Physics degree vs. Engineering vs. Applied Math

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the pros and cons of pursuing degrees in Physics, Engineering, and Applied Mathematics, with a focus on how these choices align with personal interests and future career opportunities. Participants explore the implications of double majoring and the potential paths available after graduation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a passion for Math and seeks to study its applications, considering degrees in Physics, Engineering, or Applied Math.
  • Another participant suggests that pursuing what one loves is crucial for success in school, sharing their own experience with degrees in Physics and Applied Math.
  • A participant questions the future career opportunities available after studying these fields, particularly in relation to graduate school and non-academic paths.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of double majoring alongside an Engineering degree, with some participants noting that it may be challenging depending on the school.
  • There is a suggestion that if one chooses the Engineering path, it might be more practical to pursue a minor rather than a double major.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of personal passion in choosing a field of study, but there are differing opinions on the practicality of double majoring and the specific career paths available after graduation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific engineering specialties and the implications of pursuing a double major, highlighting the dependence on individual school policies and personal circumstances.

thrill3rnit3
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Pros and cons of each? I want my future to have something to do with Math [ it's my passion duh ], but I'd rather study an application of it than in it's purety [ though that's still not out of the question ].

So right now I'm considering getting a Physics degree, or maybe an Engineering [ still not sure what - anyone help? ] or an Applied Math degree [ with a specialization closely related to the previous two ].

Any suggestions?
 
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Of course I'm also considering a double major.

Although what to major on is still a question for me.
 
Quick answer... Do what you love. To be successful in school, you're going to have to spend a LOT of time working on it.

Myself, I'm a full-time software developer with degrees in Physics (undergrad) and Applied Math (master's). I have never found the lack of an "engineering" degree to be a handicap in my work. Of course, your mileage may vary.
 
I would love to do ANY of these. I guess my question would be more about my future after studying. I'm planning to continue on to graduate school, but other than academia work, what other opportunities are there?

I'm leaning towards:

1. applied math (any ideas for a double major?)
2. physics (with a math double major)
3. engineering (unsure what speciality, again with a math double major)
 
Depends on the school, but doing a second degree to go with an engineering degree is a pretty tall order
 
Yeah that's what people are telling me. So if I do take the engineering path it would probably just be that or a minor in something.
 

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