Is double majoring in EE and Physics a wise choice for my career goals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision to double major in Electrical Engineering (EE) and Physics, exploring the implications for career goals, graduate school prospects, and industry perceptions. Participants consider the practicality of such a choice, the potential benefits of each degree, and alternative paths like majoring in Physics with a minor in EE.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to major in EE and Physics, citing a passion for physics and the practicality of an EE degree for job security.
  • Another participant suggests considering a degree in Engineering Physics instead, although this is challenged due to availability and accreditation issues.
  • Concerns are raised about the inability to take electives in either field due to the demands of both majors, with questions about how this might impact career readiness.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of ABET accreditation depending on the chosen graduate program, noting that it may not matter for physics programs but could be significant for EE programs.
  • A suggestion is made to major in Physics while taking electives in EE or pursuing a minor, highlighting specific courses that could provide relevant skills for EE work.
  • One participant argues that a physics background could enhance employability, particularly in fields like aerospace, where both EE and physics degrees are valued.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the merits of double majoring versus focusing on one major with electives. There is no consensus on the best approach, as some advocate for a double major while others suggest alternatives like a minor or focusing solely on Physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the availability of certain programs and the implications of ABET accreditation, which may affect the perceived value of degrees in different contexts.

confusedinMA
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I am thinking I will major in EE and Physics is this a wise course of action? My true passion has always been physics however I also wish to have the practicality of the EE degree to fall back on if for some reason higher level studies in physics don't work out( I hear it is very difficult to get a good job with just a BS in physics).

I hope to be able to leverage this degree in graduate school as I hope to work in radio astronomy or instrument design where an EE background may put me at an advantage.

In terms of industry how will I be viewed? Favorably compared to those with just EE degrees as I have further fundamental knowledge?

The one unfortunate aspect is that I will not be able to take any electives in either physics or EE as the required courses for each major will fill out my schedule, how might this hurt me?
 
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I'd say that you should do one in engineering physics instead.
 
Klockan3 said:
I'd say that you should do one in engineering physics instead.


Eh, such a degree isn't offered where I am. Plus, Engineering Physics programs might not be ABET accredited so I'd lose one of the main benefits of doing a BSEE.
 
confusedinMA said:
Eh, such a degree isn't offered where I am. Plus, Engineering Physics programs might not be ABET accredited so I'd lose one of the main benefits of doing a BSEE.

What kind of graduate program are you looking to get into? If your graduate program is a physics program, ABET accreditation won't really matter. If it's EE and you plan on doing your instrument design after graduation then it will matter.
 
fss said:
What kind of graduate program are you looking to get into? If your graduate program is a physics program, ABET accreditation won't really matter. If it's EE and you plan on doing your instrument design after graduation then it will matter.

My two option as I see is that I would go into Physics/Astronomy graduate school as an experimentalist or I forgo graduate school(or only get a masters) and go to work as an electrical engineer. Thus having both degree will cover both paths.
 
confusedinMA said:
Thus having both degree will cover both paths.

You will not be getting two degrees (which would require double the credit hours)- you'll be getting one degree with two majors. But given your situation and desired path after undergraduate it seems like a decent plan.
 
confusedinMA said:
Eh, such a degree isn't offered where I am. Plus, Engineering Physics programs might not be ABET accredited so I'd lose one of the main benefits of doing a BSEE.
Well, of course that would be if it was offered and was ABET accredited.
 
how bout majoring in physics and spending your electives in EE/minor in EE?

I figure a year long class in semiconductor physics/circuits (applied cond. matter) and 1 year long class in signals would put you in great position to do EE stuff.
you'll probably be much better at E&M then any EE major and you should be learning programming anyways...
 
flemmyd said:
how bout majoring in physics and spending your electives in EE/minor in EE?

I figure a year long class in semiconductor physics/circuits (applied cond. matter) and 1 year long class in signals would put you in great position to do EE stuff.
you'll probably be much better at E&M then any EE major and you should be learning programming anyways...

Personally I'd be fine with that I really dislike some of these EE classes that are required anyway. But i feel like in the event I don't end up in Physics grad school I'd have a much harder time finding a job without an official BSEE. Atleast that is what the general opinion seems to be.
 
  • #10
flemmyd said:
how bout majoring in physics and spending your electives in EE/minor in EE?

I figure a year long class in semiconductor physics/circuits (applied cond. matter) and 1 year long class in signals would put you in great position to do EE stuff.
you'll probably be much better at E&M then any EE major and you should be learning programming anyways...
This is excellent advice IMHO. Add digital signal processing, if it's not already part of a year in Signals and Systems, and you will have what you need to perform practical work. Your physics background will give you an edge in terms of mathematical sophistication, and the ability to tackle most of what an EE will do. You'll be able to pick up additional stuff on the job.

As for physics making you unhirable, I think it's often the opposite. Read aerospace job postings, e.g., and you'll usually see "EE or physics degree" listed.
 

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