Question about Graduate Studies in Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering (EE) after completing a bachelor's degree in physics. Participants explore the implications of such a transition, including application requirements and the impact of academic performance on admission chances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a physics background can be advantageous for applying to graduate programs in EE, while others caution that applicants may need stronger credentials compared to those with an engineering background.
  • A participant questions what constitutes a "stronger set of application credentials" and seeks clarification on the implications of having a GPA of 3.5 for admission chances.
  • One participant shares their experience with their physics instructor, indicating that they were encouraged to pursue graduate studies in EE, highlighting the flexibility of transitioning from physics.
  • Another participant mentions the requirement of taking humanities or social science courses in Canadian engineering programs, expressing concern about how this might affect their grades compared to staying in physics.
  • There is a discussion about the perceived benefits of humanities courses, with one participant noting that such classes improved their grades, while another emphasizes the importance of strong writing skills in a physics career.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of stronger application credentials for physics majors compared to engineering majors, and there is no consensus on the impact of humanities courses on overall academic performance.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors influencing graduate school applications, including GPA, coursework, and the perceived value of diverse academic backgrounds, but do not resolve the implications of these factors on admission outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition from physics to electrical engineering at the graduate level, as well as those interested in the role of humanities in STEM education.

zhongsan
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This might seem to be a silly question. But is it possible to pursue a grudate degree in electrical engineering after I complete a bachelor's degree in physics? And if it's possible, do I need higher GPA than a person with bachelor's degree in engineering to get in? Thank you very much.
 
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In general, you may need to have a stronger set of application credentials than an engineering major, because of the risk that you bring with you. In some places however, diversity is welcome, and an engineer with a physics background would be considered an asset.
 
Thank you very much for your answer. But what do you mean by "a stronger set of application credentials"? If I have a GPA of 3.5, what are my chances of being admitted?
 
My physics instructor said I could do that. That's one of the reasons I decided to stick to physics instead of switching to EE. If I decide I don't want to do EE, I'll go into some other area, but I couldn't really do that with straight EE. I might have to take a few extra classes, but I think I'll be fine.

PL
 
Poop-Loops said:
My physics instructor said I could do that. That's one of the reasons I decided to stick to physics instead of switching to EE. If I decide I don't want to do EE, I'll go into some other area, but I couldn't really do that with straight EE. I might have to take a few extra classes, but I think I'll be fine.

PL

I'm kind of in the same situation here. Plus here in Canada we are required to take one humanity/social science course per semester(almost) if we are in an undergrad engineering program. Those are definitely going to destroy my grade. So I suppose I'll get a better grade if I stay in physics.
 
Really? Those are the classes that BOOSTED my grades. :P Intro to Sociology, Intro to Psychology. Now I just need a humanities course. I'm thinking of challenging myself with a writing class and actually learning something, but I don't know...

How useful is persuasive writing in physics?

PL
 
I don't know about persuasive writing exactly, but being able to write VERY WELL is essential to a career as a professional physicist. Having to write proposals for funding, reports for the funding once you obtain it and the papers that come out of the research are truly essential to being a physicist. One of the classes I am now most thankful I took as an undergrad was an intensive writing course. It has helped me secure a good amount of funding for my Ph.D. research.
Hope this helps.
 

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