- #1
jbrussell93
- 413
- 38
After a year of engineering undergrad, I'm finally beginning to figure out what exactly I want to do. I'm a biological engineering major and have been debating switching to physics and/or engineering for about a semester now, and the time is a approaching to actually make a decision. I'm definitely planning on continuing on to grad school and would like to do either physics, applied physics, or EE. My goal is to work in an interdisciplinary field of physics and electrical engineering including electromagnetism, plasma physics, optics, reactor physics, or computational physics/engineering. At this point, the research going on in applied physics and EE sounds more interesting than pure physics.
I have three main options as I see it:
1. Major in physics
Pros:
-I'm excited about all of the core classes
-Can take only the most interesting EE electives and don't have to worry about boring prereqs.
-Can apply for grad programs in applied physics, physics, or EE.
-Can take a few extra math classes.
-Better preparation for physics grad school.
-Less restricting in general.
Cons:
-Less employable should I choose not to go to grad school
-My school's physics program is VERY small compared to engineering (very few electives)
-Possibly less focused
2. Major in EE
Pros:
-Job prospects
-More focused curriculum
-Can still do applied physics
-Will have best preparation for EE grad school
Cons:
-Won't be prepared for most physics graduate programs
-Many lower level classes are uninteresting to me
-Not as many math electives
3. EE/Physics double major - Let me say that this option will probably be best for me if I decide to stay in engineering for graduate school. I will not loose any EE electives, I will only gain the physics core courses. All of the physics electives will be replaced by EE electives so that I can finish in 4 years. Therefore, it is mainly designed for EE majors who want to go to grad school, giving them better preparation for quantum mechanics.
Pros:
-School has a 4 year program so it won't take any extra time, and therefore I feel like I should take advantage
-I will be prepared for either EE or physics grad school (in theory)
-MANY options after undergrad
-Satisfaction in doing both
Cons:
-All physics electives are taken from EE. Less depth in physics than with single major
-Very heavy course load for the next three years
-Less time to do undergrad research
-No math electives
My logical and practical/conservative side is telling me to do EE... While my young and adventurous side is screaming physics![Big Grin :biggrin: :biggrin:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Any input, advice, or personal experience would be great!
I have three main options as I see it:
1. Major in physics
Pros:
-I'm excited about all of the core classes
-Can take only the most interesting EE electives and don't have to worry about boring prereqs.
-Can apply for grad programs in applied physics, physics, or EE.
-Can take a few extra math classes.
-Better preparation for physics grad school.
-Less restricting in general.
Cons:
-Less employable should I choose not to go to grad school
-My school's physics program is VERY small compared to engineering (very few electives)
-Possibly less focused
2. Major in EE
Pros:
-Job prospects
-More focused curriculum
-Can still do applied physics
-Will have best preparation for EE grad school
Cons:
-Won't be prepared for most physics graduate programs
-Many lower level classes are uninteresting to me
-Not as many math electives
3. EE/Physics double major - Let me say that this option will probably be best for me if I decide to stay in engineering for graduate school. I will not loose any EE electives, I will only gain the physics core courses. All of the physics electives will be replaced by EE electives so that I can finish in 4 years. Therefore, it is mainly designed for EE majors who want to go to grad school, giving them better preparation for quantum mechanics.
Pros:
-School has a 4 year program so it won't take any extra time, and therefore I feel like I should take advantage
-I will be prepared for either EE or physics grad school (in theory)
-MANY options after undergrad
-Satisfaction in doing both
Cons:
-All physics electives are taken from EE. Less depth in physics than with single major
-Very heavy course load for the next three years
-Less time to do undergrad research
-No math electives
My logical and practical/conservative side is telling me to do EE... While my young and adventurous side is screaming physics
Any input, advice, or personal experience would be great!