Engineering and Physics Double Degree: Is It Worth Pursuing?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential benefits and challenges of pursuing a double degree in physics and electrical engineering. Participants explore the implications of such a program for future career opportunities, preparation strategies, and the feasibility of managing the course load.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enthusiasm for a double degree in physics and electrical engineering but raises concerns about the program's difficulty and their ability to complete it.
  • Another participant suggests that taking advanced courses in high school could help prepare for the program and recommends self-studying relevant texts.
  • There is a discussion about the job prospects associated with a physics degree, noting that while it may not lead to many immediate opportunities, it could serve as a stepping stone to graduate studies.
  • Some participants mention that an electrical engineering degree may provide more direct employment opportunities and that starting a company is feasible with either degree.
  • One participant notes that the program is new and not yet fully detailed on the university website, which complicates the ability to assess its quality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential value of the double degree but express differing views on the challenges of completing the program and the job prospects associated with each degree. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific feasibility of the course load.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the uncertainty surrounding the new program's details and the varying levels of preparedness among prospective students. There are also differing opinions on the immediate career opportunities available with a physics degree compared to an electrical engineering degree.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a double degree in physics and electrical engineering, educators advising on STEM career paths, and individuals interested in the intersection of physics and engineering fields.

SimmonSays
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
SimmonSays said:
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!
 
I would post it if I could, buy it is a brand new program and not updated on the university website as of yet.
 
SimmonSays said:
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.

SimmonSays said:
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.

SimmonSays said:
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mechpeac
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!
 
/endthread
 

Similar threads

Studying Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
What's the best major between Physics & Chemistry for entering MS in Nuclear Engineering?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Programs From a Nuclear Engineering BS, will I be able to do MS & PhD in Physics?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Electrical Engineering vs. Robotics in Graduate School
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree
  • · Replies 50 ·
2
Replies
50
Views
12K
Programs Certificate Program in Medical Physics - Advice for a Bioengineer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Is an Engineering Degree More Difficult Than a Math or Physics Degree?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Programs Is a Physics BA a good route for exciting CS/Engineering Work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Other Masters in Physics after working in Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K