Can't decide between Electrical Engineering and Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dilemma of choosing between Electrical Engineering and Physics as fields of study and career paths. Participants explore personal motivations, career prospects, and the nature of work in both disciplines, including considerations for graduate education and specific interests like Nuclear Physics and Accelerator Physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between Electrical Engineering and Physics, suggesting that the decision may be more psychological than logical.
  • A participant with a PhD in Electrical Engineering shares insights about job prospects, indicating that while Nuclear Physics is fascinating, it may not offer as many career opportunities compared to Electrical Engineering.
  • Some participants question why the choice is limited to Electrical Engineering and Physics, suggesting alternatives like Engineering Physics.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of personal enjoyment and intellectual challenge in selecting a degree, mentioning a desire to create new technologies.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of pursuing both fields, particularly in the context of Accelerator Physics, with differing views on the roles of engineers and physicists in that area.
  • One participant argues that studying Electrical Engineering provides more flexibility and job opportunities compared to specializing solely in Accelerator Physics.
  • A participant mentions their experience in solid-state device physics, highlighting the balance between industry-oriented work and research that may not lead to job security.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path to take, with multiple competing views on the merits of Electrical Engineering versus Physics, the relevance of interdisciplinary programs, and the nature of work in fields like Accelerator Physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty about career goals and the implications of their educational choices, highlighting the complexity of decision-making in academic and professional contexts.

  • #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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