Eningeering/physcis double major?, physics than EG grad?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision-making process for a college student torn between pursuing a double major in chemical engineering and physics versus focusing on applied physics. The student expresses a strong interest in various engineering disciplines, including electrical, chemical, and aerospace engineering, while also wanting to delve into nuclear and quantum physics. After reflecting on their struggles with organic chemistry and the demands of a double major, the student considers majoring in applied physics, which combines core physics requirements with engineering courses, as a viable path to balance their interests and prepare for a future in advanced technology development.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of core physics concepts, including mechanics and quantum physics.
  • Familiarity with engineering disciplines, particularly chemical, electrical, and aerospace engineering.
  • Knowledge of undergraduate degree requirements for physics and engineering majors.
  • Awareness of graduate school options, including master's programs in engineering and physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum for applied physics programs at your university.
  • Explore introductory courses in various engineering disciplines to identify interests.
  • Investigate career prospects and pathways for graduates with a physics background in engineering.
  • Connect with alumni or professionals who have pursued similar dual interests in physics and engineering.
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a dual focus in engineering and physics, academic advisors, and anyone exploring career paths in advanced technology development.

emoney
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I'm currently having a tough time deciding between engineering and physics. I find many of the topics interesting various engineering fields mainly, such as electrical engineering, chemical engineering, and aerospace. But i also have an interest in physical topics such as nuclear physics and quantum physics and some more theoretical physics and i really would like to learn about this stuff also.

I'm just about to start my sophomore year at college and I need to make this decision quite soon. I went into freshman year as an engineer. First semester i did not have physics, but had chemistry(general). This class got me interested in chemical engineering. I also took physics 1 mechanics. Halfway through Second semester I declared chemical engineering and physics double major. At the end of the year I actually really struggled with organic chem, and had trouble motivating my self to study the reactions. Over the summer I've gave it more thought and I think wouldn't be handling that type of double major, it would just be to much unless i stayed additional year at my university. I also reflected upon my decision to do chemical engineering, I feel like i was to influenced by taking only chemistry first and not yet takings physics 2 or 3. Anyways, I really have strong interest in those 3 engineering disciplines, but I also have this interest for physics that I wouldn't get to learn about in some of these engineering majors.

My plan right now is maybe to do physics or applied physics, to satisfy my interest in physics and get a strong foundation in the science of engineering, then maybe i will attend grad school and specialize in an engineering field.
At my school, the applied physics major consist of core physics major requirements plus 15 credits hours of courses in the College of Engineering of chosen field.
I'm considering this as a good option.

As far a career, I want to to aim for a more applied physics and hopefully work at the forefront of developing advanced technologies in cool labs :)
The problem is have to much interests in these different engineering disciplines. I feel like doing a physics undergrad then an aerospace masters or electrical engineering masters is a reasonable route, but I am not so sure of doing this for going into chemical engineering if I decide later i want to specialize in that.

Also all my prospects its hard to really know what type of engineering I want do as I have not yet been in any specific engineering intro class yet, because that begins first semester sophomore year. Also my wide interests are just killing me when it comes to makings this big decision.

Because of this I feel the the plan i talked about above is probably my best bet, by i have some doubts about it.
I havenoseen anybody take this route in becoming an engineer. Is it a wise decision if i have interest in physics and different engineering? Have any of you guys done this?
 
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Engineering majors like Mechanical and Aerospace are essentially applied physics. Stick with an engineering major for undergrad; it has better career prospects. Later on if you wish to pursue research you can always PhD in physics or other natural sciences.
 
You can just do both. I know several people who did this and having a physics background really helps with the engineering classes.
 

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