- #1
DThielke
- 16
- 0
Hi,
My final year of my undergraduate career in Engineering Physics (essentially a physics degree with a few engineering-specific courses thrown in in the first two years) begins in the Fall and I'm now looking ahead to graduate school. Based on my work experience thus far, my ultimate goal (for now) is to end up in industry working on solid state devices and/or nanoelectronics.
As the thread title suggests, I've been looking into two options for graduate school: continuing strictly with physics and applying for a PhD program in physics, or slightly changing my direction and going for a masters/PhD in electrical engineering.
I have comprised a few key points that I am considering between the two degrees:
Physics PhD Advantages:
EE Master's Advantages:
The main issue I would love for someone to clarify is the difference in obtaining a job in the solid state/nanoelectronics industry between the two degrees. I think I would prefer continuing with physics as it is more intellectually satisfying and provides many more fields as career options, but I feel that an EE degree naturally lends itself towards industry and would make finding such a job easier.
Opinions from people in either field would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
My final year of my undergraduate career in Engineering Physics (essentially a physics degree with a few engineering-specific courses thrown in in the first two years) begins in the Fall and I'm now looking ahead to graduate school. Based on my work experience thus far, my ultimate goal (for now) is to end up in industry working on solid state devices and/or nanoelectronics.
As the thread title suggests, I've been looking into two options for graduate school: continuing strictly with physics and applying for a PhD program in physics, or slightly changing my direction and going for a masters/PhD in electrical engineering.
I have comprised a few key points that I am considering between the two degrees:
Physics PhD Advantages:
- Possibility for a career in academia in the future if desired
- Broader options for a career (many fields in physics versus simply electrical devices)
- Includes more fundamental theory (more intellectually satisfying)
EE Master's Advantages:
- Shorter degree (assuming I only get a masters)
- More attractive option for employers in industry (this is an assumption - I would love for someone to confirm/deny this)
- What it lacks in breadth physics-wise it makes up for in depth concerning electronics
The main issue I would love for someone to clarify is the difference in obtaining a job in the solid state/nanoelectronics industry between the two degrees. I think I would prefer continuing with physics as it is more intellectually satisfying and provides many more fields as career options, but I feel that an EE degree naturally lends itself towards industry and would make finding such a job easier.
Opinions from people in either field would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave