Can a Mechanical Engineer Pursue a PhD in Physics in the US?

In summary, the individual graduated with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from a premier institute in India in 2009. They have a strong interest in Physics and are currently researching Soft Matter Physics at a premier research institute in India. They plan to pursue a Ph.D in Physics and have taken a year off to gain more exposure in the field. They will be taking the GRE (Physics) exam in November and are confident in their ability to score well. They have also taken courses in Theoretical/Mathematical Physics and AstroPhysics. Although their engineering background did not allow them to take many physics courses, they have taken numerous math courses and have research and design experience in engineering. They are considering applying for a Ph.D in the United States
  • #1
gyro555in
3
0
I graduated with a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (2009) from India(One of Premier Engineering Institutes in India).Since I am very interested in Physics I want to pursue Ph.D in Physics, I have taken a year off to get more exposure in Physics and currently I am researching on Soft matter Physics at One of Premier Research Institutes in India (will be working till July 2010). I am giving Subject GRE(Physics) this November(Confident of getting a good score). I am also doing a course on Theoretical/Mathematical Physics and Certificate Course on AstroPhysics during the weekends.Although during my Engineering I couldn't take Physics Courses(although Mechanical Engineering is perhaps the closest to Physics amongst all Engineering Streams I reckon),I have taken plenty of math courses. Besides this I have plenty of Research & Design Experience in the field of Engineering.
I was wondering whether I can Directly apply for a Ph.D (Physics) in United States(depends on whether i am eligible and availability of funding) or to apply for a MS in Physics(not sure whether International Students are Funded) and then go for a PhD.

This is my first post..Pls Guide me...:wink:
 
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  • #2
Have you considered the UK? You can take an MSc "conversion courses" in physics, e.g., the University of Sussex has such a course. You might find the Indian system closer to the UK system, which could mean doing one year rather than two! You might also get a Commonwealth grant, check out UK university web sites and the British Council website for details. If applying i would get an English person to look at your CV/cover letter. Your English is obviously good but may you have "Indianisms" which could lead to mis-understanding. (This advice also goes to Americans applying to UK universities and vice versa!) For instance, "I am giving Subject GRE(Physics) this November" reads as "I will be teaching Physics GRE this November" to me! But the context indicates that you mean "I will be taking the GRE Physics exam this Novemeber".
 
  • #3
@mal4mac...Thanks for the post.UK is kind of expensive though,Don't know about scholarships given to Indians(quite less I guess).More interested in US..lot of flexibility..I was also wondering if Germany is a good option..The context may mean a different sense as you have indicated earlier..People will get used to it eventually.
 

FAQ: Can a Mechanical Engineer Pursue a PhD in Physics in the US?

What is the difference between mechanical engineering and physics?

Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems, while physics is a natural science that studies the behavior and interactions of matter and energy. Mechanical engineering uses the principles of physics to design and analyze mechanical systems.

Can a mechanical engineering degree lead to a career in physics?

Yes, a mechanical engineering degree can lead to a career in physics. Many mechanical engineers go on to specialize in areas such as materials science, fluid mechanics, or thermodynamics, which are closely related to physics. Additionally, a strong understanding of mechanical systems and their behavior is essential for many areas of physics research and development.

Is a background in mechanical engineering helpful for studying physics?

Yes, a background in mechanical engineering can be very helpful for studying physics. Mechanical engineering courses cover topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, which are all fundamental to understanding physics. Additionally, the problem-solving skills and mathematical knowledge gained in a mechanical engineering curriculum are highly applicable to physics.

Are there any specific areas of physics that a mechanical engineer can specialize in?

Yes, there are several areas of physics that a mechanical engineer can specialize in. These include materials science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. Mechanical engineers can also work in interdisciplinary fields such as aerospace engineering, which combines principles of both mechanical engineering and physics.

What skills from mechanical engineering are transferable to a career in physics?

Some skills from mechanical engineering that are transferable to a career in physics include problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, and the ability to work with complex systems. Additionally, the hands-on experience gained in mechanical engineering labs and projects can be applied to experimental physics research. Communication and teamwork skills are also important in both fields.

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