Physics Master's - Weak Background

[jason_m]

Hello,

I got my B.Sc. in computer science several years ago. I didn't go for a master's degree, because I couldn't afford it. Also, the economy has been bad, so I'm not really working in a job that I enjoy. In any event, I've started reading about physics. Over the past five months, I've probably read 25 physics books. I'd like to do research, so I'm now interested in a graduate degree in the area. The problem is that I don't have any formal physics background since high school! I realize that I probably couldn't get into a physics graduate program right away with such a weak background, so I'm wondering if there is an easier way of preparing than simply having to spend another four years at the undergraduate level. Is there some way to squeeze enough courses together over one or two years, so that I can apply to graduate school in a shorter time period? What about graduate programs with a qualifying year (or two)? Could I still get accepted into a physics qualifying program with only a computer science background?!

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[milkvincent]

Maybe you can try to take courses through community colleges? Some 4-year institutions may also have extensions that allow you to just take classes instead of completing a degree.