Breaking Out of a Boring Career: Advancing with a Degree in Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential career paths and job opportunities available to someone with a BS in physics, particularly for an individual transitioning from a software engineering background. Participants explore the implications of pursuing a physics degree, the relevance of prior experience in computer science, and the financial considerations involved in such a career shift.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to transition from software engineering to a more scientific career in physics, questioning the job prospects with only a BS in physics and the potential benefits of combining it with a CS degree.
  • Another participant suggests that achieving a salary of $100k+ may be unrealistic for someone entering the field with a BS in physics, noting that many with advanced degrees in CS earn less.
  • Location is highlighted as a significant factor affecting salary and job opportunities, with one participant mentioning the high cost of living in DC.
  • Some participants indicate that a BS in physics may not lead to high-paying positions without further education, suggesting that many BS graduates work in defense or engineering-centric companies, typically starting around $60k.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between certified engineers and those with a physics degree, with the latter generally unable to obtain certification without an appropriate engineering degree.
  • One participant proposes exploring computer or electrical engineering as a potentially more lucrative option with a BS degree.
  • Questions arise regarding the value of pursuing an MS or PhD in physics, with some suggesting that a PhD is necessary for academic research, while industry research may not require it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of transitioning to a physics career with a BS degree, the realistic salary expectations, and the necessity of further education for meaningful work in the field. No consensus is reached regarding the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the variability in job opportunities and salaries based on location and individual circumstances. There are also unresolved questions about the specific qualifications needed for various engineering roles and the implications of pursuing further education in physics.

rockytriton
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Hi, I'm currently working as a software engineer, I have a BS degree in computer science and I've been working in the field for about 10 years. I have a lot of experience and am quite good in most areas of software development. The problem is that I'm getting really bored with my career and want to do something more scientific. I've been teaching myself physics through a couple textbooks that I got and I'm currently loving physics and thinking about going back to school to get a BS in physics (probably at umw.edu).

My question is, what kind of jobs could I get with a BS only in physics and would it help having that and a BS in CS? The problem is that I can't really go for something entry level, I have a wife and kids and I'm the only one who works, so I would need to get a position where I could make 100k+ because I can't really afford to get paid much less than I do now. Does anyone have any advice? Should I just give up this dream because it's unrealistic and stick to my current career and just stay bored?
 
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rockytriton said:
Hi, I'm currently working as a software engineer, I have a BS degree in computer science and I've been working in the field for about 10 years. I have a lot of experience and am quite good in most areas of software development. The problem is that I'm getting really bored with my career and want to do something more scientific. I've been teaching myself physics through a couple textbooks that I got and I'm currently loving physics and thinking about going back to school to get a BS in physics (probably at umw.edu).

My question is, what kind of jobs could I get with a BS only in physics and would it help having that and a BS in CS? The problem is that I can't really go for something entry level, I have a wife and kids and I'm the only one who works, so I would need to get a position where I could make 100k+ because I can't really afford to get paid much less than I do now. Does anyone have any advice? Should I just give up this dream because it's unrealistic and stick to my current career and just stay bored?
I don't think 100k is realistic for a "first timer" if you know what I mean. I'm not saying that it is impossible, but that is a LOT of money, but I guess it depends where you live, too. If you are making 100k as a software engineer, I would stick with it. I know doctor's of CS who make a lot less than that.
 
yea location makes a huge difference, I live in DC where a small town house costs 700k
 
rockytriton said:
Hi, I'm currently working as a software engineer, I have a BS degree in computer science and I've been working in the field for about 10 years. I have a lot of experience and am quite good in most areas of software development. The problem is that I'm getting really bored with my career and want to do something more scientific. I've been teaching myself physics through a couple textbooks that I got and I'm currently loving physics and thinking about going back to school to get a BS in physics (probably at umw.edu).

My question is, what kind of jobs could I get with a BS only in physics and would it help having that and a BS in CS? The problem is that I can't really go for something entry level, I have a wife and kids and I'm the only one who works, so I would need to get a position where I could make 100k+ because I can't really afford to get paid much less than I do now. Does anyone have any advice? Should I just give up this dream because it's unrealistic and stick to my current career and just stay bored?

Unless you're wanting to go into more into hardware engineering that software engineering, a BS in physics doesn't do much for you. BS graduates don't work as physicists. I know some people who get their BS and choose not to do grad school either choose to teach high school, or they go to companies like Raytheon, Lockheed, Agilent, Northrop Grumman, etc. You probably wouldn't be looking at a pay cut, but it wouldn't be much of a raise either.
 
not really looking for a raise in money, just a raise in interest in my work.
 
rockytriton said:
not really looking for a raise in money, just a raise in interest in my work.


Well as I said, the BS graduates I know that have not gone to grad school work in defense, electronics, or other engineering-centric companies usually. The starting salaries that people I know have been offered are usually around $60k, but someone with two BSs and some years of experience wouldn't get a starting salary. You'd probably be doing hardware research/design type stuff (since you can't technically work as a certified engineer with a physics degree).

As a caveat this is just based on what I've heard from graduating seniors in the physics department.
 
this sounds like the kinda stuff that I would like to do, research and design. Excuse my ignorance, but what is a certified engineer? Someone with a mechanical engineering degree?
 
rockytriton said:
this sounds like the kinda stuff that I would like to do, research and design. Excuse my ignorance, but what is a certified engineer? Someone with a mechanical engineering degree?

In general in order to work as an engineer you have to certified by a state licensing board (this isn't true of software work, but it is true of fields where people tend to die when you mess up, mech engineering, aero engineering, architecture engineering, etc.). In order to be certified, you have to have an appropriate engineering degree, people with a BS in physics generally can't be certified engineers.
 
I think you should check out Computer/Electrical Engnieering. I think that would be your best bet to get a high paying job with only a BS.
 
  • #10
Nothing000 said:
I think you should check out Computer/Electrical Engnieering. I think that would be your best bet to get a high paying job with only a BS.

ok, what if I decided to go on for an MS? Would that be any different or do I pretty much need to get a PhD to do anything worthwhile in physics?
 
  • #11
rockytriton said:
ok, what if I decided to go on for an MS? Would that be any different or do I pretty much need to get a PhD to do anything worthwhile in physics?


Depends on what you consider worthwhile. To work in academic research you pretty much need a PhD (or be on your to getting one). To work in industry research, this is not necessarily the case.
 

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