Going for a second (different) degree?

[dighn]

I'm currently 24 and graduated two years ago with a degree in computer engineering. I know the logical/efficient way to go to develop my career would be going into a comp-e related master program or something like it, but the fact is, I've always wanted to do physics. If it weren't for parental pressure and some uncertainty on my part, that's what I would have chosen.

It's actually been bothering me for quite a few years and frankly it's not getting any better. So I'm beginning to seriously consider the option of going for a physics degree part time and see where that takes me. I think I need to do this to be happy, and my family is supportive, but on the other hand this is quite a big step to take and I'm really not sure. I've never really had to take any risks before.

Is this insane or really stupid? Has anyone done anything like this?

 

[Reel]

Are we discussing an advanced degree or second bachelors degree? What additional benefits would this have for you after you get the degree? Is there some other work position you would rather be in?

Regarding if it is a common happening for people to get a second degree in a different field, it is not as uncommon as you would think. In my graduate computer engineering program, I had a friend who was a physics undergrad. The math you need for both is complementary and I do not doubt that you could succeed if the motivation is there as it seems to be.

 

[RossGr]

After completed my BS in Physics I found a job in the Physics Dept, now as a University staff member I could take classes cheap, back then ('80s) it cost me ~$10/ credit hr. I had just bought a Apple II+ computer and needed to justify the puchase. I started taking numerical analysis courses, doing all of the homework on the Apple. To take classes I had to declare a major and specify what degree I was working on. I really didn't care, it was cheap and I just wanted to take a few classes so I decalred for a BS. Well after 4yrs of taking 1 class/ quater I was was doing graduate level course work, to get a BS in Math. Had I declared for a MS the work would have been nearly the same as what I did to get a BS. I now regret not declaring for the MS. What ever you do, work towards a graduate degree. You will need to take somw undergrad courses to catch up but you should not have much trouble considering your first degree.

Good luck

 

[dighn]

Ideally I would of course like to get an advanced degree. Even if I go for a bachelor it would just be a stepping stone for an advanced degree in physics. I'm just not sure if it's feasible considering my first degree is rather different despite its relatively heavy math content and the physics courses. I'm not really familiar with the situation of going into a graduate program for a different discipline. From the sound of it, it might be possible if I take a lot of courses? I should probably look into it then.

As to the why, I would like to shift towards research and/or academia in physics, or perhaps a cross-disciplinary field - EE is heavily based on physics after all. The deeper why is that I have always had a very strong interest and aptitude for physics since childhood. I figure I'm still young, with still little responsibility so it looks like a good time to follow my calling.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Not at all. I plan on 16 before I die. So far I only have 2, but working on more. Go for it!

 

[alkemyst]

I went from Biology/Zoology to Comp Sci.

Not so bad considering the core BS classes are out of the way. It was an easy 3-4 semesters.

The second go around seemed much easier once you know how things are usually done and tested at the college level.

 

[StageLeft]

If you like school and want to do it, how is it possibly a BAD idea? You are already employed, the absolute worse case, since you presumably will enjoy it, is that you decide you don't enjoy it, withdraw, and lose a course worth of tuition, which is chump change to give this a go. Hell yeah go and do it.

 

[miketheidiot]

im finishing up a econ degree and about to start a math degree, hopefully it will only add a year or so

 

[alkemyst]

When I went back, I quit my job and did it full-time. That's the best IMHO....otherwise it stretched out and some degrees just don't cater to nightschoolers.