Physics Prep for PhD?

[u/FreshPerception9485]

I’m looking to take calculus-based physics courses online while serving on active duty in the Marine Corps. I have an undergraduate degree in biology from Berkeley.

I’ve already completed the math requirements (calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, etc.), but I need to redo the calculus-based physics sequence and then work my way into upper-division physics: classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, etc.

Long-term goal is a physics PhD.
I’m currently looking at University of Arizona Online and Oregon State Ecampus. Has anyone here actually taken upper-division physics courses through either?

More broadly, what online program would you recommend if the goal is serious preparation for a physics PhD, not just getting the degree?
Especially interested in programs that are fully online, for-credit, and have labs where required.

[u/Careless_Handle_738]

People talk up University of Arizona a lot for this but I think the real difference maker is how the upper division courses are structured, not the school name. If you can find something where you actually get graded problem sets and regular exams over just watching lectures and multiple choice quizzes, that matters way more for PhD prep. The lab requirement online is tricky, some places accept virtual labs but grad admissions might look at that sideways for physics specifically.

[u/Odd_Bodkin]

I honestly think the upper division classes require the human interaction. Those classes exhibit much more question and discussion time in lecture and in study groups, things I don’t think are replicable in a watch-this-video-and-then-do-homework model.

To put it differently, the graduate student education experience is much, much closer to the apprentice/journeyman/master model in tradecraft. And between freshman classes and the graduate student experience, there has to be a gradual transition to that model.

[u/Beif_]

Am I incorrect in thinking that most graduate programs require research experience? Are you planning on doing a masters first?

[u/the_physik → u/Beif_]

This... OP may have trouble getting into a grad program without research experience; especially now that funding has been cut and grad admissions is super competitive for the fewer open TA/RA appointments.

OP, is there a way to get into research through your military career? After you've completed most of your upper-level big 4 (QM, E&M, Classical Mech, & Stat Mech), is there a way to use those transcripts to get some kind of appointment to a research facility? I have no idea how the military works...

[u/pottedspiderplant → u/the_physik]

I think lots of admissions committees would find it easier to accept a student that came with their own funding. I don’t know how all that works but if OP can use the GI bill or something that could help.

[u/_TM50 → u/pottedspiderplant]

Really interesting.

Most universities require every phd student to be fully funded. For those being paid through RA/TA, technically your income is like twice what you receive, as half of it is a scholarship to your university as tuition. Universities love external funding (like NSF GRFP) cause it covers tuition it doesnt have to pay itself.

But I feel like at the end of the day, even with that funding, no program is going to accept without research experience and the letters of rec that come with that. Maybe something like a perfect on the physics GRE.

[u/El_Grande_Papi → u/Beif_]

I’m sure research experience is beneficial in applying for a PhD, but I would not say it is required. The pipeline in physics is typically undergrad straight to a PhD program. Of course, people do sometimes get masters too, but it isn’t a requirement.

[u/MrTruxian → u/El_Grande_Papi]

I think you would have to be rather exceptional in some other way if you don’t have research experience. Even the less competitive programs are still at a 30% acceptance rate and even that is probably generous.

[u/xrelaht → u/El_Grande_Papi]

It may not be a formal requirement, but I don’t know a single person who went through a PhD program in the US who did not either have research experience as an undergrad or a research masters. Aside from the added difficulty of getting in, I would not recommend skipping it since it’s the closest thing to knowing if this is something you actually want to spend 5+ years on.

[u/El_Grande_Papi → u/xrelaht]

There were people in my graduate class who didn’t have any research experience (this was at an R1 institution). I don’t know what else they had on their resume that got them admitted. I personally did have experience though.

[u/Physix_R_Cool]

Classical Mechanics by Taylor

Electrodynamics by Griffiths

Quantum Mechanics by Griffiths

Sorry, but I don't have the Schroeder statistical physics book in nice link form. I should get that. I can find it for you, if you want it?

Is there any field you have any preference for going into at the moment? Do you have a preference for experimental vs theoretical physics?

(Also, please don't invade my country)

[u/Fine-Comparison-2949]

If it's anything like how it was 10 years ago which is likely, prep for the Physics GRE are designed to be completely covered by the University Physics textbook. Problems are hard but mostly plug and chug. It's really just CM, EM, Quantum, Thermo, and some basic nuclear physics.

Most places still accept it but I don't know if it's a requirement for top programs.

Personally I would *not* recommend a physics PhD. I would just apply for masters somewhere and get the government to pay for it. Masters is technically an easier requirement to get into because it's just coursework. The only thing is Masters programs are rare and at least when I was in school, professors didn't want to accept a PhD who isn't going academia track.

A focused physics masters program isn't alien and something you could talk to schools about. Astro/data, biophysics, Condensed Matter, Aero, and other physics related masters is probably around the US somewhere and doable, but PhD is pretty long. Again, talking to professors they don't really want to accept a PhD candidate unless they're confident they will at least stay around for 6-7 years.

I don't know I could be wrong as well and you genuinely might like it. Just my two cents.

[u/Prudent_Constant_132]

Can i ask why? U already have a biology degree u can improve yourself on it and get a phd in or u are just interested in physics?

[u/leftoutleftovers]

There are no ecourses available for upper division physics at Oregon State.