PhD in Mechanical Engineering vs Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative value of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering versus a PhD in Physics, particularly in terms of job prospects and salary expectations. It touches on industry applications and the relevance of the degree to employment opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the job market viability of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering compared to a PhD in Physics, seeking insights on employment and salary.
  • Another participant suggests that a PhD in Mechanical Engineering can be beneficial for job prospects, depending on the chosen specialty within the field.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that for most industry jobs in mechanical engineering, a PhD may not provide significant advantages.
  • It is proposed that if a PhD is part of a research project sponsored by a company, it could lead to job opportunities, although this outcome is not guaranteed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the utility of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering versus Physics, with no consensus reached on which degree offers better job prospects or salary potential.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the effectiveness of a PhD in securing employment may depend on specific fields within Mechanical Engineering and the nature of the research project, indicating a need for further exploration of these variables.

RogueWarrior
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Would a doctorate in mechanical engineering help at all? Would one be able to easily find a job as opposed to a doctorate in physics? In addition, which one would generally have the more favorable salary?

thanks.
 
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a phd in MechE is great for jobs, depending on what specialty within MechE you choose. there's a lot of directions that have little to do with each other.
 
You sound like you'd be much better off just going into industry. For the vast majority of industry mechanical engineering jobs a PhD isn't much use.
 
If your PhD is part of a research project sponsored by a company, then both you and the company will get a few years to learn about each other, that might lead to a job offer.

But there's no guarantee of that happening, and if it doesn't - what Shaun_W said.
 

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