Engineering Physicist: What You Need to Know

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the field of engineering physics, particularly focusing on the career prospects, job roles, and educational pathways for students interested in this area. Participants share insights on course requirements, potential employers, and the nature of work in engineering physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the specific job roles available to engineering physicists and seeks information on what they do in the workforce.
  • Another participant notes that working for certain companies may involve restrictions on discussing job responsibilities due to corporate or classified information.
  • A participant mentions considering a double major in electrical engineering and engineering physics, highlighting the similarity in degree requirements and suggesting that reviewing course offerings can provide insights into the curriculum.
  • There is a suggestion that engineering physicists possess a strong understanding of various engineering principles, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering, and could find opportunities in those fields.
  • One participant proposes that engineering physicists may be well-suited for emerging fields like nanotechnology due to their physics background and encourages contacting academic departments for more specific job information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that engineering physics encompasses a broad understanding of engineering principles and that job opportunities exist in various fields. However, there is uncertainty regarding the specific roles and the impact of ABET accreditation on career prospects, indicating a lack of consensus on these points.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the lack of ABET accreditation for engineering physics programs, but the implications of this on employment opportunities remain unclear. Additionally, the discussion does not resolve the extent to which job roles may be restricted by corporate policies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in engineering physics, those exploring double major options in engineering disciplines, and individuals interested in the job market for engineering physicists may find this discussion relevant.

e^kt
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Hi. :blushing:

I'll be starting college this fall. I know I want to do something in physics, engineering or math -- things of that nature.

I looked at the course requirements for an engineering physicist, and I was wondering what sort of things they do, and where they can get jobs.

Employers of recent graduates:
Air Force Research Laboratory
Boeing
Gulfstream
Raytheon
Texas Instruments
TestChip Technologies
Micron Technologies
Hewlett-Packard
Lockheed-Martin
Motorola
NASA Goddard
Rocketdyne
Triquin
^ Is all that the site said about employment.

Aside from seeing that I can can potentially work for these companies, I have no clue what I'd do for a living.

Does anybody have information about engineering physics?
 
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If you work for many of those companies, you won't be able to talk about what you do, either it wil be corporate limited or classified.
 
I was looking into double majoring in EE and Eng. Phy. Both are very close in degree requirements (until the last year). If you are interested take a look at a school which offers E.P. and see what courses they offer. That should give you an idea of the course work. As far as work realize that E.P. does not receive ABET accreditation. I don't really knows how much that matters but it is something to keep in mind.
 
I know what classes I have to take and all, but what sort of jobs do EPs do?
 
It is my understanding that EP's are very well versed in most of the underlying principles of most of the engineering disciplines. Specifically, electrical and mechanical engineering. I assume you could get work in areas that would typically employ the aforementioned. Also, an EP would be very well suited for the emerging field of Nanotechnology due to the Physics background. If you want to find what positions are out there email someone in that department that is the best way to get some concrete answers.
 

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