Can I Pursue Engineering with a Physics Degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for a physics undergraduate degree to facilitate entry into graduate engineering programs. Participants explore the relevance of coursework, personal interests in engineering fields, and the feasibility of transitioning from physics to engineering or finance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the applicability of a physics degree to engineering, questioning whether it is possible to enter a graduate engineering program with such a background.
  • Another participant suggests that the feasibility depends on the specific engineering program and the electives taken during the physics degree.
  • Interest in specific engineering fields such as electrical and aeronautical engineering is mentioned, with a focus on relevant electives like computer science and electronics.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of passion for theoretical physics research, with a preference for more applied fields like engineering or finance.
  • Some participants recommend taking basic engineering courses as electives to strengthen the application for engineering graduate programs.
  • A participant notes that physics provides a strong foundation in math and relevant concepts, which may be beneficial for engineering studies.
  • There is a mention of a previous thread discussing similar concerns, indicating that others have successfully navigated this path.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of checking specific program prerequisites to ensure preparedness for engineering studies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the transition from physics to engineering, with no clear consensus on the best approach or the certainty of success in this pathway. Some believe it is feasible with the right electives, while others question the motivations behind pursuing physics if engineering is the goal.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of elective choices and program prerequisites, but there is uncertainty regarding the specific requirements of different engineering programs and how a physics background may be perceived.

moogull
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Hi physics forum,

I am new to this forum, and I'm very glad it exists.

I have been having a dilemma about my plans for my future for several weeks now, it just seems that I have idea what I am doing with myself...

I am a sophomore in college currently majoring in physics, the only problem I have is what I want/can do with an undergraduate degree in physics (BS). To give you all a little background information about myself, I have always loved learning about the way things work and building things. At the same time, I have noticed that I do not think I have the passion to do research in theoretical physics but I would much rather do something finite. What I really want to do is something in engineering or finances/economics.

My first basic question is: is it possible for me to get into a graduate engineering program with an undergraduate degree in physics?

I appreciate all positive feedback!

thanks -moogull
 
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Depends on the program and (to some degree) what electives you take. If you want to get into an engineering graduate program you should take electives that relate to engineering.
 
Well I like things relating to computers, like semiconductor technology, and I really like machinery (airplanes specifically) so I think electrical and aeronautical apply to me the most?

Also, what sort of electives do you consider relevant? I know I am going to take some computer science, as I am very interested in it and I know it is very relevant to lots of different areas/industries, especially those with engineering.
 
"What I really want to do is something in engineering or finances/economics."

Then why are you majoring in physics?
 
Well I'm not at an engineering school and transferring is not an option for me so I am using physics to learn a skill set that I can hopefully apply to an engineering graduate program, is this possible?
 
moogull said:
Also, what sort of electives do you consider relevant?

It doesn't matter what I think. You should look into programs that seem appealing to you and see what their prerequisites are. For example if you want to be an electrical engineer but have never taken any sort of electronics laboratory, that's going to be a problem.
 
take the basic engineering courses for the type of engineering you want to go into as electives for your physics major, that should do the trick IMO
 
moogull said:
At the same time, I have noticed that I do not think I have the passion to do research in theoretical physics but I would much rather do something finite. What I really want to do is something in engineering or finances/economics.

My first basic question is: is it possible for me to get into a graduate engineering program with an undergraduate degree in physics?

Yes, but I think you'll find things in physics that you'll find interesting. Doing research is more sweat than passion.
 
moogull said:
Well I'm not at an engineering school and transferring is not an option for me so I am using physics to learn a skill set that I can hopefully apply to an engineering graduate program, is this possible?

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=431933

Some people seem to be banking on it's possibility.
 
  • #10
Thank you for that link, its helpful!
 
  • #11
I'm one of the people from that thread hoping to get into an M.S. EE program. A lot of people I've talked to think it's fine. I would take classes like circuits, signal processing, or electronics lab if possible to prepare. At least that's what I'm doing. The good thing is physics gives you a strong background in math, semiconductors, and EM fields and waves.
 
  • #12
moogull said:
transferring is not an option for me
Are you sure?
 
  • #13
I would be giving up a full ride at the school I'm currently at. I can't do that to my parents!
 

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