Which degree soundsmore impressive and would be more academically challenging?

[mitcho]

I have to choose between a double major in maths/physics or engineering. I have heard that the science degree is generally filled with engineering dropouts although in my opinion physics would be a far more difficult major. Please don't say that I should do the one that I enjoy the most because I do have an interest in maths, physics and engineering. My question is, does maths and physics sound more intelligent and difficult than an engineering degree to the lay person or the other way around?
Thanks.

 

[fss]

My question is, does maths and physics sound more intelligent and difficult than an engineering degree to the lay person or the other way around?

No. That's a meaningless question anyways.

 

[Pengwuino]

Who cares?

And by the way, if anything, the drop outs come from science and go into engineering. And by drop outs, I mean they all drop out into business school because they had no business in a STEM major... heh, business, i get it.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

It doesn't matter, I'm sure many people in physics would struggle in biology or psychology. The question is arbitrary and should not even be a factor in your decision.

 

[Angry Citizen]

I have to choose between a double major in maths/physics or engineering. I have heard that the science degree is generally filled with engineering dropouts although in my opinion physics would be a far more difficult major. Please don't say that I should do the one that I enjoy the most because I do have an interest in maths, physics and engineering. My question is, does maths and physics sound more intelligent and difficult than an engineering degree to the lay person or the other way around?
Thanks.

If your aim is to wave around your intelligence like some intellectual version of an e-peen, then you're probably not in it for the right reasons. When I say I'm studying aerospace engineering, I get all kinds of impressed looks. But I could probably get those same looks from mathematics or physics. All three are subjects about which laypeople don't even know what they don't know. If you're looking to impress your parents, then any of those will do just fine.

You said not to say 'do what you enjoy the most', but I'm going to say it. Do what you enjoy the most. You will thank us later when you wake up at 7:30 am and, unlike most individuals in western nations, are excited to go to work.

Edit: I'll say this though. If you truly cannot decide, then go with engineering. Numero uno, engineers make more money and are more marketable than physics or math students. Two, engineering curriculum always starts with basic physics and mathematics courses much like you'd see in your first year of physics and mathematics, while also teaching foundational engineering. It is thus well prepared to give you a broad overview of what all three subjects entail, and you can then change your major with more confidence in knowing what you may or may not like. Three, engineers rock.

 

[chiro]

I have to choose between a double major in maths/physics or engineering. I have heard that the science degree is generally filled with engineering dropouts although in my opinion physics would be a far more difficult major. Please don't say that I should do the one that I enjoy the most because I do have an interest in maths, physics and engineering. My question is, does maths and physics sound more intelligent and difficult than an engineering degree to the lay person or the other way around?
Thanks.

Even if you do get bragging rights for something it's not going to last and what happens when the charade ends? You'll probably be miserable and you're 15 minutes of fame will be over and no-one will care because it was "yesterdays news".

 

[Shackleford]

You'll also realize that there's more than one person in your field who eats and breathes the subject, clearly "outshining" everyone else.

 

[╔(σ_σ)╝]

If you are looking for impressive sounding degrees you should consider kinesiology

 

[Dougggggg]

Pursuing a degree for the purpose of impressing others is a terrible terrible terrible idea. Pick what you are going to do based on what you want to do.

What is it that makes you want to go into those fields in particular? Glory? Money? Interest? If it is money, be an engineer, if it is glory, seriously reconsider what your going into, if it is for interest, then go with where your interests are.

 

[micromass]

Well, the most impressive degree would be to triple major. It's also very academically challenging.

I mean, if you really want to impress people with your intellect, then there's no better way of doing that, then telling people you have 3 degrees!

 

[Shackleford]

Well, the most impressive degree would be to triple major. It's also very academically challenging.

I mean, if you really want to impress people with your intellect, then there's no better way of doing that, then telling people you have 3 degrees!

Better yet, 3 masters and 3 doctorates!

 

[Dougggggg]

^and find a cure for cancer while nursing infants in third world countries back to health.

Also learning 6-7 foreign languages.