Too Late To Pursue A Degree In Physics?

derduud

24th December 2007 - 08:35 PM

This is kind of OT I suppose, but I'll ask anyway. I figured I could find some input here.

A little information about me… I'm a 26 year old guy from the New York who works professionally as a computer programmer. I’m in the process of finishing part-time school for music because it's something that I enjoy. I went to a fairly prestigious (at least locally) private school for middle and high school, but math and science were never really my "thing". I suppose it was a youthful disinterest in it that led me to do more poorly, particularly in math, than I could have if I really applied myself. Originally I had eyed a career in Federal law enforcement but as I got more into it, the idea of it really bored me and I was irritated with the college I ended up going to. I left college and ended up working some various jobs until I got into the one I'm in now. I've always had a strong knowledge of computers. I do have a high IQ, and I demonstrate a Terminator-like persistence when it comes to learning something I'm interested in. heh.

I've always been really intrigued by aspects of cosmology and astrophysics. The thought of how everything works and what else might be out there is just really interesting to me. I've always been the kind of guy who is fascinated by modern science and really wants to learn more about the universe around me... why things are the way they are and such.

This past semester, I did some projects for an unrelated class and chose cosmology as my topic. In doing so, it made me realize that it's a field I'd like to pursue if I could. The only thing that has me uncertain is my current situation. I have a job that I like. It's stable -- I'm set for life, really. I'm afraid that it's too late for me to go back to school for astrophysics. Is it a commitment that I could pull off with a full-time job? I'd like to take it as far as possible if I did end up going through with it. At least an M.S., or if it were possible a Ph.D. Has anyone else here had this sort of epiphany in their late 20’s and decided to go after it? Should I?

Thanks in advance for your feedback on my crisis.

paul h

24th December 2007 - 08:59 PM

Ask your self if you want the degree or will the knowledge be good enough. If the later, then check out this link from another thread.

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/index.htm

I found myself where you are a while back, The thing is that I am 50 now. and the only thing I want to do when I grow up is "Retire" But as for a young buck like you It's no where near to late. I know a medical Dr. with a PhD in physics and journalism.

oomchu

24th December 2007 - 10:58 PM

QUOTE (derduud+Dec 24 2007, 08:35 PM)

Has anyone else here had this sort of epiphany in their late 20’s and decided to go after it? Should I?

Thanks in advance for your feedback on my crisis.

Yes. I had the epiphany when I was about 25 that I wanted to be an engineer.

Here are the obstacles you probably face. At least from your post this is what I've gathered.

1) basic math and physics skills-- in other words where are these skills at, especially math skills. For a bachelor's degree at least at the university I attend you need the three basic calculus classes, ODE's, and PDE's. If your skills aren't up to par when you enter school for the physics degree you will have to take the whatever prerequisite math classes until you can enter a calc I class. The prerequisites will not count towards your degree.

2) Working full time and going to school is a mofo. I'm lucky in that for the first couple of years I was able to work part time. Full time work and even going to school for 9 credit hours is tough.

3) From the physics students I've talked to if you're going to pursue a career in physics, you need PhD.

My recommendation is to do it, but if you like your job, you will have to come to some type of compromise between it and school. My only regret is that I should've done it sooner. If anything, I recommend pursuing your interest in physics through school. In other words go, not for the degree, but for the knowledge. You'll have a lot more fun. If you like your job and you are 'set' as you say then I don't see any reason to mess with that.

CKS

25th December 2007 - 12:37 AM

I am doing a degree at the minute and to be honest, there is nothing in there that I couldn't have learnt without doing it. It would just have taken a little longer, but would have been more fun.

Depends if you want a degree in itself, or just to learn about physics. Google is your new best friend. :-D

meBigGuy

25th December 2007 - 10:35 AM

Take a class or 2 while you are working. After that, you will have a better idea.

I'd advise software engineering classes as more practical, but if you don't have that thirst for knowledge in software, then it is the wrong advice.

The important thing is to never stop learning.

Sometimes it is hard to tell whether you are in a groove or in a rut.

Empress Palpatine

27th December 2007 - 03:19 AM

26!!!!!????? You are hardly a senior citizen.

I say go for it if you have the energy to do so much. The thing is...you cannot be too allergic to math. The math is probably the demon at the gate that you have to get through, that is to be in the major leagues.

showboat

1st January 2008 - 10:43 PM

A electrical engineer will never go hungry from lack of work.

A job in the industry is more of making sure the backup battery's come on line in a non spike way so not screw up the computer mainframe.

A university as a example has many such.

So after securing a well paid job.

Contemplating theoretical physics would be alto easier with a high paid job.

Einstein might a good example, but only 26 and made his way as a patent examiner in Switzerland.

So a good income is good for mathematical relaxation.

And not many are accepted into the university elites as teacher and Ir there have to worry about the climates of the political climate.

rich-cliff-han

13th January 2008 - 04:14 PM

Never too late. I'm 72 and working on my third degree. God...I wish I were 26 again...

tikay

13th January 2008 - 07:36 PM

I agree that you are younger than you may feel... and I agree that if your job is secure, you say you are set for life, maybe studying without the pressure to get a degree would be best at first, then decide...also I am with Empress...the math may be the thing that kicks your butt, so to keep your good job and learn all you like may be your best answer. Ultimately you get to decide, the freedom to do that is all yours!

BigDumbWeirdo

13th January 2008 - 08:49 PM

I'm in a similar situation myself. I'm 29 years old, and going to college for the first time this summer. I was never interested in math in high school, only recently have I developed such an interest. I'm not going to let that stop me, though, and I don't think you should let age or youthful disinterest stop you. If you want to do it, do it. The worst that can happen is that you learn something about physics, as well as learning that physics isn't for you.

AlphaNumeric

13th January 2008 - 10:56 PM

QUOTE (showboat+Jan 1 2008, 11:43 PM)

Einstein might a good example, but only 26 and made his way as a patent examiner in Switzerland.

He had already done a degree and a PhD in physics though.

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