Bachelors in physics and engphys masters, or vice versa?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process regarding educational pathways in physics and engineering physics. Participants explore the implications of obtaining a bachelor's and master's degree in either field, particularly in relation to career aspirations in industry versus academia, and the associated job opportunities and salary prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to pursue a physics bachelor's followed by an engineering physics master's, or the reverse, and seeks advice on the best path for job opportunities and salary.
  • Another participant suggests that engineering degrees generally offer better job prospects and salaries compared to physics, recommending a focus on applied physics if pursuing a physics degree.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty of achieving tenure as a physics professor, with a participant noting the potential financial burden of graduate education.
  • There is a suggestion to consider universities that provide industry internships for better job prospects in engineering fields.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of research experience for those intending to pursue a PhD in physics, contrasting it with the value of internships for industry jobs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of physics versus engineering degrees for career prospects, with some advocating for engineering as the more practical choice for industry jobs, while others emphasize the importance of pursuing a PhD in physics for those passionate about the subject.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various universities and their strengths in physics and engineering, but there is no consensus on which specific school is best suited for the original poster's goals. The conversation also reflects varying opinions on the relevance of internships versus research experience based on career aspirations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in physics or engineering, particularly those weighing the benefits of different educational paths and their implications for future employment opportunities.

yesno112233
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Should I get a physics bachelors degree and then a engineering physics masters? or a engineering physics bachelors and a physics masters? or should i just go bacherlos and masters engphys, or should i do both bachelors and masters phys. Which is best in terms of salary and job oppurtunities.
My dream is to work for a company like intel, ibm etc. developing a new product; somewhere where i can share my innovative thoughts. However, The best job i can possibly think of having is to be a physics professor, because physics is where my passion lies. But, the path to getting tenure is a very difficult and pain-staking path or so I've heard. ( I plan on getting a phd anyways) I don't want to turn 40 and still be paying off my graduate debts with a meager TA salary.
Im from a toronto high school and have a 91~93 average.I am hoping to either go to ubc uoft waterloo or mcgill, but not sure which school to choose. This is because i don't know what MAJOR to choose as i know that uoft/waterloo are best for engineering whereas mcgill and ubc are more about the physics.

Please correct me if any of the information in this question is false and thank you
P.s. What are my chances in getting into these schools with my marks? (already got accepted to waterloo)
 
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I know a few people who went to work at intel. They have more options open for chemists and engineers than they do physicists, but they do hire PhD physicists.

I say forget the masters in physics...unless its an applied physics, professional science type degree. Then its an engineering degree dressed up as a physics degree, for physics majors to get into engineering. If you want a job in industry, get the right degree. Dont mess around with physics.

The "best" in terms of salary and job opportunities is engineering, not physics. Only do physics if you think you want to go for a PhD in physics.
 
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so, what school would you recommend for my bachelors?
 
In the US? If you want industry jobs you should definitely look for one that touts industry internships in your department. That would probably be one near a population center or even a kind of "tech center" (silicon valley, research triangle, etc.). This could be a place to start; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_technology_centers#Americas Those kinds of places often employ and intern from local universities.

But if you want a to do a PhD in physics then you generally want to do research as an undergrad rather than internships. That is what graduate admissions committees are looking for. In this case you should check out the possible research opportunities within various universities.

As far as course work goes its pretty standard across the board and barring outliers one school is as good as the next.
 

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