Can I switch to EE without any engineering background?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of switching to Electrical Engineering (EE) from a background in Physics, particularly focusing on the necessity of prior engineering coursework and the implications of such a transition on future academic and career choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that transitioning to a Master's program in EE is possible with a Bachelor's in Physics or Math, though they note that PhD programs may be more accommodating than Master's programs.
  • One participant expresses concern about job opportunities for Physics majors compared to Engineering graduates, advocating for an engineering degree as a more practical choice.
  • Another participant argues that a Physics degree could provide a solid foundation for graduate studies, whether in Physics or EE.
  • There is a perception among some that the theoretical depth of science is more appealing than the practical focus of engineering, which could influence the decision to switch majors.
  • Participants discuss the importance of foundational engineering courses, with some expressing a preference for computer science courses over traditional engineering prerequisites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the transition to EE, with some advocating for the benefits of a Physics background while others emphasize the advantages of an engineering degree. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of engineering coursework for a successful transition.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about job prospects, the depth of study in science versus engineering, and the relevance of different academic paths, but these assumptions are not universally agreed upon.

Poop-Loops
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Ok, so in my other thread people told me I can get a BS in Phyics and then if I chicken out of the 7 year Grad. School thing, I can instead get a Masters in EE, yes? I love the idea of having a choice like that.

So, my question is, if I do decide to switch to EE, would I need to have any engineering background? Like if I hadn't taken a single engineering course in my life, could I still do that? Because the only EE class at my school right now is "fundamentals of EE" which is only a 4 credit course. And I'd have to take a bunch of other stuff like statics or whatever as pre-requisites. I'd much rather just take some C++ courses, since I'm really interested in computer science now (but not enough to spend my entire life in a cubicle =/ ). Or, would it pay off in the long run to take those engineering courses instead?

PL
 
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You can absolutely get into graduate EE programs with undergrad degrees in physics or math. I think it's easier for PhD programs though, because Masters degrees tend to want results immediately, so you kinda got to know something about something that you're working on.

There are lots of areas in "EE" that could easily fall into physics, or applied math, or any number of other areas. So if you're looking for a degree that will get you a job while using physics knowledge, it's a good choice.
 
Are you sure you want to be a physics major? I wanted to do that, but unless you get a doctorate in physics, there are not as many job opportunities as an engineering degree. Perhaps you should do engineering and get your bachelors and from there, decide if you want to go to graduate school to get a doctorate in physics. This is my plan anyway, I want to get a degree in nuclear physics.
 
I heard the other way is better. Get a bachelors in Physics, then either go get a doctorate in Physics or switch to EE.

PL
 
i am in third year in nuclear engineer at A&M. i am in the same situation as yours- I want to change my major to physics or computer science which i am good at. I feel a big difference between science and engineer. Science explains things very deep and clear, but engineer doesn't (just my thought). So if u are better at theoretical thinkings. you should go for science.
 
Poop-Loops, if you are absolutely sure you want to go for a doctorate, then that is a better plan. A bachelors in physics would definitely prepare you better for a graduate school.
 
I'm not sure, but people have told me that even if I choose not to get a Ph.D. in Physics, I can switch over to EE no problem.

Computer science is very interesting to me (since I am sure I have OCD. I can stare at my computer and debug code for hours and like it), but I don't want to end up in a cubicle.

PL
 
tackenguyen said:
... I feel a big difference between science and engineer. Science explains things very deep and clear, but engineer doesn't (just my thought). So if u are better at theoretical thinkings. you should go for science.

I don't know about the size of the difference but I wouldn't compare science and engineering, sure science would go deeper but that is not the aim of engineering. Engineering deals with the use of math and science to solve real world problems.
 

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