Physics + CE masters versus CE undergrad

[cscott]

How do these two compare to a tech (Apple, ARM, RIM, Asustek, etc) company? I ask this because I lost interest in doing computer engineering however working at RIM for coop has sparked my interest again. Where would I fit coming back to this company with a physics+CE masters? Would the engineer undergrads get snapped up long before me? It seems like a masters can't fully full the void between physics and computer engineering.

Do most of these companies have (large) research groups that would welcome materials-like research for, say, chips or HDDs?

Thanks.

 

[fizziks]

How do these two compare to a tech (Apple, ARM, RIM, Asustek, etc) company? I ask this because I lost interest in doing computer engineering however working at RIM for coop has sparked my interest again. Where would I fit coming back to this company with a physics+CE masters? Would the engineer undergrads get snapped up long before me? It seems like a masters can't fully full the void between physics and computer engineering.

Do most of these companies have (large) research groups that would welcome materials-like research for, say, chips or HDDs?

Thanks.

A masters would be better than an undergrad, nonetheless. An undergrad CE would take the job over a masters CE if he has more experience. An employer should know that graduate level CE courses are more in-depth and have more value than undergrad CE courses. The first 2 years you spend at universities are general ed classes that have nothing to do with your major coursework.

I have always thought that your bachelor's degree becomes almost negligible when you have your masters.

 

[mr_coffee]

I agree with fizziks, the only issue your going to run up against is if you have a Comp Eng undergrad who is going to get his Masters (which like 90% of Comp Eng) are probably doing because places like intel/amd/whoever won't let you touch hardware design unless you have a minimum of a masters. They will most likely pick the comp eng under with a masters in ce over a physics under with a masters in CE. But you can still find a job I'm sure.

 

[cscott]

Thanks. Your comments have been helpful.

I guess my biggest issue is only being in second year and I don't quite know exactly what I want to do, just a few general areas.

Do intel/amd/etc have research labs with physics PhD's? If so, what kind of research is done?

I guess my worst fear is definitely wanting to make the switch to engineering and having to make up first year courses.

One last question: If you feel you're under prepared for masters-level courses do places often let you take a term of undergrad courses or should this be done at the end of your undergrad degree, before even applying for a masters? Here I'm talking about someone changing their field 'slightly', i.e. physics undergrad then CE masters or engineering then physics PhD...

I do know an engineer going for his PhD in physics... he was the TA for one of my first year labs.

 

[user101]

Yes they have labs with physics PhDs. Even IBM. R&D is needed, especially when you're working on the next generation technology. It will be highly competitive though.

 

[fizziks]

Thanks. Your comments have been helpful.

I guess my biggest issue is only being in second year and I don't quite know exactly what I want to do, just a few general areas.

Do intel/amd/etc have research labs with physics PhD's? If so, what kind of research is done?

I guess my worst fear is definitely wanted to make the switch to engineering and having to make up first year courses.

One last question: If you feel you're under prepared for masters-level courses do places often let you take a term of undergrad courses or should this be done at the end of your undergrad degree, before even applying for a masters?

They do have physicists with PhDs in their labs for research and development. But they're not very easy to get nor is a PhD in physics. But the job outlook seems to be much better for a Masters in CE than a PhD physicist. In the long run, you have to look at the bills . I'm starting to realize that since I'm off to my own now. You got to work no matter what to self-sustain yourself.

I got into the CE masters program at a local state school here, even though I was a physics major with little CE background. ATM, I'm taking enrolled as a non-degree student taking the important pre-reqs for a CE (mainly computer architecture, software engineering, and microprocessors). Some schools will let you in with the exception that you taken certain pre-reqs.

 

[cscott]

I think if I went to UWaterloo for my Masters (I'm doing my undergrad physics here, at UW) they'd let me in with little missing prereqs so long as I stress my physics degree in EM theory, electronics and communications where I can.

I still love the physics courses :)