- #1
Ian Smyth
- 2
- 0
Hey all,
I'm at a bit of a major crossroads between studying Physics or Engineering. There are two major milestones in my life that I want to achieve, or die trying: a) Own and operate a consumer electronics company (definitely computers) and b) If astronaut and space based programs begin kicking into high gear at some point, apply to those and be apart of them. These are two ambitious goals, and I have every intention of achieving at least one of them.
Computer Engineering of course satisfies the first goal, and is literally full to the brim with every course being 100% useful. I need that underlying knowledge of how silicon based computer systems work, and how information science can be applied to any type of computing system. However, I feel that this doesn't adequately prepare me for the second aim. In that realm, I would really want to know the underlying foundations and first principles of any physical phenomena that I could apply to the job. Elon Musk has spoken frequently about this, and I really do agree with him. Physics is the study of the first principles behind physical phenomena, and physical phenomena comprise both goals.
Also, I want to get an undergraduate education not just based on the world now, but on where we're headed. I want to be able to understand, in great detail, the science behind quantum computing. Both Computer Engineering and Physics contribute to it in both ways so importantly, and I really do want to know both.
I know that I want to do graduate school, but in that realm I'm still not sure which is the best option. Applied Physics stuck out to me for awhile, and the Electronics laboratory and Undergraduate research I get to do in fourth year definitely satisfies both requirements, but I feel that still isn't comprehensive enough.
I've also looked into Engineering Physics, and while it does sound good on paper it sounds like it may be a tad less respected than an Engineering degree in one discipline or a Physics degree which covers the foundation for all disciplines. It looks like basically an Applied Physics undergraduate degree (some of them aren't even BEng degrees) but please correct me if I'm wrong there.
Am I asking for too much here, and should just pick one? Or, should I just go in for the long haul and dual major in them. It may take 5-7 years (I'd probably graduate in 2021) but by that time I'm sure I'd know which one I liked more for graduate school, and I'd have the added benefit of a truly comprehensive Science and Engineering background.
I'm trying to pick based on what's in demand now, where the wind of innovation is blowing, and how to leverage my undergraduate degree as best as I can based on my interests.
Any advice?
I'm at a bit of a major crossroads between studying Physics or Engineering. There are two major milestones in my life that I want to achieve, or die trying: a) Own and operate a consumer electronics company (definitely computers) and b) If astronaut and space based programs begin kicking into high gear at some point, apply to those and be apart of them. These are two ambitious goals, and I have every intention of achieving at least one of them.
Computer Engineering of course satisfies the first goal, and is literally full to the brim with every course being 100% useful. I need that underlying knowledge of how silicon based computer systems work, and how information science can be applied to any type of computing system. However, I feel that this doesn't adequately prepare me for the second aim. In that realm, I would really want to know the underlying foundations and first principles of any physical phenomena that I could apply to the job. Elon Musk has spoken frequently about this, and I really do agree with him. Physics is the study of the first principles behind physical phenomena, and physical phenomena comprise both goals.
Also, I want to get an undergraduate education not just based on the world now, but on where we're headed. I want to be able to understand, in great detail, the science behind quantum computing. Both Computer Engineering and Physics contribute to it in both ways so importantly, and I really do want to know both.
I know that I want to do graduate school, but in that realm I'm still not sure which is the best option. Applied Physics stuck out to me for awhile, and the Electronics laboratory and Undergraduate research I get to do in fourth year definitely satisfies both requirements, but I feel that still isn't comprehensive enough.
I've also looked into Engineering Physics, and while it does sound good on paper it sounds like it may be a tad less respected than an Engineering degree in one discipline or a Physics degree which covers the foundation for all disciplines. It looks like basically an Applied Physics undergraduate degree (some of them aren't even BEng degrees) but please correct me if I'm wrong there.
Am I asking for too much here, and should just pick one? Or, should I just go in for the long haul and dual major in them. It may take 5-7 years (I'd probably graduate in 2021) but by that time I'm sure I'd know which one I liked more for graduate school, and I'd have the added benefit of a truly comprehensive Science and Engineering background.
I'm trying to pick based on what's in demand now, where the wind of innovation is blowing, and how to leverage my undergraduate degree as best as I can based on my interests.
Any advice?
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