<p>Theoretical physics is a totally different animal from any engineering field. The math complexity and difficulty required for TP PhD work is likely very similar to that of an AE PhD, however, the concepts and theory behind any TP area may be an order of magnitude more difficult to grasp… </p>
<p>Getting any STEM PhD is no walk in the park. However, it really takes someone with a specially wired brain to fully understand and push forward in a field like theoretical physics.</p>
<p>I’m not to dissaude you from your dreams here, but you need to be realistic with yourself and make sure you are aware of the challenges ahead. If you are sure, push full steam ahead after getting your BS and step right into an MS physics program, then into a PhD program - skip working in the real world between BS and MS. Don’t go back for a BS in physics… just start at the Masters level and take the required pre-reqs.</p>
<p>University of Chicago has some interesting information on their website regarding TP research areas you might want to check out… [Theoretical</a> Particle Physics | Department of Physics](<a href=“http://physics.uchicago.edu/research/areas/particle_t.html]Theoretical”>http://physics.uchicago.edu/research/areas/particle_t.html)</p>