Math Major in Physics, Minor in EE or take more Math?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a second-year physics major weighing the benefits of minoring in Electrical Engineering (EE) versus taking additional math classes. The individual has a solid math background, including calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, and is considering how each option will impact their career and physics skills. While the EE minor could provide practical applications of physics, it would require additional coursework that may jeopardize maintaining a high GPA. The individual expresses a preference for industry work over academia and is contemplating whether a PhD in physics or a master's in EE would be more advantageous. Other participants question the feasibility of minoring in EE, sharing their own university's requirements and course structures. The conversation highlights the importance of practical skills in physics and the varying academic policies regarding engineering minors across institutions.
ninevolt
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Hello everyone,

I am a second year physics major and I have the option of minoring in either EE or taking more math classes.

I don't really care about the titles/pieces of paper, but I would like to know which one is helpful in terms of career and physics skills. I know that taking more math classes will help me to understand the tools and language that physicists use, but I am already taking a lot of these.

>>>lower division
1st yr calculus
multivariable
differential equations
vector calculus
linear algebra

>>>upper division
partial differential equations (1st qurater)

>>>upper divisions I plan on taking:
PDE 2nd quarter
Stats and Probability
Complex Analysis (both quarters)

>>>By taking an EE minor I miss out on:
Upper division linear algebra
either elementary particles or plasma physics

and trying to get the EE minor will also increase my workload as I have to take many of the lower division classes in order to clear the pre-reqs for the upper division EE classes. I'm not sure if I can maintain my 4.0 major GPA if I'm taking 3 upper division physics/math one upper division EE class and 1 lower division EE class.I plan on getting a minor in EE because I like applying physics, and I believe that it is useful knowledge for any physics person. Furthermore, I plan on working in the industry not in academia. As of now I am debating whether or not I will try to get a PhD in physics or get a masters in EE. I do know that both are great options for working in the industry, though EE has the edge. Nonetheless, do you guys think that the EE minor will be worth the effort?

~Mike
 
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How do you minor in Electrical Engineering? In our university, it's either that you have an EE degree oer you don't. You can't minor in it. Engineering requires full credibility doesn't it?
 
kramer733 said:
How do you minor in Electrical Engineering? In our university, it's either that you have an EE degree oer you don't. You can't minor in it. Engineering requires full credibility doesn't it?

Normally you would do circuits 1&2 as prereqs to Electronics 1&2 than maybe youi'd do signals and systems and logic design. My school offers 4 minors just in the mechanical engineering department.
 
kramer733 said:
How do you minor in Electrical Engineering? In our university, it's either that you have an EE degree oer you don't. You can't minor in it. Engineering requires full credibility doesn't it?

My school has a minor in EE and you need 6 classes total to fulfill the requirements.

2 Circuit theory classes
1 Digital design class
3 classes from one concentration
 
Instead of asking if a minor in EE is useful, let me ask is it useful to take the following EE classes?


kramer733 said:
How do you minor in Electrical Engineering? In our university, it's either that you have an EE degree oer you don't. You can't minor in it. Engineering requires full credibility doesn't it?
The minor in EE

You take the lower division classes
Intro to Digital Design
Intro to Computer Engineering
Into to Analog Design
Circuits and Systems
Components and Circuits Lab

Then you take 5 of 6 Upper divisions
Linear Systems Fundamentals
Intro to Active Circuit Design
Fundamentals of Devices and Materials
E&M
Digital Circuits
Engineering Probability and Statistics

course descriptions:
http://ucsd.edu/catalog/courses/ECE.html
Course numbers: ECE 15, 25, 30, 35, 101, 102, 103, 107, 108, 109


Thanks
~Mike
 
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