Programs Should I Switch from ECE to Physics for my Undergraduate Degree?

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The discussion centers on the dilemma of a sophomore electrical and computer engineering major considering a switch to physics due to limited ECE programs at small colleges. Concerns are raised about the practical applicability of higher-level physics, with an emphasis on the importance of job prospects after graduation. Participants advise against pursuing physics for undergrad if the goal is to enter the workforce or graduate school in computer science or computer engineering, highlighting that engineering degrees typically offer better job security. The conversation underscores the disconnect between physics education and real-world applications, particularly in relation to computer engineering, suggesting that a focus on engineering is more beneficial for career outcomes.
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Hello, I am currently a sophomore electrical and computer engineering major at a liberal arts college. I am applying for transfer for next year. Due to the lack of small schools that offer ECE, I am now considering switching to physics. I am not sure if this is a good idea as the things in higher level physics, from what I heard, are hardly applicable to real life, however interesting they are. I most likely will go to graduate school in CS or Computer Engineering. Regardless of where I end up, I will take a lot of CS classes. Is this a good idea?
 
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If your doing engineering, don't bother with physics. Don't do what I did and go into physics for an undergrad only to change your mind about graduate school. Getting a job as a physics undergrad is not possible unless your good at something else. Instead do engineering so you know you will have a job coming out of college. This is just my experience and the experience of all my classmates have had. Depending on what your interested in physics for, you may not even see the material your interested in unless you get into grad school or if your school even does that sort of research. Besides, I've done computer engineering and have taken some EE courses. CPE especially has nothing to do with physics.
 
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?

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