Majoring in Magnets: What's the Next Best Undergrad Major?

[DrummingAtom]

I know the answer's no, so what's the next best undergrad major? Ultimately, I would like to be in on the R&D side of things. EE or Physics? Maybe another major? Thanks.

 

[tim_lou]

that is one of the strangest thing I've heard (no offense there)... what do you mean by majoring in magnets?

 

[Choppy]

If your ultimate interest lies in research, then physics is likely the best subject to major in, but electrical engineering, engineering physics and materials science are other options as well.

 

[DrummingAtom]

Haha. Sorry Tim, it was meant to just show that I'm interested in Magnets. Just want to know what's the best path for my goal.

 

[G01]

Are you interested in the theory of magnetics or the applications of magnets to technology?

 

[Pythagorean]

(note: this is a US perspective)

Not for your Bachelor's (undergrad) degree. Bachelor's degrees are for breadth, you don't start doing depth (picking a branch and going down it) until grad school.

However, once you're getting near grad school simply look up magnetic research and see if you can find some prominent names, then find the university they're at. You'll want somebody who does research in magnets as your advisor. You'll still take other physics classes, but you can focus on magnets if that's what you really want.

Seriously though, if you haven't gotten your bachelor's yet, just do that first. You'll most likely change your mind (our broaden your perspective, at least) by the time you're done with it.

 

[Pythagorean]

Another thing:

you may actually be interested in the Materials Science side of magnets, not the physics side. Look into that. I can only guess since I'm not inside your head.

 

[asdfggfdsa]

A suggestion: complete two majors, one theoretical and one applied. That way, you'll maximize your options.

 

[Defennder]

A suggestion: complete two majors, one theoretical and one applied. That way, you'll maximize your options.

I haven't heard of anyone who double majored in 2 subjects which are virtually the same: eg. applied maths and pure maths, applied physics and theoretical. I doubt the college will count the classes required for the double major as sufficiently distinct to award one.

 

[asdfggfdsa]

I haven't heard of anyone who double majored in 2 subjects which are virtually the same: eg. applied maths and pure maths, applied physics and theoretical. I doubt the college will count the classes required for the double major as sufficiently distinct to award one.

By that, I meant something along the lines of math/computer science (as I am doing), math/EE, or physics/ME (as two of my friends are doing), not literally two things within the same field of study/department. Perhaps he could go for both EE and physics? Anyway, that's my two cents.