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Science Education and Careers
STEM Academic Advising
Choosing a potential major for college?
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[QUOTE="rkum99, post: 5589086, member: 456646"] I'm currently at crossroads about what field I should head into for university. I'd appreciate any advice about what would be a good direction to head into based on my interests and goals. If I had to name my favorite subject, it would most likely be either mathematics or physics. I've pursued these subjects quite a bit throughout high school and have taken a moderate amount of college classes in both fields. For context, my current background includes the following ([I]I don't know if the course names mean much, considering the different curriculum at each university)[/I]: [B]Math: [/B] Calculus I + II ([I]Differential and Integral Calculus[/I]) Calculus III ([I]Multivariable Calculus[/I]) Differential Equations Linear Algebra Introduction to Proofs: Logic, Sets, and Functions Analysis I Analysis II Theory of Positive Integers ([I]Number Theory[/I]) Probability Theory ([I]Current)[/I] [B]Physics: [/B] Physics for Scientists and Engineers II, II, and III ([I]Classical Mechanics, E&M, etc. with Calculus[/I]) Mathematical Methods for Physics ([I]Overview of vector calc, lin alg, ODEs, PDEs, complex analysis, etc.[/I]) Classical Mechanics Quantum Mechanics Electricity Magnetism Thermal and Statistical Physics ([I]Current) [/I] I also took a few engineering classes: [B]Engineering:[/B] Statics Mechanics of Materials Circuits I ([I]Basics of circuit design) [/I] Having taken a few college courses, I do feel like I have a fairly good idea of what sort of content to expect in university. I was certainly surprised by how different higher-level mathematics and physics are from their lower-level counterparts. Out of all the courses I've taken, I definitely find physics the most fascinating. I guess I enjoy the challenge in tackling the course material and find the actual content the most interesting (S[I]orry if that comes off as a little over-dramatic[/I]). Anyway, on towards actual questions and concerns I have. [LIST=1] [*]For a long time, I was almost certain that I would major in Physics. In the past few years, I've received the opportunity to perform research in a variety laboratory environments (including a microbiology lab, a physics lab, a mechanical engineering lab, and a mentorship with a theoretical physicist). And while I thoroughly enjoyed these research experiences, I'm starting to feel like I wouldn't actually enjoy a career in academia. It seems like there is a lot of pressure to constantly be publishing papers, alongside the process of applying for grants, managing classes, etc. And attaining tenure isn't exactly easy in itself either. [U]Is this outlook accurate?[/U] With an undergraduate major in physics, there doesn't seem like there are many career paths to follow other than into graduate school and academia. And if I go into the job market with just an undergrad physics degree, I'll most likely end up working in an entirely different field anyway. [U]If I don't want to go into academia, is it still worthwhile to get a degree in physics?[/U][*]I've always enjoyed building things and hobby projects - in fact, some of my favorite lab experiences involved building things. So I suppose another good major option would be a field of engineering. The classes I've taken so far have been interesting, if a little bit repetitive (most of Statics was just balancing force/torque equations, and Circuits I was mostly the same principles applied to increasingly complicated circuits). [U]I was wondering if anyone could provide advice as to which field of engineering would be closest to a physics degree in terms of content?[/U] Considering that I enjoyed the Classical Mechanics and Thermal Physics courses the most in physics, I am currently leaning towards a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.[*][U]What would careers for an engineering major actually look like?[/U] I would consider myself to be fairly ambitious, and I hope to be get into a career with a lot of potential for growth. And while careers in engineering do provide high salaries in comparison to many other majors, it seems like a career in mechanical engineering wouldn't be nearly as fast-moving than a career like, for example, computer science. In other words, I feel like it would be very easy to spend large amounts of time on a single project in engineering with little potential for actual career advancement. [U]Of course, this is an opinion derived from my already poor understanding of engineering careers - is this even accurate?[/U] [*][U]Are there any other careers or majors that would be good to look into, considering my interests in math, physics, and engineering?[/U] If a bit shallow, I do want to get into a field with a high salary potential. And I feel like I would most enjoy a job where I get to work with new technology and concepts. I imagine these criteria are rather idealistic, but I would appreciate any advice nevertheless. On a side note, I've tried to get into computer science on several occasions, but it has never truly interested me. [/LIST] This entire post has been a bit of rant, and I apologize if my questions are far too general to provide actual advice. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions that could help me narrow down my options. [/QUOTE]
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