classes but not enough to get a bachelors in physics
- claudius 13y agoI don’t know your physics classes, but how often have professors said something along the lines of ‘that’s an open question’ in these classes? If that wasn’t the usual response to any sensible question in class, then those are likely insufficient to get you started with a PhD. YMMV, of course.
- kghose 13y ago"worth" depends completely on you. The things to keep in mind is that there are not so many straight physics jobs out there, though with the mathematical and computer skills you will develop you will probably be well equipped to handle several industry jobs. The main question is, though, do you LOVE physics? That's the only reason for doing a PhD. If you just ABSOLUTELY have to do this thing ALL the time.
- gems 13y agoHow are you going to learn theoretical physics by yourself? Lol. Do you have any idea how much math something like string theory uses?
- deleted 13y ago[deleted]
- timothybone 13y agoIf you put a link to your email in your profile, then someone on this forum might message you personally. Disclaimer: I also attend UCSC.
- dictus 13y agoAs a physics PhD (experimental HEP) with excellent credentials who has been unemployed for a year, I suggest you consider doing work that is a) more practical and b) better-funded. FYI: I know of two other colleuages who are also unemployed for 6+ months, one who soon will be, and one who is selling sporting goods retail. I'd love to encourage you to follow your dreams, but I've found that advanced degrees in physics don't mean much to non-physics employers.
- malandrew 13y agoHave you considered getting a job in Wall Street type finance? Like quant trading or something? The prospect of finance may not seem appealing, but it pays the bills and a lot of it is pretty fascinating. The same why you studied a lot of the phenomena that make the physical world function, finance and economics can satisfy the same curiosity that physics did for you, since it often involves macro and micro laws of how the economy, firms and people function. And if you eventually feel dirty for being part of that machinery, you can always leave after 1-3 years with more skills, more employable and with a greater understanding of how the world actually functions behind the scenes. Even if you start at the bottom in the finance world, you'll still be making great money. You'll also find more of your physics and natural sciences cohorts among your new colleagues that you would expect, especially on the quant/analysis side of the industry (not on the trading side). (FWIW I studied physics for 3 years before switching majors, ended up in finance after college and switched to software engineering and product management after leaving finance).
- dictus 13y agoAs a physics PhD (experimental HEP) with excellent credentials who has been unemployed for a year, I suggest you consider doing work that is a) more practical and b) better-funded. FYI: I know of two other colleuages who are also unemployed for 6+ months, one who soon will be, and one who is selling sporting goods retail. I'd love to encourage you to follow your dreams, but I've found that advanced degrees in physics don't mean much to non-physics employers.