Physics degrees and marketability

  • Thread starter Thread starter grady
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Degrees Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the marketability of physics degrees, particularly in conjunction with computer or electrical engineering degrees. Participants explore the implications of pursuing dual degrees versus a master's degree in applied physics, as well as the general value of additional qualifications and experiences in the job market.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the time commitment for a PhD and prefers to pursue a dual degree in physics and computer or electrical engineering, questioning the marketability of this combination compared to a master's in applied physics.
  • Another participant suggests that a dual degree would be beneficial, particularly for fields like game development that require a strong understanding of physics and mathematics.
  • A different viewpoint argues that a dual degree may not significantly enhance marketability and recommends considering a master's in engineering instead, noting that it might involve fewer additional courses than a master's in physics.
  • One participant emphasizes that having more qualifications generally improves marketability and suggests pursuing internships or volunteer positions to enhance job prospects.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment about the importance of additional qualifications and experiences for job market competitiveness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value of a dual degree versus a master's degree, with no consensus reached on which path is more advantageous for marketability. There is general agreement that additional qualifications and experiences can enhance job prospects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential benefits of internships and volunteer work, but there is no detailed discussion on specific job markets or industries, leaving the applicability of these suggestions somewhat open-ended.

grady
Messages
65
Reaction score
2
I am on schedule to graduate with a B.S. in Physics after Fall semester 2003. It will have taken 3 years and one semester from start to finish, and it dawned on me over spring break that I might supplement the physics with computer or electrical engineering. So I calculated it out and it will take 5 years and 1 semester to get the dual degree. If I don't get the dual, I want to go to get a master's degree in applied physics. Which will take 2 or 3 years in itself. I know I don't want a PhD because all of the sources I've looked up say it takes on average 5 to 6.5 years to earn. I don't want to be 29 before I can get a job, that really bothers me, so the PhD is out of the question for me really. So from all of you guys who have gotten degrees in physics or know others that have phys. degrees or know anyting about this kind of stuff how would you compare the marketability of something like physics plus computer engineering B.S.'s with physics and a some ( more that likely ) condensed matter centric applied physics master's degree? Would a master's degree in applied physics or some type of EE be great, good or so so if I had earned the dual degree in phys. and EE or computer engineering? Thanks for the input.

-Grady
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As a student of Computer Science & Engineering, I can say this will be great for you. As I found when we want to design a graphical application, which is geometry related or Game Development which is very much physics dependent needs the depth knowledge of motion and many other math related things. So you can take a chance to work in that area...
 
I don't see a dual degree increasing your marketability. I would check out getting a masters in engineering. Computor engineeering was not available in my time, but would it not mean just a few more courses than when pursuing a masters in physics? It would improve your marketing for either career choice.

Regards
 
I don't know about the degree, but when it comes to marketability, the more you have to offer, the better.
Plus, if there are any internships, volunteer positions, etc., you could do, that would also increase your chances of finding a job. But that advice applies to ANY degree...
 
I don't know about the degree, but when it comes to marketability, the more you have to offer, the better.
Plus, if there are any internships, volunteer positions, etc., you could do, that would also increase your chances of finding a job. But that advice applies to ANY degree...
 

Similar threads

Engineering Masters programs to work in aerospace/defense as an engineer
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
Physics How hard is it to get a job in the semiconducter industry?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Job Skills Degrees with actual guaranteed jobs after graduation?
  • · Replies 80 ·
3
Replies
80
Views
7K
Physics Is getting a Master's degree in physics worth it?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
Physics Need career guidance after masters in physics
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
6K
Physics Physics Degrees and Semiconductor Industry (IC Design?)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
6K
Job Skills How do I make myself more employable?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
Job Skills Physics Careers: Expectations vs. Reality
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Physics Should I apply to do an astrophysics PhD or stick with an engineering job?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
Applied Physics Degree: Is It Misleading to Employers?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K