Programs Is a Master's in Physics Valuable for an Engineering Career?

AI Thread Summary
Pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (EE) is generally viewed as more beneficial for industry careers than a Master's in Physics, particularly for those interested in engineering roles. While a focus on Solid State or Condensed Matter is appealing, an Applied Physics degree may not provide significant advantages in job prospects. Some participants suggest that a PhD may be necessary for serious research opportunities in condensed matter. It is also recommended to find an EE program that includes materials research to enhance practical experience. Overall, an EE master's is considered more recognizable and valuable to employers in the engineering sector.
wesley7777
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
I am a electrical engineering major, about to enter my junior year. I really want to go after a master's degree with a focus on Solid State. But I have been getting interested in Condensed Matter. My question is would a Master's degree in Physics really be worth anything? I want to work in industry as an engineer/researcher and not at a university. I am just worried that getting a Master's in Physics would not be as useful as a Master's in EE. What is your opinion on this?
Thanks so much
Chris
 
Physics news on Phys.org
IMO, an engineering MS is 'worth more' than a physics MS to industry. 'Worth more' may be a bad choice of words- 'more recognizable' is closer.
 
Andy Resnick said:
IMO, an engineering MS is 'worth more' than a physics MS to industry. 'Worth more' may be a bad choice of words- 'more recognizable' is closer.

That is kind of what i thought. I was thinking I might do Applied Physics in either solid state or nanotechnology and i think i am drawn more to the physics side than the engineering side. Anyone else have a opinion?
 
I wouldn't think a MS in applied physics will get you that far either. If you really want to work in condensed matter I suggest you go for a PhD.
 
I know a couple of students in my department who failed the PhD qualifier and had to settle for MS degrees in condensed matter. One is about to graduate, and has no job offers yet. The other graduated almost a year ago...as far as I heard he still has no offers. I guess you may be better off with the EE MS.
 
Note: At some institutions you can do work in condensed matter through an EE program. I knew some EE students who worked in an NSF materials research center at their institution.

My tips:
1) Find a university that has some EE faculty that do materials work.
2) Make sure the program offered requires a thesis masters so you actually do some of this work in the process of getting your degree.
3) Of course to get into any real research at all, you'd have to go the Ph.D. route.

I do concur with other posters in this thread... an EE master's would be more recognizable to employers than a physics masters.
 

Thread 'My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?'

I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
View full post »

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Similar threads

Programs Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Masters online
Replies
6
Views
1K
Programs Need help finding master's program (Europe) with modeling aspects
Replies
4
Views
1K
Other Masters in Physics after working in Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
Courses Masters in Civil Engineering with a Bachelor in general engineering
Replies
2
Views
2K
Other After an Engineering Physics BSc, can I enroll in a Physics MSc?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Studying I need advice for a master's degree in applied physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Programs Mathematical/Theoretical Physics MSc with High Teaching Quality
Replies
1
Views
122
Other Should I Upgrade Graduate Certificate Into Second Masters Degree?
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top