Engineering and Physics Double Degree: Is It Worth Pursuing?

[SimmonSays]

Hello. I am currently in grade 12 and applying to programs in Canada and I would like to go into engineering. Although, I am very passionate about physics and it's applications in so many fields. I found a unique program which is a double degree. It includes a major in physics and electrical engineering. It seems to fulfill all my interests, but I'm fearful of if I will be able to complete such a program. The program is also 4.5 years as an undergrad. I would like your opinions on the program. How should I prepare? Also, what types of jobs/careers can I do with such a program? I eventually want to start my own company (I love inventing and building - especially working with robotics), but I also wouldn't mind working for some of the large companies (I.e. Google, Facebook, Tesla, SpaceX). Honestly, any advice for this program would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Student100]

Hello. I am currently in grade 12 and applying to programs in Canada and I would like to go into engineering. Although, I am very passionate about physics and it's applications in so many fields. I found a unique program which is a double degree. It includes a major in physics and electrical engineering. It seems to fulfill all my interests, but I'm fearful of if I will be able to complete such a program. The program is also 4.5 years as an undergrad. I would like your opinions on the program. How should I prepare? Also, what types of jobs/careers can I do with such a program? I eventually want to start my own company (I love inventing and building - especially working with robotics), but I also wouldn't mind working for some of the large companies (I.e. Google, Facebook, Tesla, SpaceX). Honestly, any advice for this program would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Might help if you post the program, so people here can review it/comment if they've taken it themselves!

 

[SimmonSays]

I would post it if I could, buy it is a brand new program and not updated on the university website as of yet.

 

[Student100]

I would post it if I could, buy it is a brand new program and not updated on the university website as of yet.

Your question is really hard to answer then, so I'll attempt to answer what I can.

How should I prepare?

Have you taken advanced physics/chemistry/mathematics/other science courses at your high school if offered? This would help you prepare. You could also look at the course schedule for the major, and find syllabuses on the departments webpage if they post them. Once you have those you can start self studying texts while you wait to begin classes there.

what types of jobs/careers can I do with such a program

A terminal bachelors degree in physics won't open many doors, but still would open up more opportunities than say, a B.S. in art studies. A physics degree should really been seen as a first step to graduate school. The EE degree will open up lots of opportunities for terminal bachelors employment. You could certainly start your own company with this degree (or without a degree at all! Then you'd have to hire EE's if it's a tech based company, but obviously knowing about the subject matter yourself is a boon), or work for the tech industry, if that's what you want to do.

I can't review the program, so I don't know if it's "good" or not, but as long its from a decent university (not a diploma mill) then the program will probably be adequate for either continued graduate studies or a career in EE.

 

[SimmonSays]

Thank you for the advice. I actually just got accepted and the program updated on the website. I made a new post with the information asking of the course load is actually doable. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[SimmonSays]

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