Help in choosing one Engineering Major along Physics Major.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an engineering major to complement a physics major, with a focus on employment prospects and personal interests. Participants explore various engineering fields and their relationship to physics, as well as recommendations for additional coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for Computer Science due to personal aptitude but is open to suggestions for other engineering majors that may have better job prospects related to physics.
  • Another participant suggests that Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering all benefit from a strong foundation in physics, highlighting the relevance of each field.
  • Mechanical and Civil Engineering are noted to share similarities in the physics concepts applied, though they differ in project types and potential employers.
  • Electrical Engineering is mentioned as particularly reliant on electrodynamics and quantum physics, indicating a specific connection to physics.
  • A recommendation is made to take linear algebra/matrix algebra early on, as it may significantly aid in future physics and engineering courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple engineering options that relate to physics, but no consensus is reached on which major is definitively better. The discussion remains open-ended with various perspectives on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not resolve the question of which engineering major is most suitable, and there are no definitive conclusions regarding job prospects or personal fit for the suggested fields.

Amey Shukla
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Hello,

I am a high-school student. I'll be going to a college next year.

I've decided to pick up Physics as a major. The employment sector, for physics, is not as rich as Engineering sector. Due to parents, who only wish to see me succeed, I've planned to pick up one other Engineering Major along with Physics.

I've planned for Computer Science, however, if there is any other course with same or greater prospects as CS that might be related to my major in Physics, I'd love to pick it.

I planned CS as I'm good with computers. I can pick things faster, although I'm not very addicted to this particular course.

Please don't recommend Maths. If there is need, I might go to classes or declare it as my minor, but I'd like to have an Engineering Major.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering are all complemented well by a thorough understanding of the underlying physics.

Mechanical and civil engineering are similar in the areas of physics used, differing in the types of projects and employers you'd be working with. Check out the Practical Engineering channel on YouTube to get a little flavor of what civil engineering involves.

Electrical engineering benefits from a thorough understanding of electrodynamics, and some sub-areas of electrical engineering use a bit of quantum physics.

You'll have a better idea of which of these you enjoy once you've gotten into your second or third introductory physics course, whichever covers basic electromagnetism.

Also, I highly recommend that you take a linear algebra/matrix algebra as soon as you can. It will help you at least a little and sometimes a lot in just about every physics and engineering course after your first year.
 
Thank You. Anything else worth looking to?
 

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