how, can I combine my physics degree with computer science?
Hello, I have a degree in applied physics now I wanted to specialize my knowledge in computer science. I have had a huge interest in IT since I was in high school. now I got the opportunity to study for my masters in the USA. but in my visa interview, I think I couldn't convince them or show them my interest toward of this field and the reason why I switch my field. can you give tips, information, or application on how can tell them the relation between them and what can I build with these two fields when I return to my home country? and I'm working in a system software implementation company as a system trainer. please need your help!
6 answers
Brian’s Answer
So how do you make the leap into grad school. One option is to do some coding projects based on some of the things you learned in your physics classes. Use those projects to learn programming languages and techniques, just as importantly as the coding, make sure you can clearly present your projects and explain what issues you ran into, what choices did you have to make, and why you picked a particular solution.
Dr. Drew’s Answer
Look at it this way, mathematics is language of the universe and computer science is the expression of that language. Being able to put your ideas into evolving code can make it easier to visualize and analyze complex systems without having to work with a middleman who may not translate your ideas well. Designing hardware can help you move forward in areas that are currently restricted because the rights tools do not yet exist. Even just a good understanding of how systems interact can help you design and refine experimental models.
To put it simply, physics and computer science are a natural match.
Andrew’s Answer
Furthermore, computer science is organically integrated in physics, from theoretical to experimental domains. I received all my degrees in physics (BS, MS, PhD), and I spent two decades developing large-scale computer programs for my research at NASA. A colleague with a PhD in physics worked as a system engineer in one of the research group with which I associated because there was so much demand for computer skill in research.
John’s Answer
Drew Peake, MSME, M.Eng., MBA, PE, FNAFE, DEE, CIH, CSP
Drew’s Answer
describes computer hardware engineers (What Computer Hardware Engineers Do)
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as circuit boards.
Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.
Your applied physics training sounds like excellent background for a master's degree in computer hardware engineering. I don't know any school that offers a master's degree in this profession. You may need to find something similar, perhaps electronic circuit design or microelectronics. In May 2021 the median annual wage for computer hardware engineers was $128,170.
Drew recommends the following next steps:
Zach’s Answer
If you are looking for ways to show that such a switch is truly of interest to you I suggest building a relevant passion project, finding some open source projects to contribute to, or completing some programming and CS courses or certifications.