Can't decide between Electrical Engineering and Physics

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the dilemma of choosing between Electrical Engineering (EE) and Physics, particularly Nuclear Physics. Participants emphasize the career flexibility and higher job demand associated with a PhD in Electrical Engineering compared to the limited opportunities in Nuclear Physics. They highlight that both fields often lead to similar work environments, especially in research settings like national labs. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that if a student is undecided, pursuing Electrical Engineering is a more pragmatic choice due to its broader applications and job prospects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Electrical Engineering principles and applications
  • Familiarity with Nuclear Physics concepts
  • Knowledge of career pathways in academia and industry for both fields
  • Awareness of the job market dynamics for engineers versus physicists
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the job market for Electrical Engineers and Nuclear Physicists
  • Explore graduate programs in Electrical Engineering and their specializations
  • Investigate interdisciplinary fields such as Engineering Physics
  • Learn about the career trajectories of professionals with PhDs in both disciplines
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for undergraduate students contemplating a major in Electrical Engineering or Physics, career advisors, and professionals evaluating the job market in these fields.

  • #31
I am not sure about engineering physics. There seems to be no uniformity in the schools in the programs that I am quite familiar with. First there is the name "engineering physics". Some schools have a program in engineering science, some in mechanics, some in geodesy (from various departments e.g. civil engineering), some in applied physics, etc.

Generalizing, (and this always leads to trouble), I have seen some programs where engineering physics (or what it is called) is a less rigorous program, than either the programs in physics, or engineering. I have also seen some programs where the student has to have exceptional engineering and physics, and good mathematics training thrown in. Unfortunately, the transcript may not distinguish to the employer, whether the program at the particular schools was very rigorous, and strong or a fall back for students from physics and/or engineering who have run into difficulty.

It would be best to take a very good look at a prospective program in "engineering physics" or whatever it is called, and see if it is sufficiently interesting to you.
You may need to consult sources to examine how the programs are perceived by employers.
 

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