StatGuy2000 said:
The AIP links above do not present the following information:
1. How many of these people obtained these positions solely with a bachelors degree in physics, versus those who completed a bachelor's degree in physics, plus a graduate degree in another discipline, such as electrical engineering or computer science.
2. How many of these physics bachelors in fact double-majored in physics and another field (e.g. computer science) or pursued a degree in interdisciplinary physics programs like engineering physics.
* The three AIP links previously cited are for
NEW physics bachelors. So they would not include students who had previously completed a bachelor's in physics and then completed a graduate degree in another field (a presumably more employable field, if I get your drift). Now if you want to argue that they could include students who previously completed a graduate degree in another field, returned for a BS physics, and then immediately sought a job, go right ahead. Not a likely scenario in the US, where many universities won't accept students for a second undergrad degree if they've already completed one. And from the various threads here, students who would pursue such a path are those who regret their first choice and want a PhD in physics, not just a bachelor's.
* Finer granularity with respect to double majors and what is included as a "physics" degree is not called out. But that's generally the case in such surveys for any major.
* Regardless of such fine distinctions, your previous logical conclusion
StatGuy2000 said:
The logical consequence of your argument in your hypothetical above is that a student should not even pursue a BS in physics at all, if they cannot accept the consequences you outlined earlier. So people with an interest in the physical sciences are wasting their times with physics degrees -- they might as well pursue a degree in, say, computer science, electrical engineering, or some other quantitative field (even including certain business degrees).
doesn't hold. There is a future for students who complete a bachelor's in physics but not a PhD in physics.
* Also, I did a quick search of job post listings. If a bachelor's degree in a particular field is required or preferred, the post will so state. If experience in a particular field is required or preferred, it will so state. So if a post simply specifies that a BS in EE, CS, or physics is required, then a BS physics will do. If a post specifies BS in EE or CS preferred; BS in physics with experience in programming or electronic circuit design will also be considered, then more is required. But what you won't find is "BS in physics will considered only in conjunction with a double major in EE or CS". That wouldn't make sense; the post would simply read, "BS in EE or CS required".
ETA.
@StatGuy2000 . You seem skeptical that someone who graduates with only a bachelor's in mainstream physics can land a job. I'm not aware of any survey data that asks newly minted physics bachelors who have landed a job, "So what else did you bring to the table?" [And would you require the same info for other majors, including EE and CS?] But I have limited direct anecdotal evidence. When I worked in industrial R&D, I hired three newly minted mainstream physics bachelors (no other degrees, no experience in engineering or computers beyond what you get in a mainstream physics program) as research assistants. In another thread, I mentioned that I served as an industry mentor to a physics undergrad. Again, she completed a mainstream physics bachelor's degree only. She was undecided about grad school. Upon graduation, she was hired as a research assistant by a company that designs and manufactures accelerators for medical applications. [Within her first year on the job, she realized that was not a satisfying position. She later enrolled in a medical physics PhD program. She graduated last year and started her residency. But all that was her choice.]
