masters to phd route: applied physics to physics

[stardust]

OK, would an applied physics masters help in anyway in getting into
a physics phd program? Would it hurt?

Since the physics programs don't really have phd programs and the
applied physics people do and I have a year off, I was wondering if
it would help or hurt when I apply for a physics phd. Or is it better
to wait the year and do research or something else meaningful?

Any opinions? Has anyone else transferred from applied physics to
physics? Are you barred from "non-applied" physics just because you
did applied physics once?

Thanks for any opinions.

[noojens]

I can't imagine having graduate coursework in applied physics could hurt you in applying for the physics PhD. As long as you get good grades and rock some research, it should be a big help. Plus AP and physics core curricula are typically pretty similar, so if you choose your masters classes intelligently (ED, stat mech, quantum and classical mechanics) you could probably finish the core physics requirements before you even apply for the PhD.