Is Engineering a Viable Option for Grad School After a B.S. in Math and Physics?

In summary: Don't know what your job is, but you could always switch over to engineering for grad school. Engineering is much less competitive for grad school than math/physics because lots of engineers are simply able to stop and get good jobs with bachelors, meaning there's (generally) more opportunities than there are people given that you're qualified. Getting a masters in something is tough because even though you can find research positions, they may not cover your tuition. Math/physics grad school, at least for the past couple years, is kind of a lottery.
  • #1
Shackleford
1,656
2
I took my last final tonight. Commencement is tomorrow. I have a B.S. Math, Physics Minor with a 3.5/3.6 GPA.

Thanks to everyone on this site who helped me with my homework over the years! It's appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Congratulations!

Out of curiosity, do you have very specific memories of how you were when you had just joined? I find it pretty cool to go over old posts of mine occasionally (done it twice/thrice as of now) - just to see how my posting style changed, or if it changed at all.
 
  • #3
Congrats!
 
  • #4
Mépris said:
Congratulations!

Out of curiosity, do you have very specific memories of how you were when you had just joined? I find it pretty cool to go over old posts of mine occasionally (done it twice/thrice as of now) - just to see how my posting style changed, or if it changed at all.

Well, when I first joined I was a physics major, math minor. After taking some junior-level physics and math classes, I discovered that I enjoyed learning just the math much more. It was more my style. So, I swapped them, and I'm very glad I did. I'm sure my old posts are full of naivete. Haha.
 
  • #5
Congratulations! :smile:

I'm on my way to it!
 
  • #6
That is sooo awesome. You are a beast. Especially with that gpa. So beastly!
 
  • #7
Congratz I will be starting my bachelor in summer so hopefully I have fun as well learning :).
 
  • #8
@ OP. Good on you! Do well in your life, and still come back here for hints and tips.
 
  • #9
Many congratulations!
 
  • #10
Shackleford said:
I took my last final tonight. Commencement is tomorrow. I have a B.S. Math, Physics Minor with a 3.5/3.6 GPA.

Thanks to everyone on this site who helped me with my homework over the years! It's appreciated.

Congratulations! Be sure to come back and let us know where you end up: grad school, industry, etc.
 
  • #11
Congrats Shackleford :approve: I still remember that feeling!
 
  • #12
Congrats :approve:!

(I hate to say this, but when I saw the title of this thread, I expected "I just got a B- on a quiz, my entire academic career is trashed!" Note that I had that reaction *before* I saw who the poster was :smile:.)
 
  • #13
Oh, don't be such a wet blanket.

Congratulations, Shackleford!
 
  • #14
Thanks for the congratulations. Commencement went well last night. After dinner, an extremely severe thunderstorm rolled through the area, so driving home was a challenge. In fact, I couldn't make it home because the water was so high in my subdivision. I had to stay the night at my brother's.

I wish I had only one B- in my courses! My final overall GPA is 3.579. My math GPA is a bit higher. I got one B in math (probability) and the rest were mostly "A"s and a few "A-"s. My physics grades weren't that great, though (B+, B+, B, B-, and C in quantum).
 
  • #15
Great job. What's the next step?
 
  • #16
hadsed said:
Great job. What's the next step?

Stay at my current job while I look for something higher-paying and also consider graduate school and how exactly to pay for it.
 
  • #17
BTW, how does one read a GPA? Is it 3.6 out of 4 or 5?
 
  • #18
Congratulations for the graduation !

Shackleford said:
Stay at my current job while I look for something higher-paying and also consider graduate school and how exactly to pay for it.

Usually one does not need to pay. Most graduate schools provide funding for Ph.D students.
 
  • #19
HossamCFD said:
Usually one does not need to pay. Most graduate schools provide funding for Ph.D students.

Depending on whether he does or doesn't live in the USA, he might have to go for his MSc first. It's not usual for those to be funded by schools.
 
  • #20
atyy said:
BTW, how does one read a GPA? Is it 3.6 out of 4 or 5?

Typically, it's out of 4.

Yes. I'm in the U.S. I don't plan on getting a Ph.D. I'm looking at master's programs. Since I have a job, I don't want to quit it just to get funding for graduate school as a TA or RA.
 
  • #21
Congrats, man. It's funny, I had your opposite problem: all As in physics and all Bs in math (didn't help that math used std dev for grading).

Don't know what your job is, but you could always switch over to engineering for grad school. Engineering is much less competitive for grad school than math/physics because lots of engineers are simply able to stop and get good jobs with bachelors, meaning there's (generally) more opportunities than there are people given that you're qualified. Getting a masters in something is tough because even though you can find research positions, they may not cover your tuition. Math/physics grad school, at least for the past couple years, is kind of a lottery.
 
  • #22
Congratulations Shackleford!
 
  • #23
Congratulations! Hope to be in your shoes soon, except as majoring in Physics.:-p

Great GPA, best of luck to you!
 
  • #24
Mindscrape said:
Congrats, man. It's funny, I had your opposite problem: all As in physics and all Bs in math (didn't help that math used std dev for grading).

Don't know what your job is, but you could always switch over to engineering for grad school. Engineering is much less competitive for grad school than math/physics because lots of engineers are simply able to stop and get good jobs with bachelors, meaning there's (generally) more opportunities than there are people given that you're qualified. Getting a masters in something is tough because even though you can find research positions, they may not cover your tuition. Math/physics grad school, at least for the past couple years, is kind of a lottery.

Thanks again, everyone.

Nothing in engineering really jumps out at me. Most engineering graduate programs would require several leveling courses which I don't want to do. Whatever I do in graduate school is something I can start immediately without any leveling courses.
 

FAQ: Is Engineering a Viable Option for Grad School After a B.S. in Math and Physics?

What should I do now that my undergrad career is over?

There are several options you can consider after completing your undergraduate degree. You can pursue a higher degree, such as a graduate or professional program, or you can enter the workforce. Alternatively, you can take some time to explore your interests and gain experience through internships or volunteer work.

How can I make the most out of my undergrad career?

To make the most out of your undergrad career, it is important to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you. This can include participating in research projects, joining clubs and organizations, networking with peers and faculty, and seeking mentorship from professors.

How do I know if I chose the right major?

Choosing the right major can be a difficult decision, and it is normal to have doubts. However, if you enjoyed your coursework and did well in your classes, it is likely that you chose the right major for you. It is also important to remember that your major does not define your entire career and you can always switch fields or pursue additional education later on.

What skills should I have gained during my undergrad career?

During your undergrad career, you should have gained a variety of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management. You should also have developed a strong foundation in your field of study and the ability to learn and adapt to new situations.

How can I use my undergrad career to prepare for my future?

Your undergrad career can be a great preparation for your future, regardless of what path you choose. Take advantage of opportunities to gain practical experience, build a strong network, and develop transferable skills. It is also important to continue learning and staying up-to-date in your field even after your undergrad career is over.

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