Applied Math or Electrical Engineering (Active Duty Military)

[Tjcarney]

I am currently active duty military and an aspiring physicist(probably theoretical but I haven't decided). I'm planning to take college classes online but there aren't any accredited physics degree programs that are online (at least that I found). The next best thing that I can find are 2 Electrical Engineering degree programs(both ABET accredited) and an Applied Mathemmatics degree(
Regionally accredited). What be a better major considering my goals. Also are my priorities even right (ie. should I be more worried about the type of school over degree). I thank you in advance for any advice given.

 

[PhanthomJay]

With an interest in Physics, EE is much better for you than Applied Math. EE requires a number of Physics courses and is not an easy degree to complete, and is not a substitute if you are truly interested in theoretical physics or a degree in other physics disciplines. You would take courses in electricity , magnetism, waves, optics, communication, power generation and transmission, for example, but not necessarily quantum physics or modern physics; also, an on line course for a EE degree takes many years to complete. A degree from an accredited college you would attend in person is preferred, if that option was available to you. As an employer, I think I'd be a bit cautious hiring someone with an online degree for the full course of study at the undergrad level.

 

[scottdave]

Are you going to try to get the entire degree online? I suppose that is possible. There were no online courses when I was in the Navy, but several people on my ship took correspondence courses. They were taking some courses which would be basic to any college degree, not specific to a program. I wouldn't limit myself to a program, just because it is online. Research what you think you would like, what you think you'll be good in, and you think you can use. If you are just starting in college, I don't think you need to commit to a program right off the bat. Just some thoughts.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It's going to take you a while to finish your degree working part time, especially as the military tries to ensure its junior enlisted have as little free time as possible. I'd start by trying to get some of the general education courses out of the way, and use that as a way to calibrate how much time college will take. In a few years, we can discuss the end game.

 

[gleem]

How long do you expect to remain in the service before you can enroll in a university. What is you educational background? If you will only be taking a course or two a semester and may only be taking half dozen courses before you are discharged then considering your leaning toward theoretical physics math courses would be the best choice and I would say that even if you didn't choose theoretical physics. especially if you have not had Calculus. Just be sure that the credit will be transferable to the university when you get out. That's what I would do.

 

[Tjcarney]

Thank you all for your input. As far as my educational background goes, I've only been to high school. However I've learned a lot of science and math (including some differential and integral calculus) and I think I've gotten somewhat of a feel for how much learning I can get done while working. I have 4 1/2 years left on my enlistment, after that I plan on getting out and going to college to finish whatever might be left of my undergraduate degree. I guess what my question is, what credits are more important to get while I'm in.

 

[qspeechc]

"Applied Maths" is really a broad term, it can mean many things, depending on the department. It can mean anything from Industrial Mathematics, to Numerical Analysis, to Mathematical Physics, etc.

 

[Drakkith]

I have 4 1/2 years left on my enlistment, after that I plan on getting out and going to college to finish whatever might be left of my undergraduate degree. I guess what my question is, what credits are more important to get while I'm in.

One option would be to focus on getting an associate degree in science (or something similar). That way you'll have your more fundamental math and science courses knocked out and also have a few humanities-type classes as well. Most universities will accept these classes as transfer credits and you can probably start working on your upper level courses fairly quickly.

If you already have an idea about where you want to go to school after your enlistment is up, then you should check with that university and make sure that your plans match with what they will accept.