Too late to major in engineering, will physics do it?

[learningsumth]

Hey guys,
I'm currently a sophomore in college and after doing quite a bit of soul searching, I've realized that engineering might be the right path for my future career-wise. I started off college with a music performance degree (I love music and still do) but after doing it for a while, I realized I needed it to be more of a hobby than a profession.
I've always been interested in technology, computers, and breaking down/making things but I've heard all the horror stories of how hard engineering is, so I tried staying off that path for a while. But after quarters of taking liberal arts classes in discontent, I decided to take some math/science classes, and although they were very hard, I enjoyed them for the most part. I can't be sure if I'll enjoy engineering, but at this point, I don't really have anything else in mind.
Problem is, at my school (UCLA), you must apply to the engineering school and the engineers are on an extremely tight schedule class-wise. If I somehow made it in (unlikely, considering how behind I am), I would be playing major catch-up, cramming a million classes in per quarter and graduating in well over 5 years.

That's when I thought of physics - I know how tough the major is, but I've got all the general education requirements covered (unlike for engineering because they belong to different schools within UCLA) so I would still have some room to breathe in terms of the number of classes I need to take.

Of course, if I wanted to be an engineer (computer I'm thinking...), majoring in engineering is ideal. But right now, this doesn't look like a possibility. What's your opinion about majoring in physics to pursue a career in engineering? I am taking computer programming classes on the side. Would I need to go to graduate school? If so, how likely are they going to take a physics major for engineering?

Thanks guys, sorry bout the long post.

 

[fss]

What's your opinion about majoring in physics to pursue a career in engineering?

Read the sticky at the top of this forum.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=15898

I am taking computer programming classes on the side. Would I need to go to graduate school?

Depends on the position.

If so, how likely are they going to take a physics major for engineering?

Any employer is likely to hire someone that can convince them that they are qualified for the position. This is true for any major and any position, not just physics and engineering.

 

[contramundum]

Playing catch-up with who? It's not a race. What's wrong with starting over as an engineering freshman/sophomore?

 

[learningsumth]

Playing catch-up with who? It's not a race. What's wrong with starting over as an engineering freshman/sophomore?

I want to graduate ASAP because it costs money to be here...it's okay if I go a quarter or two over, but if I don't play "catch-up" my undergrad career with engineering will take over 6 years (because I am essentially 2 years behind the engineers)!

 

[rezeew]

As a scientist, my advice would be to follow your passion and interests, rather than focusing on a specific major or career path. Both engineering and physics are incredibly challenging and rewarding fields, and it's important to choose the one that you truly enjoy and excel in.

That being said, it is never too late to switch majors or pursue a different career path. Many successful engineers and scientists have backgrounds in different fields, and your experience in music and liberal arts can bring a unique perspective to your studies and future career.

If you do choose to major in physics, it is possible to still pursue a career in engineering. Many engineering graduate programs do accept students with a physics background, and your computer programming classes and experience can also be valuable in this field. It may take some extra effort and time, but with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your interests. Don't be discouraged by the challenges and obstacles, but instead use them as motivation to continue pursuing your passions. Best of luck to you in your academic and career pursuits.