Engineering to Physics: Advice Needed

[kopiko]

Hi all,

I've been reading these forums with great interest. I am in my senior year of my undergraduate in electrical engineering. I have a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate any input you would have. (I apologize if this topic has been brought up, and if someone could direct me to the appropriate posts elsewhere on the board as well, I'd appreciate that greatly.)

It appears that the further into the engineering curriculum, much of the curriculum leaves me dissatisfied. I intend on pursuing graduate studies, and my interests lean towards physics (high energy physics sounds particularly interesting). However, attempting a graduate degree without a deeper physics background seems a bit of a stretch considering I have not taken any quantum mechanics classes, and the Physics GRE is usually a requirement for any graduate school. Our curriculum has covered classical mechanics and electromagnetics. In my spare time, I read texts on quantum mechanics, although this is not comparable to and cannot replace the formal training provided in the classroom. I don't know if taking the PGRE without sufficient background will benefit my application.

Does anyone have any advice regarding this? Considering the rigour of graduate level work, is it better for me to attempt a second bachelors in physics before attempting a masters? Has anyone been in a similar situation? Should I rethink attempting this? I work as a research assistant in an engineering lab and enjoy doing research work--I am planning to try gain experience in a physics research lab. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your time!

 

[fss]

I wouldn't take the PGRE if you've never had any sort of formal physics coursework beyond what your EE courses have taught you. I think you should concentrate on electrical engineering; you can still work on a HEP experiment or collider if you fall in with the right people.