What Are the Career Paths for Computational Math and Physics Graduates?

[hbweb500]

I am an undergraduate physics and applied math major in his junior year, and it is about time for me to start seriously researching graduate programs.

I have had some experience in the lab, enough to know that I would rather not be an experimentalist in some field like condensed matter. At the same time, while theory appeals to me, I don't feel that it the right path to take.

My main interests are applied math and physics, but I am also very interested in computation. I have heard of graduate programs in computational math and computational physics, but I have only a hazy idea of what is involved in each.

One of the things I like about physics is how "academic" it feels, as a course of study. Engineering didn't appeal to me, because it seemed too uninvolved with the math and physics behind it. On the other hand, over the summer I worked on a physics research project that was mostly computational. It involved some computational geometry and neural networks. I especially enjoyed learning some of the theory behind neural nets, and then being able to apply it to the problem at hand (image analysis). I am thinking that this sort of thing is what I want to do in graduate school.

So, I have a few questions about computational math/physics that I am hoping someone could answer:

1) Is there a difference between computational math / computational physics / computational science? I have heard all of these phrases used, sometimes interchangeably.

2) A physics PhD has the option of staying in academia and becoming a professor. I don't know of many courses in computational science, however, so are there options in academia for someone with a computational degree, or will I be expected to go into industry?

3) I am a physics major foremost, and my applied math degree is just a by-product of having taken some additional interesting classes. That said, I haven't taken any "pure" math classes, like analysis or abstract algebra (though I have taken advanced linear algebra). In applying to, say, a computational mathematics program, am I at a disadvantage? Is it likely that I will need to take the math GRE?

4) What are some good computational graduate programs?

Thanks!

 

[TonyG]

Dear undergraduate physics and applied math major,

Congratulations on starting your search for graduate programs! It's great that you have a clear idea of your interests and are considering computational math/physics as a potential path.

To answer your questions:

1) There is some overlap between computational math, computational physics, and computational science, but they are not exactly the same. Computational math focuses more on the development and application of numerical methods for solving mathematical problems, while computational physics focuses on using computational methods to study physical systems. Computational science is a broader field that can encompass both of these and also includes areas such as computational biology and computational chemistry. It's important to carefully review the program descriptions and course offerings to determine which program aligns best with your interests.

2) There are definitely options for someone with a computational degree to work in academia. Many universities have research groups or departments specifically focused on computational science, and there are also opportunities to collaborate with other departments such as physics or mathematics. Additionally, there is a growing demand for computational skills in many fields, so there may be opportunities for you to work in industry as well.

3) Having a strong background in both physics and applied math is a great foundation for a computational program. While it may be helpful to have taken some "pure" math classes, it is not necessarily a requirement for admission. It would be best to research the specific program requirements and see if they recommend or require certain math courses. As for the math GRE, it may also depend on the program, so it's best to check with the individual schools.

4) There are many excellent computational graduate programs out there, so it's important to do your research and find the ones that align with your interests and goals. Some top programs include MIT's Computational Science and Engineering program, Stanford's Computational and Mathematical Engineering program, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Computational Science and Engineering program. It may also be helpful to reach out to current graduate students or professors in the programs you are interested in to get a better sense of the curriculum and research opportunities.

Best of luck in your search for the perfect program! With your interests and background, I have no doubt that you will find a great fit. Keep exploring and don't be afraid to reach out to professors or current students for more information. Good luck!A Scientist