Can a High Schooler Start Planning for a Ph.D in Engineering?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicknaq
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Path Ph.d
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a high school student's considerations for pursuing a Ph.D. in engineering or physics, including the implications of their choices on future research opportunities and academic careers. Participants explore various educational paths, the nature of research in different fields, and the potential for switching disciplines during undergraduate studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong desire to pursue a Ph.D. for research jobs, indicating a commitment to long-term academic goals.
  • Another participant shares recent acceptances into multiple programs, seeking input on their educational choices.
  • Some participants suggest that the type of research one is interested in may influence the decision between physics and engineering, noting that physics may lead to more fundamental research opportunities.
  • There is a discussion about the job market in academia, with some participants warning that academic positions can be scarce and competitive, which raises concerns about relying on an academic career.
  • Others propose that starting with a general first year in physical sciences could provide flexibility to switch fields later, which some participants find appealing.
  • Concerns are raised about focusing too early on a Ph.D. path, with suggestions that gaining broader knowledge in undergraduate studies may be more beneficial initially.
  • Participants inquire about the reputation of specific programs, such as McGill's faculty of science and engineering, indicating a need for more information on these institutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the viability of pursuing an academic career in physics versus engineering, with some cautioning against relying on academic positions while others emphasize the importance of exploring personal interests in research. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the competitive nature of academic jobs and the potential challenges in transitioning between fields, but do not reach a consensus on the best approach to planning for a Ph.D. or the implications of their educational choices.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering undergraduate programs in STEM fields, particularly those interested in research careers or contemplating graduate studies.

nicknaq
Messages
67
Reaction score
0
They seem so similar, at least in the research, Ph.D area.

I am in grade 12 right now, the last year of high school. I am 100% willing to pursue a Ph.D down the road, as I know that is required for research jobs. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Bump! This is really a pressing decision for me so ANY HELP would be appreciated.

Oh! I have some good news too!
I've been accepted into: (drum roll)
McGill Chemical Engineering
McGill Physical Sciences
Waterloo Nanotech Engineering
Waterloo Physical Sciences
University of Saskatchewan Physics

And Shad Valley for the summer. Yahoo!

Now I need your input!

Thanks everyone.
 


I suppose it would depend on what kind of research you're interested in. Going the physics route will lead more directly into the more fundamental type research. Although, that isn't always the case. The research I'm involved in is entirely applied physics. It's fairly common advice here that if you chose that path, not to count on an academic position as they are few and far between. That's not to say that there are no jobs for physicists. Most of us do reasonably well, even outside of academia.

Going the engineering route will give you a specific profession, but the opportunities for getting involved in research, especially at the fundamental level, will not be as numerous. Also the skill set is somewhat different from that of a physicist as there is more emphasis placed on design and application of known principles.

The good news is that it's not actually that difficult to switch. Take a reasonably general first year if you haven't decided and get involved with different student groups to learn more about each area. From an undergraduate point of view transferring after first year can seem tough because it can add on an extra semester to the time it takes to graduate, but an extra semester in the grand scheme of things really isn't that big of a deal if it gets you where you want to be.
 


Choppy said:
It's fairly common advice here that if you chose that path, not to count on an academic position as they are few and far between.

Really?? That's news to me. Are you saying that it is a risk I shouldn't be taking - banking on a job in academia?

Choppy said:
The good news is that it's not actually that difficult to switch.

That's what I'm leaning towards- a general first year enrolled in physical sciences. Then I can switch. I'm also even considering Environment. I think it would be so sweet to do field work.
 


by the way, does anyone have any reviews of McGill's faculty of science or engineering?
 


nicknaq said:
Really?? That's news to me. Are you saying that it is a risk I shouldn't be taking - banking on a job in academia?

Yes. Jobs in academia can be hard to comeby, near impossible depending on the topic of interest. Each working academic will mentor numbers up-to tens of PhD students. These students are then all competing with each other for jobs: it can be especially difficult since those in academia will most often stay there, the jobs last a long time.

nicknaq said:
That's what I'm leaning towards- a general first year enrolled in physical sciences. Then I can switch. I'm also even considering Environment. I think it would be so sweet to do field work.

To be honest, though it is great to get an idea of where you would like to go - such that it acts as a motivation for success in your studies, it's advisable to not focus too much on things like a PhD just yet. You've still got a long way to go and a lot to learn about where you would like to end up.

Hopefully covering things in your general physical sciences first year will give you a better understanding of which course you would prefer as an undergraduate - this will give a flavour for research also, engineers and physicists tackle potentially very different subject matters.
 


nicknaq said:
Bump! This is really a pressing decision for me so ANY HELP would be appreciated.

Oh! I have some good news too!
I've been accepted into: (drum roll)
McGill Chemical Engineering
McGill Physical Sciences
Waterloo Nanotech Engineering
Waterloo Physical Sciences
University of Saskatchewan Physics

And Shad Valley for the summer. Yahoo!

Now I need your input!

Thanks everyone.

Wow that's really impressive, Engineering in McGill?
 


flyingpig said:
Wow that's really impressive, Engineering in McGill?

Thanks bro
Is it a good program ? I don't know anything about it to be honest. I'm just going there cause I like Montreal a lot
 

Similar threads

Programs Need advice about applying to Ph.D. programs
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Universities for Research in Dynamical Systems of Fluids
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Physics Research as Electrical Engineer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Looking for Computer Engineering advice (going into 8th grade next year)
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Research Area for Nuclear Engineering Ph.D
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Schools Survived First Year of Physics Ph.D Program Now What
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Steps to take to pursue a Ph.D in Physics with a Math degree
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Admissions What Path Should I Take to Become a Clinical Medical Physicist?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Admissions Ph.D. admission in Europe with average grades, no recommendations
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
26K
Admissions (international) My chances of getting into top Astrophysics programs?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K