EE to Physics Grad: How to Achieve University Teaching Aptitude

[zavala]

I am currently an Electrical Engineer. I have a ba in ee/business . i realized i made the wrong choice-- i want to teach physics at the university level.

i live near albany and there are 2 colleges here that have masters/phd programs...

the websites are difficult to follow in terms of reqs so I am going to ask here although obviously some reqs would depend on the university. i hope to get a general answer.

what do i have to do?? lol

do i have to get an undergrad in physics? do i have to take undergrad courses and then apply for masters?

do i apply for masters and phd? then, is it just a plain "physics" degree or do i have to specialize in one area of physics??

how can i do this and live? it seems like all the posts i see are people who are still under care of parents or whatnot. is this possible to do when i have to work to survive?

 

[R.Mesri]

In order to teach physics at the university level, you will need to have a Master's or Doctorate degree in Physics. Depending on the school, you may also need to specialize in a specific area of physics. If you already have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Business, you can look into graduate programs that accept students from other engineering disciplines. This way, you can take some undergraduate courses in physics as well as some related graduate courses, and then apply to a physics program for your advanced degree. It is possible to do this while working full-time. Many universities offer online courses or night classes, so you can work during the day and take classes at night or on the weekends. Alternatively, you could look for part-time work that allows you to have more flexible hours in order to accommodate your studies. Good luck!

 

[Mene]

As a scientist with experience in both electrical engineering and physics, I can offer some guidance on how to achieve a university teaching aptitude in physics.

First, it is important to note that the requirements for teaching at the university level may vary depending on the institution. However, there are some general steps that you can take to prepare for a teaching career in physics.

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in physics or a related field: While it is possible to teach physics with a background in electrical engineering, having a degree in physics will provide you with a strong foundation in the subject matter and make you more competitive in the job market.

2. Gain teaching experience: Many universities prefer candidates who have some teaching experience, whether it be through a teaching assistantship or tutoring. Consider volunteering or working as a teaching assistant during your undergraduate studies to gain experience and improve your teaching skills.

3. Pursue a graduate degree in physics: Most universities require at least a master's degree for teaching positions in physics. You can either apply directly to a master's program or pursue a combined master's and PhD program. It is important to research the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in to ensure you meet their criteria.

4. Choose a specialization: While a general physics degree may be sufficient for some teaching positions, having a specialization in a specific area of physics can make you more competitive and open up more opportunities for teaching and research.

5. Network and gain experience in academia: It is important to attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to physics to network with professionals in the field. You can also consider working as a research assistant or taking on other academic opportunities to gain experience and make connections in the academic community.

As for balancing work and studies, it can be challenging but it is certainly possible. Many graduate programs offer part-time or online options that can allow you to work while pursuing your degree. It is also important to prioritize and manage your time effectively to balance your responsibilities.

In conclusion, achieving a university teaching aptitude in physics will require dedication, hard work, and a strong academic background. By following these steps and researching the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal. Best of luck in your academic and career pursuits!