Programs Is a Physics BA a good route for exciting CS/Engineering Work?

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Majoring in physics can provide a strong foundation for a career in engineering or computer science, but pursuing an engineering degree may offer a more direct path to those fields. Students are encouraged to check the requirements of their chosen colleges regarding major declaration timelines, allowing for exploration of both physics and engineering courses. If the goal is to pursue a master's in engineering or computer science, an undergraduate degree in those areas is advisable for a smoother transition. While a master's degree may suffice for many industry roles, some positions may require a PhD, depending on the specific research interests. Ultimately, students have the flexibility to adapt their educational paths based on evolving career goals.
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Hello,

I'm a young student returning to college in my early 20s. I'm applying for bachelors programs in the US. I'm interested in a variety of fields, and I love to learn. I want to major in physics because of how broad and applied mathy it is, but I'm currently not interested in the time commitment of a PHD. I love to learn and would likely pursue a masters in electrical engineering, computer science, or materials engineering.

I would want to do research in industry. Developing algorithms, machine learning, corrosion control, nitinol, and semiconductors are all exciting subjects to me, in that they involve new science and advanced math.

Should I major in physics for my bachelors degree if I intend to pivot to one of the above listed subjects?
 
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If you want to be an engineer, I'd recommend majoring in engineering., You can always take physics classes, (Well, until you run out of time or money)
 
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Welcome to PF.

Copar said:
I'm applying for bachelors programs in the US.
You should check with the colleges that you are applying to in order to find out at what point you need to declare your major. For me (at a University of California school back in the early 80's), you didn't have to fully declare until the end of your sophomore year. That let me take a mix of Engineering and Physics classes to help me understand which way I wanted to go. (In my case I loved Physics more but decided to go into HW/SW Engineering instead because of the job market at the time.)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
If you want to be an engineer, I'd recommend majoring in engineering., You can always take physics classes, (Well, until you run out of time or money)
^^This^^ OP: If you plan (at least for now) on pursuing a master's in engineering or computer science, then do your undergrad in engineering or computer science. That way, you'll ensure you can seamlessly apply for and progress to a master's in engineering or computer science. At most US universities, the undergrad program will allow for free electives. So if you're interested in physics and math beyond the courses required for your major, you can take them as free electives.

Side note. Your stated goal is "exciting CS/engineering" research in industry. Depending on the specific area you get into and depending on what you personally consider exciting, a master's in engineering or computer science may or may not be sufficient either. But of course, if you work in industry for a stint and find out it's not, then you have the option of returning for a PhD in engineering or computer science. When the time comes, you can decide whether it's worth it.
 
I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
I have a specialization in condensed matter physics and materials physics, and off-late, I have been seeing a lot of research directions moving towards quantum computing (AMO and non-linear optics) and the huge chunk of quantum materials research (and funding) is dedicated towards QIS and QC research. I am wondering (sort of in a dilemma), if I should consider switching my field? I am currently at the stage of a postdoc.
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