Considering a double major in chem and engineering physics

[Malik Oliver]

i am currently planning to pursue a MS in chemistry through a BS/MS. I want to add on a BS in physics or engineering physics (electrical engineering based). I already completed the requirement for a physics minor, but I don't feel like it's enough for what I want to do Or my curiosity.The engineering physics involves half and half of electrical engineering and advanced physics, which sounds awesome to me. I know I want a PhD afterwards. I would like to do research in complex fluid physics and the effects of chemical/molecular interactions using different techniques in spectroscopy. I think he physics major will give me what physical chemistry couldn't, a true understanding of how the electromagnetic radiation interacts with matter. The reason in also considering the major in engineering physics is because I feel I can obtain said theoretical understanding, as well as use skills in electrical engineering to understand/optimize the whatever devices I'm using. It would be extra work, but Its really interesting. Also, if there are any professors or PhD students that do similar research please feel free to reach out, and I would love to talk more about my experience/interest with you directly. Thanks ahead of time

 

[Dr. Courtney]

I'd get started and post a GPA above 3.5 for a semester or two in one challenging major before aspiring to a double major.

Lots of students don't realize how hard one STEM major is, much less two at once.

 

[Malik Oliver]

I'd get started and post a GPA above 3.5 for a semester or two in one challenging major before aspiring to a double major.

Lots of students don't realize how hard one STEM major is, much less two at once.

Current I have a 3.8 in my chem degree. I'm a junior currently. Sorry I didn't specify.

 

[CrysPhys]

i am currently planning to pursue a MS in chemistry through a BS/MS. I want to add on a BS in physics or engineering physics (electrical engineering based). I already completed the requirement for a physics minor, but I don't feel like it's enough for what I want to do Or my curiosity.The engineering physics involves half and half of electrical engineering and advanced physics, which sounds awesome to me. I know I want a PhD afterwards. I would like to do research in complex fluid physics and the effects of chemical/molecular interactions using different techniques in spectroscopy. I think he physics major will give me what physical chemistry couldn't, a true understanding of how the electromagnetic radiation interacts with matter. The reason in also considering the major in engineering physics is because I feel I can obtain said theoretical understanding, as well as use skills in electrical engineering to understand/optimize the whatever devices I'm using. It would be extra work, but Its really interesting. Also, if there are any professors or PhD students that do similar research please feel free to reach out, and I would love to talk more about my experience/interest with you directly. Thanks ahead of time

If you are sure at this point that you want to pursue a PhD in chemistry (you just said PhD, but didn't specify), then I don't see the point in getting a BS in physics or engineering physics; just take as many physics or engineering physics courses as you please as electives. I got all my degrees (BS, MS, PhD) in physics. My major interest was in solid-state physics, and I wanted the strong theoretical grounding that physics would provide. But I was also interested in real world materials (full of defects, impurities, and grain boundaries) and practical techniques such as crystal growth, sample preparation, and metallography; so I took a slew of electives (undergrad and grad) in materials science and engineering; I never felt there would be an advantage in an official second degree in materials science and engineering, however [in some instances, an official degree in engineering will help, e.g., if you want to become a certified P.E., but that was not in my plans].

On the other hand, if you want to leave open the option of readily pursuing a PhD in physics or engineering physics, then getting a second BS in physics or engineering physics would be wise.