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[Physgeek]

I am a patent agent and have only a bachelor's degree in physics. Partly for professional reasons, but more for personal growth reasons, I want to get a master's degree. I'm thinking about either computer science (MSCS) or electrical engineering (MSEE). My bachelor's in physics provides me with approximately zero prerequisites that I assume are necessary to even get accepted into one of those degree programs. And getting an MS in physics would be pretty much worthless knowledge for a patent agent.

Will some master's programs accept students who still need a lot of prereqs and let them take the prereqs first? Will I have to take a bunch of classes as a non-degree student? I also want to be able to get the degree part-time while working full-time.

Physgeek

P.S. Yes, I may go to law school at some point in the future if someone else pays for it, but if I went to law school first, I guarantee I would never get around to the M.S. degree.

[bleedingpen]

Some good stuff in this thread:

http://www.intelproplaw.com/ip_forum/index.php/topic,15019.msg74898.html#msg74898

[randy]

First, I realize this is a late reply.  Second, when I did my master's degree in EE at a University of California school, there were 2 guys in my class who had a BS in physics.  It won't be easy by any means, but I see no reason why you wouldn't be eligible for most EE graduate programs.  Looking at the applications for a few schools and make some phone calls should give you a fairly concrete answer.

That being said, I think law school is much easier than EE grad school and much more valuable.  If you're going to be going back to school, why not law school (besides the cost difference)?

[horsechute]

I agree. A law degree gives you a piece of paper that lets you take the bar and practice law. An MS in EE gives you something with a relatively short shelf life, in most cases.

[Aviator Lawyer]

So do you need at least an MS or not to get into patent law?

[klaviernista]

So do you need at least an MS or not to get into patent law?

No.

<----------- BS in chemistry.

[bleedingpen]

So do you need at least an MS or not to get into patent law?

No.

<----------- BS in chemistry.

Different times now.  Not saying you can't get by with a BS in the life sciences, but employers and clients are now a lot more picky. 

[klaviernista]

Different times now.  Not saying you can't get by with a BS in the life sciences, but employers and clients are now a lot more picky. 

OK, maybe we can parse this a bit.

At the risk of gross overgeneralization, your background will probably not be considered a significant detractor if you have a BS in:
-Chemistry
-Materials science
-Engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical, biomedical)
-Physics*
-any undergraduate scientific/engineering degree coupled with a pharm D or M.D.

Your technical background will likely present a significant barrier to entry into patent law if you have a BS or MS in a "pure" life science (biology, biochemistry, genetics, etc.)

* = with appropriate work experience

Of course, the standard dislcaimers apply.  This will vary based on region, firm need, firm size, level of work experience, etc.

Also, if you are willing to be an examiner at the patent office, you can "get into" patent law with a BS in anything except the pure life sciences.