Programs Physics degree vs. Engineering vs. Applied Math

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the decision-making process regarding academic paths related to math, with a focus on pursuing degrees in Physics, Engineering, or Applied Math. The individual expresses a desire to study applications of math rather than pure math, considering options for double majors. A contributor shares their experience as a software developer with degrees in Physics and Applied Math, noting that not having an engineering degree has not hindered their career. The conversation also highlights the importance of passion in choosing a major, emphasizing that success in school requires significant dedication. The individual is particularly interested in exploring career opportunities beyond academia after graduate school and is contemplating the feasibility of combining an engineering degree with a math double major, acknowledging the challenges involved.
thrill3rnit3
Gold Member
Messages
716
Reaction score
1
Pros and cons of each? I want my future to have something to do with Math [ it's my passion duh ], but I'd rather study an application of it than in it's purety [ though that's still not out of the question ].

So right now I'm considering getting a Physics degree, or maybe an Engineering [ still not sure what - anyone help? ] or an Applied Math degree [ with a specialization closely related to the previous two ].

Any suggestions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Of course I'm also considering a double major.

Although what to major on is still a question for me.
 
Quick answer... Do what you love. To be successful in school, you're going to have to spend a LOT of time working on it.

Myself, I'm a full-time software developer with degrees in Physics (undergrad) and Applied Math (master's). I have never found the lack of an "engineering" degree to be a handicap in my work. Of course, your mileage may vary.
 
I would love to do ANY of these. I guess my question would be more about my future after studying. I'm planning to continue on to graduate school, but other than academia work, what other opportunities are there?

I'm leaning towards:

1. applied math (any ideas for a double major?)
2. physics (with a math double major)
3. engineering (unsure what speciality, again with a math double major)
 
Depends on the school, but doing a second degree to go with an engineering degree is a pretty tall order
 
Yeah that's what people are telling me. So if I do take the engineering path it would probably just be that or a minor in something.
 
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
Hello, I’m an undergraduate student pursuing degrees in both computer science and physics. I was wondering if anyone here has graduated with these degrees and applied to a physics graduate program. I’m curious about how graduate programs evaluated your applications. In addition, if I’m interested in doing research in quantum fields related to materials or computational physics, what kinds of undergraduate research experiences would be most valuable?
Back
Top