EE/Physics Double Major: Benefits and Challenges

[pakmingki2]

Ok first of all I am going to say that I am not doing EE because I am afraid that ill be homeless if i just do physics.

I am genuinely interested in both.
At first I didnt know what I was going to do, but after taking physics 2 (basic EM), i knew I really wanted to go further into electronics. hence, ee, but I am still interested in pursuing physics.

Honestly not that much of physics is terribly interesting to me. I am almost done with the basic coursework, introductory mechanics/em/waves/optics whatever, thermal physics, and modern physics. By the end of this year I should be able to start advanced coursework, which includes quantum mechanics and intermediate EM. Mainly the only thing I am really interested in is EM and QM.

now, here is where there should be overlap: There is an advanced lab requirement, but I can fulfill those by taking advanced circuits labs,and those should be easy if i go into EE because in EE classes you do circuit labs anyways.

Also, for my physics electives, there is a wide range, but i think ill stick with EM cause there 4 levels of EM at my school.

How relevant to EE is advanced EM? I am talking about E&M with special relativity.

Also, will it give me any perks in the job market having both degrees?

 

[glennpagano44]

Ok first of all I am going to say that I am not doing EE because I am afraid that ill be homeless if i just do physics.

What do you mean by homeless. I am in HS right now and looking to major in physics, is pursuing a physics major not a financial secure major? I thought that majoring in physics would open up many good careers?

 

[WarPhalange]

You will have an easier time finding a job with an engineering degree than a physics degree. Not because you haven't learned anything, but because telling someone "I know physics" is meaningless. You'll have to sell yourself and show your employer why you can do XYZ.

This is assuming you leave with a BS degree. If you go further into a Master's or Ph.D. degree, you are a lot more likely to find good work.

In general it is a good idea to find something you like along side physics, say computer science or engineering of some sort, and take some of those classes so if you were to leave with just a Bachelor's degree, you could show your employer that you took some of those classes so you know what you are talking about.

 

[pakmingki2]

What do you mean by homeless. I am in HS right now and looking to major in physics, is pursuing a physics major not a financial secure major? I thought that majoring in physics would open up many good careers?

you won't be homeless, i was just exaggerating.
If you major in physics, aside from becoming a high school teacher, it will be a lot harder to find a better job.

But like everyone else says, its a lot easier to find a job as an actual physicist with a masters or phd

 

[pakmingki2]

You will have an easier time finding a job with an engineering degree than a physics degree. Not because you haven't learned anything, but because telling someone "I know physics" is meaningless. You'll have to sell yourself and show your employer why you can do XYZ.

This is assuming you leave with a BS degree. If you go further into a Master's or Ph.D. degree, you are a lot more likely to find good work.

In general it is a good idea to find something you like along side physics, say computer science or engineering of some sort, and take some of those classes so if you were to leave with just a Bachelor's degree, you could show your employer that you took some of those classes so you know what you are talking about.

well the main thing is for ee I want to concentrate in wireless communications which involves a lot of electromagnetics. And the main reason why I want to double up in physics is because it gives me the chance to go more in depth into what I want to do with EE. So in the end, the physics major will be a supplement. The only core classes I have to take is quantum mechanics and intermediate EM. After that, I have to take a couple more electives, and while most people tend to do solid state physics and nuclear physics/advanced modern physics, I just want to take the graduate level EM sequence instead and advanced electronics lab sequence whereas most people tend to take the advanced modern physics labs.

 

[RasslinGod]

imma repost some news videos i posted in another thread on career prospects for science/engr

these are from CNN