Mechanical Eng+Physics Undergrad: Benefits/Experiences

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SUMMARY

Studying both Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Physics at the undergraduate level provides significant advantages, including a deeper understanding of mechanical principles compared to peers with a Physics degree and a stronger grasp of physics concepts than those with a BS in ME. However, this dual focus typically requires an additional year of study, resulting in an estimated cost of $60,000. While this educational path may not significantly enhance employment prospects compared to gaining a year of experience, it aligns well with specific career goals, such as becoming an accelerator engineer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Mechanical Engineering principles
  • Fundamentals of Physics
  • Basic knowledge of Electrical Engineering concepts
  • Awareness of career pathways in engineering fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of accelerator engineers and required qualifications
  • Explore advanced topics in Mechanical Engineering machine design
  • Investigate Electrical Engineering power systems and their applications
  • Evaluate the benefits of pursuing a graduate degree in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in engineering and physics, aspiring accelerator engineers, and individuals considering dual degree programs in Mechanical Engineering and Physics.

Seth0Mitchell
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What sort of benefits are there to studying both mechanical engineering and physics in undergrad. I'm pretty dead set on this, I'm just curious to know. Has anyone else gone this route? I'm also minoring in EE if that helps the scenario out.
 
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Benefits:

You will know more mechanical engineering than most people with a BS in physics.
You will know more physics than most people with a BS in ME.


Downside:

It will take you at least an extra year to graduate. If you look at the starting salary for an ME and assuming it costs you $10,000 dollars a year to be in school this is costing you about $60,000 a year to do.

It will have negligible effect on your employement (a year of experience would be better, at least from the ME side).

It will be spending time you could be using to pursue a graduate degree on a second undergraduate degree.
 
Well, one of my main goals is to become an accelerator engineer more or less. I plan on studying MechE in machine design and EE in power systems in grad. Potential money isn't quite a large concern to me. After all I didn't seek to get into engineering for the money haha.
 

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