Choose Between Physics & Mechanical Engineering: Advice from Experienced People

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process between pursuing a physics degree versus a mechanical engineering degree. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding job prospects, personal interests, and educational paths in the context of these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of interest in experimental courses in physics but enjoys dynamics and relativity, questioning what factors to consider when choosing between physics and mechanical engineering.
  • Another participant asserts that the primary reason for attending college should be career preparation, suggesting that this should influence the choice between physics and engineering.
  • Several participants note that job opportunities for physicists are generally lower compared to engineers, particularly for those who dislike the applied or experimental aspects of physics.
  • One participant advises against studying physics if the goal is not to become a physicist, emphasizing the uncertainty of job prospects in academia compared to engineering.
  • A participant suggests that engineering can provide a sufficient physics education while also preparing students for practical applications, recommending a dual degree for those interested in both fields.
  • Another participant shares their experience of pursuing a double degree in physics and engineering, highlighting the differences in curriculum and the potential benefits of such a path.
  • A correction is made regarding the spelling of "physics," with a note on the meaning of "physic" in a different context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the value of physics versus engineering, with some emphasizing the importance of job prospects and others focusing on personal interest and educational fulfillment. There is no consensus on the best path, as multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the uncertainty surrounding job prospects for physics graduates, particularly for those who do not enjoy experimental work. There are also discussions about the overlap between physics and engineering curricula, which may not be as significant as some assume.

magnas
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Hi,
Currently i am doing a physics major(first semester) and even though i hated it the experimental courses, I loved the dynamics part with a touch on the relativity. Right now, i am not planning to be a physicst, i am doing this for educational and interest purpose only.
When one asks himself between physics and let s say mechanical engineering, what should he consider?
Also, i am a little concerned about job prospects, but i believe that a physics degree can provide a great basis for in fact, any field.
I would like to know opinions from experimented person, and if you could specify your current status it would be great. Thanks!
 
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I am of the strong opinion that for just about everyone, by far the most important reason to go to college is to prepare for a career. It should therefore be the basis for such decisions.
 
Job opportunities for a Physicist are lower than those of an engineer...
 
Andrakes said:
Job opportunities for a Physicist are lower than those of an engineer...

Especially if you're the type of physics major who hates the applied/experimental side of things.
 
Andrakes said:
Job opportunities for a Physicist are lower than those of an engineer...

thegreenlaser said:
Especially if you're the type of physics major who hates the applied/experimental side of things.

I agree.

If you aren't planning on being a physicist, you should start looking into other fields. Yes physics is interesting, but it's more difficult getting a job with a BS in physics than with a BS in engineering.
 
If you really don't want to be a physicist, don't study physics, quite simply.

If you want some degree of certainty of the jobs you'll have after graduating, you'd probably be better off not going for an academic career like physics or math and pursuing a profession like engineering. That probably goes double if you're shelling out a lot of money for your education like in the states or in the UK.

If you're not running up huge debt for your undergrad (or getting it fully paid for as I am) maybe an academic career is ok if you are really convinced you enjoy what you're studying, but don't place any bets on what kind of job you'll get. At least you'll spend 4-5 years doing what you like without ending up in debt.

But if you don't like entry level experimental courses in a physics degree, I think you'd be pretty miserable in engineering, irrespective of job prospects.
 
Engineering ought to give you a handful in physics education to maybe satiate your thirst, and shows you how we use it in reality. If you're that ambitious you can only do a dual degree, since most subjects overlap nicely...
 
Femme_physics said:
Engineering ought to give you a handful in physics education to maybe satiate your thirst, and shows you how we use it in reality. If you're that ambitious you can only do a dual degree, since most subjects overlap nicely...

Electrical Engineering did not satiate my desire for physics knowledge, which is why I did a double degree in physics. OP, see if you can do something like that; I know more theory than most engineering undergraduates and a lot more experimental methods than any ugrad physics majors I know. Engineering and physics classes do not overlap as much as most would like to think, and even in the subjects that do they don't overlap nicely. Maybe look for an accredited engineering physics degree or like I said try to double major.
 
magnas said:
Hi,
Currently i am doing a physics major(first semester) and even though i hated it the experimental courses, I loved the dynamics part with a touch on the relativity. Right now, i am not planning to be a physicst, i am doing this for educational and interest purpose only.
When one asks himself between physics and let s say mechanical engineering, what should he consider?
Also, i am a little concerned about job prospects, but i believe that a physics degree can provide a great basis for in fact, any field.
I would like to know opinions from experimented person, and if you could specify your current status it would be great. Thanks!

By the way, it's spelled "physics", not "physic". "physic" is a medicine that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.

BiP
 

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