How viable is it to do Engineering later?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability of transitioning from a Physics major with Pre-med aspirations to pursuing a master's degree in Engineering, specifically Electrical Engineering, should medical school not be an option. Participants explore the implications of such a switch, including the adequacy of a Physics background for Engineering graduate programs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the feasibility of obtaining a master's in Electrical Engineering with a Physics undergraduate degree, suggesting that many programs may require an engineering background.
  • Another participant advises that while pursuing a master's in Computer Science might be possible with a Physics degree, a master's in Electrical Engineering could be more challenging.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that Physics is not an ideal pre-med major, as it may not provide a competitive edge in medical school applications compared to other majors.
  • Some participants mention the existence of "engineering physics" programs that combine Physics and Engineering coursework, which could enhance employability and facilitate entry into Engineering graduate programs.
  • One participant shares anecdotal evidence regarding MCAT scores, noting that majors related to Physics and Engineering tend to have higher average scores compared to traditional pre-med majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that transitioning from a Physics major to a master's in Engineering may present challenges, particularly regarding program requirements. However, there is no consensus on the best path forward, as opinions vary on the merits of different majors and the implications for medical school applications.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of GPA in medical school applications and the potential benefits of taking Engineering electives to strengthen a Physics background for graduate studies. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and perspectives on the intersection of Physics, Engineering, and pre-medical education.

Wishingwell
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Hello all, I am currently a Physics Major with Pre-med and I just considered what would happen if by any chance I do not make it into any medical school. I am currently a Physics major right now and would prefer to stay that way (at the moment). My question is, if Medical School doesn't work out is it possible to get a master's degree in Engineering (I am thinking Electrical) without much trouble? If not, would it be wise to do Electrical Engineering for undergrad then? I am currently a first year student so right now it is not a problem to switch to EE.

Thanks
 
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Here's my two cents:

Follow your guts. If you really want to study physics, stick with it. I think you could possible pursue a masters in comp sci with the physics undergrad (provide you learn some programming as an undergrad), but getting a masters in EE could be difficult.
 
Wishingwell said:
Hello all, I am currently a Physics Major with Pre-med and I just considered what would happen if by any chance I do not make it into any medical school. I am currently a Physics major right now and would prefer to stay that way (at the moment). My question is, if Medical School doesn't work out is it possible to get a master's degree in Engineering (I am thinking Electrical) without much trouble? If not, would it be wise to do Electrical Engineering for undergrad then? I am currently a first year student so right now it is not a problem to switch to EE.

Thanks

It depends what type of school you're looking at. Many engineering graduate programs require engineering undergraduate degrees, at least in the common subjects like EE. Generally a physics degree is not adequate (or competitive) preparation.
 
My advice: physics isn't a good premed major. Med schools don't prefer any particular major, so this means that your physics degree will be on equal footing with the art history guy, except he probably had easier classes and got a 4.0. When you send out your applications with AMCAS, many med schools even filter out people with their computers based on GPA, meaning your application may never be viewed by a human. You might want to consider doing something easier. Of course, if you have a high GPA (i.e. 3.6 or above), disregard everythig I just said.

Now that that's out of the way, I agree with the other two posters; physics isn't engineering, so it's hard to go into an engineering MS program with a physics BS. However, many schools have an "engineering physics" major. At my school it was called "physics with an engineering emphasis." If you're a sophomore or junior, it may not be too late to switch to this major. It's basically a physics major with some extra engineering classes to make you employable. If your school doesn't have that option, you could just take a few freshman and sophomore level EE courses as electives. This will probably make you more employable, and I assume it'll make it a lot easier to get into a EE grad program too.
 
Yes, I know that Physics isn't the best pre med major but I like it. I'll find out the hard way those two don't mix at least :)

But thank your for the information. I'll look into some EE electives if my GPA doesn't soar.
 
Wishingwell said:
Yes, I know that Physics isn't the best pre med major but I like it. I'll find out the hard way those two don't mix at least :)

But thank your for the information. I'll look into some EE electives if my GPA doesn't soar.

We had a student from the biomedical physics program at my school come to one of my classes and "recruit" students for their program.
They showed some MCAT stats from some study.
The top "major" in terms of averages score was biochemical engineering
I don't remember all of them, but physics and engineering physics were the top 5 too.
I believe mathematics majors had a higher average score than biology majors...which I thought was interesting.
The lowest scoring 'major' on average...was pre-med. lol
I thought that was funny.

It was pretty interesting to see the top 5 majors for average MCAT score were all somehow related to physics or engineering.
 

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