Aerospace Engineering or Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering (AE) or Physics, focusing on the implications for job opportunities, particularly in the space industry, and the necessary qualifications for research roles in both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in physics but is uncertain if engineering, specifically AE, would be a better fit for their career aspirations.
  • Another participant notes that pursuing research in physics typically requires a PhD, and similarly, most engineering research positions also tend to require a PhD.
  • It is suggested that a Physics undergraduate degree could lead to a Master's in engineering, although the reverse path may be more challenging.
  • Concerns are raised about the cyclical nature of the aerospace industry, with some suggesting that a Master's degree could provide opportunities for research roles.
  • One participant highlights the importance of defining specific interests within the space industry to better guide educational choices.
  • There is a viewpoint that designing space instruments is often done by physicists who specialize in applied physics and instrumentation, rather than by aerospace engineers.
  • Another participant emphasizes that studying physics allows for a broader range of opportunities and the ability to specialize later on, which may be beneficial for someone uncertain about their career path.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the merits of pursuing AE versus Physics, with no clear consensus on which path is definitively better. Some participants advocate for studying physics due to its versatility, while others highlight the specific applications of AE in the aerospace sector.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the need for advanced degrees for research roles in both fields, but there are varying opinions on the specific requirements and pathways to enter the space industry. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding job market conditions and the nature of roles available in aerospace versus physics.

Mulz
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I'm planning on studying for 5 years. In general I like physics, literally all aspects of it. However I'm not sure if I should go for AE instead.

Is studying AE is very limiting as opposed to the other engineering branches? (in terms of job opportunities in the aero field)

I want to study any type of physics, the problem is that I'm not sure engineering would be right for me. I like the idea of studying AE, but not sure if I would be happy doing that. On the other hand I have physics, I absolutely love studying physics but I'm not sure a Master's would be enough for me to get a relevant job (research).

In this case physics is the safest major, I know that I would enjoy it since I studied it last year at university. But I'm also considering AE, maybe I would like it more?

Regarding AE I would rather like to get a job in the space industry (which seems unlikely), is this major too risky?
 
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If you go physics with plans of doing research, count on needing a PhD. In fact, I believe most engineering research positions also tend to be PhDs. You could go for a Physics undergrad and then go into a Masters engineering program, though I'd wager the reverse would be much more difficult.

What do you want to do in the space industry? That might help people direct you considering just how vast that industry is.
 
My two cents:
The aerospace industry is notoriously cyclical, but there are opportunities for people with Master degrees and a smart person can work his way into research eventually. Most Engineering masters degree programs would require a large number of engineering undergrad courses before being accepted. Research in physics would probably need a PhD and they are among the most difficult degrees to obtain.
 
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TJGilb said:
If you go physics with plans of doing research, count on needing a PhD. In fact, I believe most engineering research positions also tend to be PhDs. You could go for a Physics undergrad and then go into a Masters engineering program, though I'd wager the reverse would be much more difficult.

What do you want to do in the space industry? That might help people direct you considering just how vast that industry is.
I like the idea of designing space intruments, basically objects that are meant to be in that hostile environment and function properly. Wouldn't a masters degree in this engineering help? Not sure there are PhD for that in my country.

With normal physics I like literally everything, its just fun, that's why I assume it's the safer choice.
 
Mulz said:
I like the idea of designing space intruments, basically objects that are meant to be in that hostile environment and function properly. Wouldn't a masters degree in this engineering help? Not sure there are PhD for that in my country.

With normal physics I like literally everything, its just fun, that's why I assume it's the safer choice.

AE is more about designing the fuselage, engines and general systems engineering. I think space instruments and other isolated, specialised exotic equipment are in fact often designed by physicists who've specialised in applied physics & instrumentation. The reason for this is that physicists are quite good at dealing with a completely novel problem and producing something workable.

Anyway if you like physics I'd recommend just studying physics. You'll get many opportunities to pick courses that interest you and hence specialise in whatever direction you'd like. Also, it's quite common that kids out of HS have no idea what they really want to do, and physics keeps many doors open.
 
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Wminus said:
AE is more about designing the fuselage, engines and general systems engineering. I think space instruments and other isolated, specialised exotic equipment are in fact often designed by physicists who've specialised in applied physics & instrumentation. The reason for this is that physicists are quite good at dealing with a completely novel problem and producing something workable.

Anyway if you like physics I'd recommend just studying physics. You'll get many opportunities to pick courses that interest you and hence specialise in whatever direction you'd like. Also, it's quite common that kids out of HS have no idea what they really want to do, and physics keeps many doors open.
Ok then, physics it is.
 

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