Choose Between Physics or Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process between choosing a major in Physics or Electrical Engineering, with participants sharing personal experiences, concerns, and insights related to both fields. The scope includes theoretical interests, practical applications, career opportunities, and self-directed learning in STEM disciplines.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in Physics for its theoretical aspects and the desire to understand life, but raises concerns about job prospects and the necessity of advanced degrees.
  • Another participant shares their experience of choosing Engineering, highlighting the satisfaction of applying physics in practical contexts and the ability to pursue astrophysics as a hobby.
  • A third participant contemplates the trade-offs of choosing Electrical Engineering for better job opportunities while feeling they would miss out on learning Physics comprehensively.
  • Some participants discuss the challenges and successes of self-learning complex physics topics outside of formal education, indicating a personal commitment to exploring both fields independently.
  • Questions arise about how to determine which topics to study independently, with some participants suggesting that an engineering background allows for flexibility in pursuing personal interests in science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of perspectives on the merits and drawbacks of each major, with no clear consensus on which path is superior. Concerns about job opportunities, the depth of knowledge in each field, and the feasibility of self-learning are common themes, but opinions vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention personal experiences and preferences, which may not reflect broader trends in job markets or educational outcomes. The discussion includes subjective assessments of learning challenges and career satisfaction.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a major in Physics or Engineering, individuals interested in the intersection of theoretical and applied sciences, and those exploring self-directed learning in STEM fields may find this discussion relevant.

JScarIII
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Physics Or Engineering?

I am having difficulty with choosing a major: Physics or Electrical Engineering(Micro&Nano)...

Physics becuase every concept is like doorways to understanding life! I like be theoretical and imagining possibilties. All physics interest me so i wouldn't know what i want specifically until later. Problems with majoring in Physics: 1. Going to have to get masters or phD not that big of a deal 2. I still don't know how the damands are for phycisist and how much the get paid 3. I miss out on learning the application of sciences!

Electrical Engineering because makeing electronics and having the knowledge of that application i feel like i could do a lot with it. I like to create things, know how things work, invent new things. Along with it i would try and learn programming and mechanical ect.. Another plus about this is there's more opportunities with a bachelor. Problems with majoring in Electronic Engineering: 1. I miss out in learning physics 2. Not so sure about jobs in this field 3. I miss out in learning Physics!

I really like both topics but i have come to the relization i can't have both.
 
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I can't tell you which one to choose, but I can share my experience since it is similar.

I wanted to study astronomy/astrophysics but had the same concerns you did. I liked engineering since it would basically involve applied physics.

To make a long story short, I earned an engineering degree and have been very happy with my career. I also enjoy doing astrophysics as a hobby. And with the physics and math background from engineering, I can learn astrophysics on my own at an advanced undergraduate level.
 


I was considering doing that as well because i would have better job oppertunities with EE (i hope) but i also think i would miss out on a lot and not be able to learn everything on my own. I know which ever major i pick i would learn the other one on my own its just that i wouldn't learn everything i could have for that particular major. do you have difficulty learning it on your own?
 


JScarIII said:
do you have difficulty learning it on your own?
Sometimes but usually not too much. I have taught myself basic Freidmann equation based cosmology and also some Einstein field equation general relativity solutions (stuff I did not study in engineering college). This website has been a good source for me when learning this on my own.
 


How do you know what topics your suppose to learn?
 


JScarIII said:
How do you know what topics your suppose to learn?
The topics I mentioned I studied for fun on my own time. The nice thing about an engineering degree is that you can have an interesting job, earn a decent living, and then "geek out" on other areas of science and engineering that you enjoy during your spare time.
 

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