Undergraduate Majors for a Career in Physics or Engineering

[DR13]

I am interested in both nucler engineering and pure physics. For my undergraduate studies I plan to major in Engineering Physics with a concentration on Nuclear Engineering at the University of Michigan. This involves 14 credits worth of pure physics classes along with 17 credits of an engineering concentration (in my case nuclear engineering). I was wondering if this path would allow me to keep my options open so I could go into either nuclear engineering or physics for graduate school? Or, would it be unwise to split my major like this? Any advice you have will be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
DR13

 

[kote]

I am interested in both nucler engineering and pure physics. For my undergraduate studies I plan to major in Engineering Physics with a concentration on Nuclear Engineering at the University of Michigan. This involves 14 credits worth of pure physics classes along with 17 credits of an engineering concentration (in my case nuclear engineering). I was wondering if this path would allow me to keep my options open so I could go into either nuclear engineering or physics for graduate school? Or, would it be unwise to split my major like this? Any advice you have will be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
DR13

Within engineering, the ABET accreditation attached to the full B.S. can be important. I'm not sure of the accreditation etc of the particular track you are looking at or the relationships the school has with particular employers. If I were you I would start in the normal engineering track. This would give you exposure to all of the basic math and physics courses you would need in engineering or physics. After your first year you may be in a better position to make a decision, and you won't be behind at all.

The physics route is probably best if you want to get a phd and do physics research. The engineering route will probably give you an easier time in the job market. Have you considered a double major or a major with a minor?

 

[DR13]

I have not yet considered a double major but thank you for the advice and I will be sure to look into it. I may do a mathematics minor. The reason for that is because by the end of high school I will be through multivariable calc/diff eq so i would actually only be like one class away.

 

[DR13]

If anyone else has any information it would be much appreciated?