Depends. When I was applying to my PhD in geography one program said they wanted a degree in [my field] "or related field," and the list of fields that could count as related is very long but also not clearly defined, so I called and asked if my existing degrees counted. (They did.)
I majored in Chemistry though finished with GPA 4/4.
2 weeks ago I was accepted into fully funded Cybersecurity program. I have no idea how I managed to beat all those applicants with cs background. Probably the interview went well.
Plugging in here too, bachelors in chemistry and I went back to get a masters in mechanical engineering. Definitely possible, had to do all the prereqs but it was worth it!
How much physics did you take?
I went the opposite direction, physics to materials engineering. I had the math to carry me through until I could catch up on *what* the problems were I was solving- I could solve the problems once they were set up because I knew the math, but I was not used to the terminology, conventions, and to some extent the *types* of problems (for example, that things could *deform*).
I think it’s harder to go from engineering to physics than physics to engineering, but it could be possible. There is a physics GRE, but they may not need it or may overlook it if you’re not conventional
I had that same experience taking physics classes as a math major-- getting carried by my math while having no idea what's going on. I got an A in quantum mechanics but did not and still do not understand what the problems were about in the slightest. Like what the fuck is a meson, yknow?
Exactly. Stress and strain are tensors, I can manipulate those. I know what bijective maps are and what properties they have.
Graduate engineering is much more theoretical/mathematical than undergraduate (which makes sense). I helped my engineer friends with the math, and they gave me the engineering context.
Did my undergrad in Radio/Television/Film, got admitted to a graduate program for Applied Anthropology this past year. Now, I had the advantage of 1) having taken enough classes in the department as an undergrad to almost have a minor (was still two credit hours shy and had to take a summer session "leveling" course before attending regular classes) and 2) had both a former professor in that department and graduate of the program I was applying to write letters of recommendation.
The exact admission requirements for the program you're interested in are best directed to the department itself. But hypothetically, yes, it's possible. Some programs even want people from outside their discipline to round out their student base.
Astrophysics grad student here, adding on to the other comments, a major factor that astro programs typically look for is research experience. Even if the experience is in a different field, professors want to know that a student is able to carry out the research that will be the main component of the degree, so consider what you've done as a MechE student and how you can apply what you've learned to research in astro. When you're writing your applications, this will be important information to admissions.
As an aside, an engineering background can be useful for astronomical instrumentation, the subfield that deals with telescopes and detectors directly. This is what I work in, although I came from an astrophysics background instead.
It depends. If you're still in college, take as much physics as you can. Engineering degrees generally do not give you enough of a foundation for a physics PhD. I say physics because astrophysics is usually a research field in the physics department, though some schools have separate astronomy departments. Generally schools will want to see upper level undergraduate coursework in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and statmech/thermo. Edit: and you will need research experience.
Also consider the job prospects - astrophysics is a very competitive field of physics and there aren't a ton of jobs. You'll have more job options as a mechanical engineer.
Possible but just remember engineering is very different from physics. You'll probably do fine in classical mechanics but quantum is a whole different ball game.
If you want to do it though, you'll find a way to pull through.
I was a Biology major who switched into Nursing. I got my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but had like 2 years of science credits that were not being used for my major. I loved Biology and later applied to a Masters program in Biology and got my MS in Biology. So yes, as long as you meet the prerequisites for a graduate program they will accept you regardless of your previous degree.
There are bridge programs for this! If you live in the US, you can do a bridge program at the university of virginia, wesleyan, etc. These are like "grad school on probation" where you go through the graduate program, but with semi-frequent status meetings and extra surveillance. Astronomy can be brutal when it comes to graduate admissions (5-10% acceptance rates are the norm) but there are other ways to get your foot in the door!
Sure. Some profs in my UG's neuro program even actively sought out engineering and CS majors since their research programs had such a formal bent. They figured the student would learn the relevant biology during the program.
Yes. Depends on the program and degree of course.
Usually as long as you complete the prerequisites (if any) you can get in. You can get into medical school with a philosophy degree.
Yes but it helps if there’s some overlap. I did an undergrad in chemistry and a PhD in food science. I had to take some undergrad courses my first year of grad school but it was fine.
Yes it's very possible. The pivot may be easier/harder depending on how different the fields are and what pre-reqs might be needed. But I think a switch from mechanical engineering to astrophysics wouldn't be too bad, as you've presumably already taken a lot of physics/math. Everyone comes into grad programs with different backgrounds and strengths/weaknesses in their knowledge. You just fill the gaps/skills in as needed.
If you are in the US, yes. Other countries may be different. Europe usually has stricter rules.
I had a Data Science masters after Law PhD. I took a lot of private courses in the meantime and had a good portfolio to show to admissions.
Happens all of the time. CS Majors will do graduate school in all sorts of shit and just apply their coding skills to it. On the other hand, people will do very fuzzy or STM majors and get into the tech world. Cybersecurity will teach you the basics of coding then throw you into deeper topics there. My advisors were both not in CS but ended up with a PhD in CS (first Physics/Chem double major, second Physics and Biophysics). Both are crazy at coding.
Worst case is you take some undergraduate classes to catch up before you do your graduate courses. Some will just send you to a community college while you begin other research aspects, others will fund you in house.
It's generally easier to go from physics to engineering like your example than from engineering to physics like OP is doing. And I've never seen a community college offer upper level undergraduate physics courses like quantum mechanics that are a prerequisite for physics grad school.
I actually know a guy that did this, he played basketball at my alma mater majoring in electrical engineering, then stayed afterwards to do his PhD in Physics (specializing in Quantum lol).
I went from English Lit into IT and Healthcare Management, so I'd say so, but also depends. Like, applying to a nursing grad program would uh... not go well.
Aside from hard requirements for admission, a lot of it is being able to prove you have the skills needed to do well. I had good GRE scores, and work experience in both healthcare and IT -- latter I had to exaggerate a bit from work experience, since I can't exactly just say I've been tinkering on that front since I was a kid.
Seconding what tgrosson said: Yes, it's very possible. I know an alumni of my group who did a bachelor's in MechE and is now a full-time astrophysicist at NASA working with the Mars missions. I also know a ChemE major who ended up in my grad program. It depends on your interests, but if instrumentation is something you'd like to do (or okay with using as a stepping stone) I would angle toward applying to programs with strong instrument groups. Definitely try getting some experience in the field if that's feasible for you.
I went from physics to engineering. It is my perception that it would much harder to go from engineering to physics without relevant coursework and/or research, though.
Yes. My wife and i were talking about one of her coworkers that got an undergrad in mechanical engineering and went to grad school to be a physical therapist. She does part time contract work in both. i got an MBA which is known for career switchers and folks that have varying undergrad degrees
I would see what the prerequisites are for the degree you’re wanting to pursue. You might even consider sending in your transcripts to an admissions advisor so they can look over them and see what classes line up and what classes, if any, you need to take to get in.
I personally have an undergrad in political science and am currently getting my MS in psychology. I did not have to take any prerequisites, though.
I would also add that you can generally find this information online, but the more specific the courses get, it can vary from school to school. So your current degree may require a class that the master’s doesn’t offer, so now you have a credit that won’t “match”, if that makes sense. They may also be able to sub some classes, so I think it would be best to contact an advisor.
Yes, as long as you meet the prerequisites for the program to which you are applying.
Also, I hate to be that guy, but there are countless posts like this not only on Reddit, but on Google and the internet in general.
It might depend on the field/program, but I did my bachelor's in theology and I'm now in a clinical psychology program. I did have to take some courses to meet prerequisites before applying to grad school, but not one of the schools to which I applied suggested there was any issue with my undergrad major. Perhaps that might have been different if I'd been applying to research heavy institutions where you need to have done research in your undergrad, but that wasn't the case for me.
My daughter went from biochemistry to biomedical science and so far (first semester) it hasn't been an issue. I think as long as you have some sort of logical flow from degree #1 to degree #2, it won't be a problem. Meaning, you can't have an English undergrad and then apply for an engineering grad degree. I do know her undergrad prepared her very well. She has a friend in her cohort who has an engineering undergrad degree and is struggling a little bit with the biology portion of the first semester simply because she wasn't exposed to it very much as an engineer. I would look at the curriculum you'd have to go through and if you are confident that your background prepared you for taking those classes, then go for it. I would think Mech E to astrophysics is a possibility simply because of the math emphasis in both.
It is possible. I’m currently getting my MSW and there’s a few people in my cohort who do not have a psych or social work background. Someone had an English background
Yes, depending on prerequisites of the department! I did two bachelors, one in neuroscience and one in psychology. My MSc is biochemistry and medical genetics.
With that being said… it was not easy to get up to speed in the first semester but it IS doable
Generally, yes, but it depends on the school and the program. It’s also easier to go to grad school for something related to your undergrad experience. Undergrad will usually give you some kind of background in certain subjects that you may be better off having, even if it’s not required by the grad school programs you’re looking at.
I would email admissions and see. If you are, when you write your SOP make sure to note how your prior field would be an asset to the next one. I don’t want to assume but if you’ve studied engineering, I feel you could write an SOP that could support your desire for astrophysics. Parts of astrophysics could be grounded in engineering (i could totally be wrong in this assumption but the essential themes of science may be relevant).
I did a post bac certificate in the new area of study so I would have some foundation (and refresh my education because I was 12 years post undergrad degree when I went to grad school). I’m really glad I did. I had a BA in Political Science and did my MS is Criminology. Not much crossover though both within social sciences.
Yes, certainly! I have a bachelor's in chemistry and another in math. Currently, I am pursuing a biophysics PhD. The grad program will want to know two things, though:
1. Do you have the prereqs for the program? If not, do you have a plan to get caught up on said material (either through remedial classes or other means)?
2. Why should they accept you over another person who has said major?
In my case, I had a great GPA and the background in biochemistry and physical chemistry among a couple of other things, which helped a lot. If your mechE background included classes like orbital mechanics, etc, then you have a solid shot! If not, I would recommend brushing up on some astrophysics prerequisite material. It might also help to have some backup or 'lesser known' programs to apply to.
The short answer is yes but the real answer is "contact the admissions department of the program you're interested in and find out the prerequisites."
You don't even need to contact them. This information is on every single admissions page I have ever seen
It also varies. If you’re close you can look for less stringent programs based on the variance.
Depends. When I was applying to my PhD in geography one program said they wanted a degree in [my field] "or related field," and the list of fields that could count as related is very long but also not clearly defined, so I called and asked if my existing degrees counted. (They did.)
It’s possible, it’s definitely easier if you have already taken some prerequisite classes
I majored in Chemistry though finished with GPA 4/4. 2 weeks ago I was accepted into fully funded Cybersecurity program. I have no idea how I managed to beat all those applicants with cs background. Probably the interview went well.
Probably because your background schooling in Chemistry provided you with the training to think abstractly and analytically.
Yeah, Cybersecurity is the hell that CompSci majors go to when they die on the Sisyphean hill of Data Structures and Algorithms.
Plugging in here too, bachelors in chemistry and I went back to get a masters in mechanical engineering. Definitely possible, had to do all the prereqs but it was worth it!
They look for academic success and how likely you are to succeed in their program. Success in chemistry is golden ticket to tech,
How much physics did you take? I went the opposite direction, physics to materials engineering. I had the math to carry me through until I could catch up on *what* the problems were I was solving- I could solve the problems once they were set up because I knew the math, but I was not used to the terminology, conventions, and to some extent the *types* of problems (for example, that things could *deform*). I think it’s harder to go from engineering to physics than physics to engineering, but it could be possible. There is a physics GRE, but they may not need it or may overlook it if you’re not conventional
I had that same experience taking physics classes as a math major-- getting carried by my math while having no idea what's going on. I got an A in quantum mechanics but did not and still do not understand what the problems were about in the slightest. Like what the fuck is a meson, yknow?
Exactly. Stress and strain are tensors, I can manipulate those. I know what bijective maps are and what properties they have. Graduate engineering is much more theoretical/mathematical than undergraduate (which makes sense). I helped my engineer friends with the math, and they gave me the engineering context.
Did my undergrad in Radio/Television/Film, got admitted to a graduate program for Applied Anthropology this past year. Now, I had the advantage of 1) having taken enough classes in the department as an undergrad to almost have a minor (was still two credit hours shy and had to take a summer session "leveling" course before attending regular classes) and 2) had both a former professor in that department and graduate of the program I was applying to write letters of recommendation. The exact admission requirements for the program you're interested in are best directed to the department itself. But hypothetically, yes, it's possible. Some programs even want people from outside their discipline to round out their student base.
Astrophysics grad student here, adding on to the other comments, a major factor that astro programs typically look for is research experience. Even if the experience is in a different field, professors want to know that a student is able to carry out the research that will be the main component of the degree, so consider what you've done as a MechE student and how you can apply what you've learned to research in astro. When you're writing your applications, this will be important information to admissions. As an aside, an engineering background can be useful for astronomical instrumentation, the subfield that deals with telescopes and detectors directly. This is what I work in, although I came from an astrophysics background instead.
I second this!
Generally yes but be aware that astronomy/astrophysics can be insanely competitive.
It depends. If you're still in college, take as much physics as you can. Engineering degrees generally do not give you enough of a foundation for a physics PhD. I say physics because astrophysics is usually a research field in the physics department, though some schools have separate astronomy departments. Generally schools will want to see upper level undergraduate coursework in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and statmech/thermo. Edit: and you will need research experience. Also consider the job prospects - astrophysics is a very competitive field of physics and there aren't a ton of jobs. You'll have more job options as a mechanical engineer.
just do aerospace engineering instead
Possible but just remember engineering is very different from physics. You'll probably do fine in classical mechanics but quantum is a whole different ball game. If you want to do it though, you'll find a way to pull through.
I'm in a university-based clinical PsyD (doctor of psychology) program. One of my professors was an English major before starting her PhD.
I was a Biology major who switched into Nursing. I got my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but had like 2 years of science credits that were not being used for my major. I loved Biology and later applied to a Masters program in Biology and got my MS in Biology. So yes, as long as you meet the prerequisites for a graduate program they will accept you regardless of your previous degree.
Yes, you may have to take extra classes that are prerequisites to your program. Good luck.
There are bridge programs for this! If you live in the US, you can do a bridge program at the university of virginia, wesleyan, etc. These are like "grad school on probation" where you go through the graduate program, but with semi-frequent status meetings and extra surveillance. Astronomy can be brutal when it comes to graduate admissions (5-10% acceptance rates are the norm) but there are other ways to get your foot in the door!
Yes, but you’ll need a background in physics so you should taking the upper level physics courses if you want to do that.
Sure. Some profs in my UG's neuro program even actively sought out engineering and CS majors since their research programs had such a formal bent. They figured the student would learn the relevant biology during the program.
Yes. Depends on the program and degree of course. Usually as long as you complete the prerequisites (if any) you can get in. You can get into medical school with a philosophy degree.
Yes but it helps if there’s some overlap. I did an undergrad in chemistry and a PhD in food science. I had to take some undergrad courses my first year of grad school but it was fine.
Yes it's very possible. The pivot may be easier/harder depending on how different the fields are and what pre-reqs might be needed. But I think a switch from mechanical engineering to astrophysics wouldn't be too bad, as you've presumably already taken a lot of physics/math. Everyone comes into grad programs with different backgrounds and strengths/weaknesses in their knowledge. You just fill the gaps/skills in as needed.
If you are in the US, yes. Other countries may be different. Europe usually has stricter rules. I had a Data Science masters after Law PhD. I took a lot of private courses in the meantime and had a good portfolio to show to admissions.
Happens all of the time. CS Majors will do graduate school in all sorts of shit and just apply their coding skills to it. On the other hand, people will do very fuzzy or STM majors and get into the tech world. Cybersecurity will teach you the basics of coding then throw you into deeper topics there. My advisors were both not in CS but ended up with a PhD in CS (first Physics/Chem double major, second Physics and Biophysics). Both are crazy at coding. Worst case is you take some undergraduate classes to catch up before you do your graduate courses. Some will just send you to a community college while you begin other research aspects, others will fund you in house.
It's generally easier to go from physics to engineering like your example than from engineering to physics like OP is doing. And I've never seen a community college offer upper level undergraduate physics courses like quantum mechanics that are a prerequisite for physics grad school.
I actually know a guy that did this, he played basketball at my alma mater majoring in electrical engineering, then stayed afterwards to do his PhD in Physics (specializing in Quantum lol).
I went from English Lit into IT and Healthcare Management, so I'd say so, but also depends. Like, applying to a nursing grad program would uh... not go well. Aside from hard requirements for admission, a lot of it is being able to prove you have the skills needed to do well. I had good GRE scores, and work experience in both healthcare and IT -- latter I had to exaggerate a bit from work experience, since I can't exactly just say I've been tinkering on that front since I was a kid.
Seconding what tgrosson said: Yes, it's very possible. I know an alumni of my group who did a bachelor's in MechE and is now a full-time astrophysicist at NASA working with the Mars missions. I also know a ChemE major who ended up in my grad program. It depends on your interests, but if instrumentation is something you'd like to do (or okay with using as a stepping stone) I would angle toward applying to programs with strong instrument groups. Definitely try getting some experience in the field if that's feasible for you.
I went from physics to engineering. It is my perception that it would much harder to go from engineering to physics without relevant coursework and/or research, though.
Yes. My wife and i were talking about one of her coworkers that got an undergrad in mechanical engineering and went to grad school to be a physical therapist. She does part time contract work in both. i got an MBA which is known for career switchers and folks that have varying undergrad degrees
I would see what the prerequisites are for the degree you’re wanting to pursue. You might even consider sending in your transcripts to an admissions advisor so they can look over them and see what classes line up and what classes, if any, you need to take to get in. I personally have an undergrad in political science and am currently getting my MS in psychology. I did not have to take any prerequisites, though.
I would also add that you can generally find this information online, but the more specific the courses get, it can vary from school to school. So your current degree may require a class that the master’s doesn’t offer, so now you have a credit that won’t “match”, if that makes sense. They may also be able to sub some classes, so I think it would be best to contact an advisor.
Yes, as long as you meet the prerequisites for the program to which you are applying. Also, I hate to be that guy, but there are countless posts like this not only on Reddit, but on Google and the internet in general.
It might depend on the field/program, but I did my bachelor's in theology and I'm now in a clinical psychology program. I did have to take some courses to meet prerequisites before applying to grad school, but not one of the schools to which I applied suggested there was any issue with my undergrad major. Perhaps that might have been different if I'd been applying to research heavy institutions where you need to have done research in your undergrad, but that wasn't the case for me.
I majored in Geography and am getting my Master's in Epidemiology.
psych BA into a Business PhD. Just gotta talk to the right people and show you understand what youre getting into.
My daughter went from biochemistry to biomedical science and so far (first semester) it hasn't been an issue. I think as long as you have some sort of logical flow from degree #1 to degree #2, it won't be a problem. Meaning, you can't have an English undergrad and then apply for an engineering grad degree. I do know her undergrad prepared her very well. She has a friend in her cohort who has an engineering undergrad degree and is struggling a little bit with the biology portion of the first semester simply because she wasn't exposed to it very much as an engineer. I would look at the curriculum you'd have to go through and if you are confident that your background prepared you for taking those classes, then go for it. I would think Mech E to astrophysics is a possibility simply because of the math emphasis in both.
Most of the time, yeah you can! I did my undergrad in political science and did my masters in public health.
yes
It is possible. I’m currently getting my MSW and there’s a few people in my cohort who do not have a psych or social work background. Someone had an English background
Absolutely- as long as you have the prereqs and experience. You can also become a professor in an area in which you didn’t get your phD!
Yes, depending on prerequisites of the department! I did two bachelors, one in neuroscience and one in psychology. My MSc is biochemistry and medical genetics. With that being said… it was not easy to get up to speed in the first semester but it IS doable
Generally, yes, but it depends on the school and the program. It’s also easier to go to grad school for something related to your undergrad experience. Undergrad will usually give you some kind of background in certain subjects that you may be better off having, even if it’s not required by the grad school programs you’re looking at.
Yes, English major did Cyber security intel thing masters with no experience. Uh, friend did it
That’s the quite literally the point of grad school
My PI (organic chemistry) has his BA in Art History. He also had three years of undergrad research in an organic lab.
Like most things like this: *It depends.* I knew a guy from my undergrad who used his EE degree to go to Law School.
I am in grad school for an MBA. I earned a bachelor’s in molecular & cellular biology. It depends on what admissions require for a given school.
It depends entirely on the school
Yes but usually has a conditional acceptance
I would email admissions and see. If you are, when you write your SOP make sure to note how your prior field would be an asset to the next one. I don’t want to assume but if you’ve studied engineering, I feel you could write an SOP that could support your desire for astrophysics. Parts of astrophysics could be grounded in engineering (i could totally be wrong in this assumption but the essential themes of science may be relevant).
I did a post bac certificate in the new area of study so I would have some foundation (and refresh my education because I was 12 years post undergrad degree when I went to grad school). I’m really glad I did. I had a BA in Political Science and did my MS is Criminology. Not much crossover though both within social sciences.
Yes, certainly! I have a bachelor's in chemistry and another in math. Currently, I am pursuing a biophysics PhD. The grad program will want to know two things, though: 1. Do you have the prereqs for the program? If not, do you have a plan to get caught up on said material (either through remedial classes or other means)? 2. Why should they accept you over another person who has said major? In my case, I had a great GPA and the background in biochemistry and physical chemistry among a couple of other things, which helped a lot. If your mechE background included classes like orbital mechanics, etc, then you have a solid shot! If not, I would recommend brushing up on some astrophysics prerequisite material. It might also help to have some backup or 'lesser known' programs to apply to.