Late bloomer: Physics, EE, or both?

[nlsherrill]

Hello all. I am new to the forum and have already learned a lot about the academics and career choices facing scientists and engineers. I believe I have a somewhat unique situation, and need some opinions from people in the field.

Basically, I am a Junior in college who has just found out what he does not want to do in school. For my first 2 years in school I just took general ed courses, mostly humanities and social sciences(the easy classes), and just last year I took an astronomy course and was truly astounded by physics. I also found an interest in math, but I am quite behind for my age/time in school.

Now I plan on going for a physics degree. Starting next year(my 4th year in college mind you) I am going to take University Physics 1, and depending on how much calculus I get done this summer, Calc 2 or 3. Aside from starting late with my physics pursuit, I have already completed virtually all the general ed requirements, and therefor will be pretty much exclusively taking math and physics for the next 3 years(including summer courses).

This sounds painful, but I love physics now, I definitely want to try and do this. On the other hand, I am not particularly sure what I plan on doing with a physics B.S. I have thought about teaching and that would require a M.S. for a community college, but I also have heard good things about the semiconductor industry, and obviously about electronics and such, which brings me to my next thing.

A lot of people at my school and even on this forum recommend EE over physics for a job. Now, I am not going through school solely for a job. I am doing what I am interested in, but a job IS important because if you have no money, you surely won't be happy. I like applications, and I like tinkering and believe I am good at hands on stuff as well, which is why I think EE would also be a good choice for me.

I'm a bit torn. I am surely going for physics because it interests me the most, but would a double major in EE be a good idea in case I decided to not go to graduate school and just want a regular job after college? It seems like a lot of topics overlap in the 2 degrees as well, which could hopefully reinforce each other. I have thought about getting a B.S. in physics, then going back to school for 1.5-2 years and getting a B.S. in EE instead. What do you guys think?

 

[TonyG]

Hello and welcome to the forum! It's great to hear that you have found a passion for physics and are considering pursuing it as a major. As a scientist myself, I can understand your dilemma about choosing between physics and electrical engineering (EE). Both fields have their own unique challenges and opportunities, and it's important to carefully consider your interests and career goals before making a decision.

First of all, it's important to note that there is no right or wrong choice between physics and EE. Both are highly valued and in-demand fields that offer a wide range of career options. It's ultimately up to you to decide which field aligns more with your interests and goals.

If you are interested in hands-on work and tinkering with electronics, then EE may be a good fit for you. However, if you have a strong passion for physics and theoretical concepts, then pursuing a physics degree may be more fulfilling for you. It's also worth considering what type of work environment you see yourself in - physics research tends to be more collaborative and theoretical, while EE work can involve more individual projects and hands-on work.

As for the idea of double majoring in physics and EE, it can definitely be a good option if you are interested in both fields and have the time and resources to do so. However, it's important to keep in mind that it may require a lot of extra effort and may delay your graduation. You may also want to consider the possibility of pursuing a minor in EE or taking elective courses in EE to supplement your physics degree.

In terms of job opportunities, both physics and EE offer a wide range of options. Physics graduates often go on to careers in research, academia, or even finance and data analysis. EE graduates, on the other hand, may find opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, renewable energy, and robotics. It's important to research the job market and see what types of positions are available in each field to help inform your decision.

Overall, my advice would be to carefully consider your interests and career goals, and to do some research on the job market for both physics and EE. You can also talk to professors and professionals in both fields to get a better understanding of what each career path entails. Good luck with your decision and your future studies!