Being a physicist

[Mebzy]

Hey people of SFN, I LOVE all sciences!! But mostly Physics and I was woundering.... Is there any qualifactions to actually call yourself a physicist (e.g getting a Masters degree)?

[swansont]

Hey people of SFN, I LOVE all sciences!! But mostly Physics and I was woundering.... Is there any qualifactions to actually call yourself a physicist (e.g getting a Masters degree)?

A college degree, at least. The people I know who call themselves physicists have PhDs, but that's pretty strongly self-selected.

[ajb]

I will echo what swansont has said. Usually a university degree in physics or something related is the generally accepted minimum. That said, a PhD could be the minimum in certain circles, even if that is self-imposed.

 

One could also be referring to Chartered Physicist, which is granted by the Institute of Physics. There are academic prerequisites here, usually a MPhys or MSc is needed. Though I believe there is some flexibility here.