Chemical Engineering and physics?

AI Thread Summary
Chemical engineering is considered a viable option for those interested in job prospects, as it incorporates significant elements of physics and physical chemistry. However, for individuals aiming for a PhD in physics, pursuing a degree in physics or electrical engineering (EE) may be more beneficial, especially for fields like quantum computing and plasma research. While chemical engineering can provide a solid foundation, it may not directly align with interests in experimental physics or advanced technologies like exotic propulsion. Some participants in the discussion emphasize the importance of job security and recommend pursuing engineering, particularly chemical engineering, while others suggest focusing solely on physics if graduate school is the ultimate goal. Overall, the choice of major should align with career aspirations and interests in specific research areas.
TheKracken
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Does anyone know if chemical engineering is any interesting? I am only considering engineering majors now because of job prospects. Chemical Engineering I heard has a lot of physics and physical chemistry in it. I would like to go to grad school in physics and do something experimental and I am curious if this is a good option (with chemical engineering being a backup). My interest lie anywhere from exotic propulsion to quantum computer technologies. Would chemical engineering give me a leg up at all in those? I appreciate any advice.
 
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If you want to go to grad school in physics why do you care about the job prospects of an engineering BS?

If you want a job after your BS, I suggest studying engineering.
If you want to get a physics PhD then I suggest studying physics.
If you want to get a physics PhD but want an engineering degree as a backup, then dual major.
 
My problem is, what engineering should I choose? Since I am a community college student, I have to have all pre reqs done before I transfer, so i am trying to get an idea of which one I should pick. According to my interests, (propulsion, quantum comp, and plasma) is there a engineering that may help with that?
 
If you're wanting to do research in quantum computing, then physics or EE is your best bet. Same for plasma.
 
TheKracken said:
Does anyone know if chemical engineering is any interesting? I am only considering engineering majors now because of job prospects. Chemical Engineering I heard has a lot of physics and physical chemistry in it. I would like to go to grad school in physics and do something experimental and I am curious if this is a good option (with chemical engineering being a backup). My interest lie anywhere from exotic propulsion to quantum computer technologies. Would chemical engineering give me a leg up at all in those? I appreciate any advice.

It depends. I certainly enjoy being a ChemE, but I would never ever get a PhD in anything. I would not recommend a double major.

If you are interested in having job security, do engineering. Do Chemical Engineering.

Or at least further into it.
 
I study chemical engineering as well. I have taken a few classes in other engineering disciplines, such as EE and mechanics. I like chemical engineering the most of what I have tried, thankfully.

Most of it is thermodynamics as well as calculations if pumping through pipes and figuring out how much conversion you will get in a chemical reactor with certain specifications. It doesn't seem to be related to what you are talking about.

Look through my old homework questions to get an idea of what kind of questions chemical engineers solve in my post archive.
 
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