Major Definition and 1000 Threads

I am going to Penn State next year as a freshman undergraduate for Physics and EE. I need advice from others who have been through the typical freshman and Sophomore years and the typical experience. Specifically, are there are recommended books/texts that I should have next year for both...

Hello everyone! I've been a member of the Physics Forums for well over a year now, but this is the first time I've ever posted. I will be starting my undergraduate education this August at the Illinois Institute of Technology with the intentions of majoring in physics. Thanks to all of the AP...

im pretty conflicted. I'm in a funny situation. I am majoring in computer engineering purely or mostly out of passion (it would be a nice fall back career if worst came to worst). I am fiannacially stable and don't really plan on working in the computer engineering field. I am actaully a...

Hi. I'm wondering whether I should major in electrical engineering or computer engineering. I am person that's interested in telecommunications; more specifically last-mile technologies like fiber optics, HFC networks, DSL, and etc.

Hello! I'm not sure this is the right place to ask, but i have a huge problem. I have an axis and it's origin, and also a point. I suposed that is enought to describe an ellipse, but how to do so? I want to describe it by having it's center and both it's radius. Some images to ilustrate what I...

Greetings, my name is Tyler, I am new to the forum! Lately I been reading a lot of articles stating that High School graduates can be just as successful as the common college graduate that has incurred student loan debt. I will tell my story and the options that I have. Fist I will give my...

Hi everyone! I'm 4 math classes from finishing my math major and 2 econ classes away from finishing my econ major, so pretty happy about that. But, I keep thinking to myself, "CS seems like it would be ridiculously useful if I ever wanted to work as some sort of data analyst or something of that...

I always see people on this forum encouraging math majors to learn to program so I was wondering what language is best to learn? Also, what is the best way to learn the language besides taking a class? I have only taken 2 math classes so far so I definitely can't tell you what areas I'm...

Wouldn't do me any good. I live in the middle of a major city, and, the last time I looked at the night sky at my true local astronomical midnight, it looked like God had turned out the lights.

I'm having a bit of a dilemna. I'm currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and will finish in about 1.5 years. I always feel that ME alone might not be as useful and wish to expand my knowledge in Physics or Mathematics. I'm equally passionate of both, and have thought about minoring in one...

Hello, I am a computer science graduate with a good command of mathematics. However, I have been highly attracted towards theoretical physics in the last few years. Is there anyway I can join graduate programs in theoretical physics? If so, how should I plan to achieve this?

Hi. I am thinking about majoring in mathematics. I'm interested more in statistics and applied math. I only started prerequisites during my sophomore year so I don't have a lot of choices. I am not planning on going into research. I probably will get a master's degree in statistics or applied...

Hello, I'm an undergraduate who's going to be a senior this coming fall. I'm currently triple majoring in Mathematics/Engineering Physics/Biological Engineering. I'm also looking to enter graduate school in applied mathematics. My schedule for this last year all fits together quite well, except...

Hey everyone, I am going into my second year of university, and I am thinking of declaring a double major in Physics and Political science. But of course, I have my doubts. Physics is obviously going to be a tough major that requires a lot of commitment. I did well in my first year physics...

I'm an applied math major at UIUC, but I really can't see myself in academia, and insurance research doesn't seem too interesting so I don't really know if the majors right for me. Would the combined math/CS major offered by UIUC be better for my employment opportunities? Or is it one of those...

Hi all, I'm almost positive this comes up frequently but I feel like I need some sort of confirmation from other math majors who have gone through undergraduate and then graduate programs. First and foremost, I am having trouble confirming if I'm really cut out to be a math major. I'm...

I m presently studying B.tech 4th year,with branch as electrical and electronics engineering..Is it advisable/plausible to take modern physics as my M.sc course and go for research.? I've keen interest but is it praise worthy to do so.? Since I ve a background of electrical and electronics...

It just so happens that my school does not offer an engineering major or even a physics major (I have to take physics classes at a nearby school). I'm currently majoring in math and chemistry. I have wondered whether or not I should transfer to a great ChemE school so I could pursue my...

This might a lot to digest, but I would be forever appreciative if someone with knowledge could offer any advice pertaining to my future plans: Currently I'm majoring in Mathematics in state university. I'm have two more semesters worth of college and am due to graduate May 13. Last year I...

Hello, I'm entering my senior year in high school and I can't decide what I want to major in in college. I am DECENT (not too good) at engineering, but I am good with math, science, and the like. Currently, I want to work with Spacecraft Propulsion after college, especially high efficiency...

I have posted a couple of times on this forum requesting advice and have found it quite helpful, so here I am again. Right now I am a biological engineering major with minors in math and computational neuroscience, but I am beginning to question my decision of major. Basically, I don't like the...

Hello Again. I am new to the forum and this is actually the 2nd time I've asked a question. I wanted to get some insight into what Physics Majors that minor in math have the possibility of doing in the carrer world. I should note that I am in college pursuing my undergraduate degree in these...

I am majoring in chemistry at UCLA with physical chemistry concentration (transferring as a junior next semester), intent on pursuing research in the field in the future. I would like to minor in mathematics (if a double major is not possible), but I'm having a hard time deciding what classes I...

Hello. I'm currently a junior undergraduate at a liberal arts school. Next year I'm transferring to Columbia's engineering program through a wonderful Combined Plan Program. If anyone knows anything about this, I would love some more information than just what I could find on their website...

I will be a freshman in college this upcoming Fall semester, and I intend to be a Physics major. I took Multivariable Calculus at the local community college in High School and received a relatively poor grade in it, but I'm self-studying it now. I am confident that I will know all the material...

Good afternoon! I will begin taking upper division mathematics in the fall, and I definitely wish to obtain a Master's right after undergrad, and as for PhD, I'm a bit iffy if I want one (I'll save that for another post in a couple years ^.^) Anyway, I have 4 electives where I get to choose what...

I'm interested in either of these disciplines, but I'm stuck between the two. What exactly is the difference between these two fields of engineering and what are the pro's and con's of each? I'm relatively good at math and physics, so in which field would I be able to utilize my skills more? In...

Here's some background about me. I'm a senior undergraduate student in china, majoring EE. I'm about to graduate in about half a month. I got a job offer as an engineer which starts in July. But I am planning on applying for a physics PHD in US in a year or two. What I have been wondering is...

My dad and I have been discussing my academic future lately, and he has said that he won't pay for me to major in physics because of the extra time it would take me. He also says that if I decide to major in physics or any field that will take me more than five semesters (from now, not from...

First I may give you some background information and information on relevant classes taken: Not that it really means anything anymore, but I was in the top tier of class rank in high school with a 3.91 gpa. High school: Mathematics up to APCalculus, APBiology, APChemistry, Astronomy...

Trying to decide between a management co-op program (at University of Toronto Scarborough) and a geological engineering program (at Waterloo or Queen's). I have so little experience and knowledge of what exactly people do in management (so accounting, finance, marketing, etc.) as well as geo...

Hello PF! I just finished my freshman year at my local CC majoring in physics. I did not chose to major in physics to become a theoretical physicist, esteemed professor, or the next Einstein. I chose to major in physics because I want to teach kids about science and the universe around us...

I decided at *ahem* 42 to return to school. I have taken almost 45 hours (almost everything required) trying to figure out what exactly I want to do. Physics has intrigued me most - I seem to have learned the most in that class. I am taking Calculous this summer (starting on the 5th) but come...

I am a freshman Biomedical Engineering student, and I have recently discovered my passion for math. The earlier Calculus was fine and all, but not quite my cup of tea. Then multivariable Calc came along and I liked that even better, and now I'm in Linear Analysis and I love it. Especially the...

I have to take any 3 CS electives for my Computational Mathematics major. I'm thinking about Algorithms, AI, and Database Systems. I can take more if I want to. Are there any particularly useful CS classes? I don't really have a career in mind right now.

Hi there, I enjoy mathematics, programming, and chemistry. However, I don't enjoy physics at all and I'm not good at it (if it's okay to say that on PhysicsForums haha). I think that makes engineering an unlikely path for me. Degrees in math or computer science at my university require...

I currently am a physics major in college and I really want to fly. What are some career options?

Hello, I am a physics major and although I did exceedingly well in my basic math courses (algebra, pre-cal, etc.) I feel like I need a good review. Does anyone have any suggestions of resources that I can tap into to do this? I may end up going back over old textbooks but I was...

Hello all, I've seen variants of this question posted, but I have a few different circumstances I'd like to ask about, so thank you for your patience in allowing me to post it again :) In the fall, I will be a senior physics major and will have 3 semesters (will probably be taking an extra...

As the title implies, I am a current engineering major currently having difficulty in the physics material that I need to study for my major. I am in a position where I am considering a possible major change because I am currently questioning if I will be able to make it through the physics that...

Iwe been planning on studying Physics for a few years now. And well. I just got done with my first year of uni. And Iwe had a horrible time of it. First year is undecided major hence general intro courses into everything. The curriculum and amount of work required at this uni is very tough. Much...

Can someone please explain the differences between the two fields? What does each main branch mainly do? What do their branches specialize in (i.e.- Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering)? (Not only the branches I listed, but all of them)

Hello everybody, I started school in 2006 and studied like crazy to get out. I could have graduated in 3.5 years but became burned out after countless hours for studying of useless economcis classes. The economy hit the skids my junior year which threw me into a bit of depression since I...

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had tips for dealing with credits that are just required for your curriculum. I'm an Electrical Engineer Major, and usually get pretty good grades in my math, physics, and programming courses, but then my GPA is pulled down by classes like jogging, deaf culture...

Hello, I'm currently a high school student in grade 12 and I was wondering what one could do after majoring in chemistry. I am very interested in it, as well as math, physics, and bio. I want to know what kind of jobs chemistry majors can get and how common some of the jobs are (for example...

I am currently thinking about getting a double major with a combination of any of the following degrees: Physics Mathematics Chemistry German And possibly (With less consideration): Biochemistry Molecular Chemistry Software Engineering Most recently I have thought about doubling...

Hello, I am new to physics forums... I need big help choosing career! I am planning to go to US to pursue my higher education but before that i am confused what major to choose. I am very much interested in Physics, Maths and i love researching about Wormholes, time machine, Life on terrestrial...

I've pretty much exhausted logic at this point. I have numerous interests and can't commit myself to just one. I've always been this way; it's just my personality. For those of you who've been there, what helped you decide? Here is a little background info: 1. I like hands on work and...

I will be transferring to UCLA in the fall as a chemistry major (with physical chemistry concentration) and intend to pursue physical chemistry in graduate school afterward and have a few questions about pursuing physics alongside chemistry: -Physics is such an interesting field (particularly...

What would be the most suitable major if I wish to focus on engineering mechanics/theoretical and applied mechanics? I heard that it's a field of applied math, rather than physics, so which one should I major in? I was first thinking of engineering physics, but in retrospect, it hardly has...