Minor or Second major in physics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between pursuing a minor in physics or a double major in physics and computer engineering at NJIT. The original poster expresses a strong interest in physics but prefers to maintain their computer engineering major. Forum participants suggest starting with a minor to gauge interest before committing to a double major, emphasizing that a minor can still be beneficial. Ultimately, the decision should align with personal interests rather than external pressures, particularly from family.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic structures, including majors and minors
  • Familiarity with career paths in computer engineering and physics
  • Knowledge of internship opportunities and their importance in career development
  • Awareness of graduate studies options in physics and engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the benefits of a minor in physics versus a double major in physics and computer engineering
  • Explore internship opportunities relevant to computer engineering, such as those offered at tech companies like Google
  • Investigate graduate programs in physics and engineering to understand their requirements and benefits
  • Consider elective courses in physics to assess personal interest before deciding on a minor or major
USEFUL FOR

Students in computer engineering or physics, academic advisors, and individuals considering the impact of dual academic paths on career prospects.

SoulReign
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Hi this is my first post so hopefully I am doing it right. Well I am a freshman at NJIT and I am having a blast. I am majoring in computer engineering and don't wish to change. My dad wanted me to major in physics and he is mad that I am not doing it. I like physics a lot more than any other science but i want to major in computer engineering. Would it be more beneficial for me to take a minor in physics or double major in physics and computer engineering. I know that the double major will take more time but would it be worth it more in the long run than a minor. Thanks for all the advice in advance
 
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If you're doing something to make your father happy, you should ask him for what he thinks.
 
Well my father wants me to just straight up major in physics only and do research because that was always his goal but since he was an immigrant he could never accomplish it. i just want to know if the minor is just as beneficial and a double major and what's the difference in terms of future benefits
 
I know this is not what you asked but personally I advise you to stay miles and miles away from trying to please your father by making a life changing decisions on his behalf.
 
How about talking to your father about him pursing his educational goals?
 
Ive tried but he is 55 and feels its too late. He is also a manager at panasonic so he is never home and always traveling. Dont get me wrong i like physics more than any other science but i just want to know if a minor may be as worth is as a double major. Thanks for all the advice so far
 
Let me ask you something. Are you personally interested in physics -- enough to want to take courses in it? If so, then I see no problem in pursuing a minor in physics, with no need to change your computer engineering major.

My suggestion would be to take a few courses in physics as electives and see if you like it. If you do, then you can take more courses so that you could earn your minor (or a double major if you wish). The key thing is for you to do this because you are interested in physics, not because your father wants you to pursue it.
 
Thats what i was thinking StatGuy. Let's say I am interested in physics a lot now. Would a double major be more wothwhile in the future or will a minor be satisfactory
 
SoulReign said:
Thats what i was thinking StatGuy. Let's say I am interested in physics a lot now. Would a double major be more wothwhile in the future or will a minor be satisfactory

That would depend on what you intend to do in the future. If you are thinking of pursuing further graduate studies in physics, then a double major could be worthwhile, but a minor may also be satisfactory as well.
 
  • #10
i know that with a physics major u will most likely teach and unless u have a PhD in physics the degree itself isn't the most worthwhile. I want to come out of college with a masters and go work at a nice company. Research is ok but for a computer engineer i would like to work at like google. will a minor make me stand out more against other employees or does it have to be a major
 
  • #11
SoulReign said:
i know that with a physics major u will most likely teach and unless u have a PhD in physics the degree itself isn't the most worthwhile. I want to come out of college with a masters and go work at a nice company. Research is ok but for a computer engineer i would like to work at like google. will a minor make me stand out more against other employees or does it have to be a major

I really can't say whether having a minor will make you stand out more against other employees as opposed to having a major. As long as you do well in your courses, I don't think it can hurt your chances either way. My recommendation will be to start out with just a minor, and see how it goes.

As far as enhancing your chances at landing work at a nice company, having an internship experience or undergraduate research experience (through the REU program in the US, or something like the NSERC USRA in Canada) will most certainly help.
 
  • #12
Ok. Ill start with the minor and if i rlly like it ill change it to a major. But i just went to our career fair today so hopefully i can land some internships or stuff
 

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