Engineering Physics: Job Market & Graduate School Info for HS Seniors

Click For Summary
Engineering Physics can be a viable alternative for students interested in applied physics, offering more hands-on experience and a potentially broader job market. However, for those aiming for graduate school in physics, a traditional physics degree is generally preferred, as it better prepares students for advanced coursework and standardized tests. The job market for Engineering Physics graduates is more favorable for entry-level engineering positions, but employers may not specifically seek out this major. Transferring from Engineering Physics to a physics major is often possible, typically not restricting students until their third year. Ultimately, students should consider their career goals and local job market conditions when choosing their major.
Meron
Messages
55
Reaction score
1
I am, currently, a senior in high school. I am interested in science and particularly in physics. So, I, naturally, want to major in physics when I go to University. But I'm not sure if I want to be a physicist when i grow up and I have also heard about how getting into academia is very hard and usually not possible. Is Engineering Physics a good alternative? How's the job market for a graduate in Engineering physics? Can I go to graduate school and major in physics if I get a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Most job markets are local. You will be better advice from people familiar with your local job markets.

If you want to go to graduate school in physics, a straight BS in physics would be preferred to engineering physics. You will likely do better on the PGRE and be better prepared for graduate courses in Mechanics, E&M, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Mechanics.
 
Meron said:
I am, currently, a senior in high school. I am interested in science and particularly in physics. So, I, naturally, want to major in physics when I go to University. But I'm not sure if I want to be a physicist when i grow up and I have also heard about how getting into academia is very hard and usually not possible. Is Engineering Physics a good alternative? How's the job market for a graduate in Engineering physics? Can I go to graduate school and major in physics if I get a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics?

The main difference I've noted between E. Physics and Physics is that the former involves more 'hands-on' work. Your course load may involve more programming, an emphasis on experimentation, or possibly even some work with machine tools or what I'm going to call device fabrication.
 
Meron said:
I am, currently, a senior in high school. I am interested in science and particularly in physics. So, I, naturally, want to major in physics when I go to University. But I'm not sure if I want to be a physicist when i grow up and I have also heard about how getting into academia is very hard and usually not possible. Is Engineering Physics a good alternative? How's the job market for a graduate in Engineering physics? Can I go to graduate school and major in physics if I get a bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics?

Engineering physics is another way of saying applied physics, it's typically part of engineering department. They call it engineering physics to have the program a part of the ABET accreditation scheme, although the programs can vary immensely between schools. Some programs are more like an engineering (EE ME CE) program with a minor in physics, while others are like a BS in physics with a minor in some field of engineering.

If you want to go to graduate school for applied physics, then engineering physics is the degree to seek. If you want to go to graduate school for physics, then it's really dependent on the EP program if you'd be adequately prepared or not. As an aside, it's always easier to go to graduate school in the program you got your bachelors in, so if you know you want to go to graduate school for physics, then get a physics bachelors.

The engineering physics degree would be more employable as a terminal bachelors, although no employer is actively seeking EP majors (or even know what they are more often than not). You'd be able to apply to jobs that specified entry level engineers that some of your course work covered. You could do the same with a bachelors in physics, but with much less success.
 
Student100 said:
Engineering physics is another way of saying applied physics, it's typically part of engineering department. They call it engineering physics to have the program a part of the ABET accreditation scheme, although the programs can vary immensely between schools. Some programs are more like an engineering (EE ME CE) program with a minor in physics, while others are like a BS in physics with a minor in some field of engineering.

If you want to go to graduate school for applied physics, then engineering physics is the degree to seek. If you want to go to graduate school for physics, then it's really dependent on the EP program if you'd be adequately prepared or not. As an aside, it's always easier to go to graduate school in the program you got your bachelors in, so if you know you want to go to graduate school for physics, then get a physics bachelors.

The engineering physics degree would be more employable as a terminal bachelors, although no employer is actively seeking EP majors (or even know what they are more often than not). You'd be able to apply to jobs that specified entry level engineers that some of your course work covered. You could do the same with a bachelors in physics, but with much less success.
Is it possible for me to transfer my major form EP to physics while I'm an undergraduate ?
 
Meron said:
Is it possible for me to transfer my major form EP to physics while I'm an undergraduate ?

It depends on the school you attend, typically you aren't "locked" into your major until the start of your third year.
 
  • Like
Likes Meron
Given the current funding situation, you should contact potential departments or research groups before you apply and pay any application fees. Many programs are not taking new graduate students at all this cycle because of funding uncertainty, unless a specific advisor can show they already have money to support you for five years. This is what I’ve heard directly from 20–30 programs. Do not waste money applying blindly.
Hi community My aim is to get into research about atoms, specifically, I want to do experimental research that explores questions like: 1. Why do Gallium/Mercury have low melting points 2. Why are there so many exceptions and inconsistencies when it comes to explaining molecular structures / reaction mechanisms in inorganic and organic chemistry 3. Experimental research about fundamental Quantum Mechanics, such as the one being followed by Hiroshima university that proved that observing...