Physics UG-G or Engineering UG - Physics G

[iwastoodrunk]

I started out as a pre-engineering major at a cc where I took my first physics class. I ended up falling in love with the subject and got accepted to top tier engineering school as a physics major.

My love of physics has just weighed out by a really bad physics major student body. I have gotten in trouble twice with the major student body just in my first month being here. (I fear I may lose a spot in my lab because of angry people, because of "he-said-she-said" situations. Sort of reminding me of high school almost).

After a month of being bummed out I was happy to hear the school recently changed policy that transfers could change their major to mechanical engineering (where they previously couldn't). It is in top #5 school where as their Physics prog is in top #30.

It is not just the toxic student environment which is why I am considering changing my major. I feel like I need a cushioning because who wants a physicist? The stigma is is that only 50% of PHD students actually get their PHD. Having a bachelors in ME from top 5 program seems more dependable coushining if I end up falling into those 50% who do not ever get their PHD. The Physics advsier here said that "face it, the engineer looks better than the physicist on the resume"

I was wondering if I should just stick it out with physics at this school and go to graduate elsewhere? Or is it possible to get a Mechanical Engineering and Physics minor here and continue with my Physics Grad elsewhere? The ME allows some cushioning, but I feel it looks terrible on graduate applications.Or maybe perhaps Physics UG-Engineering G??

 

[PhanthomJay]

I am unsure what your wants are. You started off in engineering, then because of your love of Physics you switched majors, and now you are thinking of ME for cushioning and perhaps you like the prospect, but then you talk again of getting a Physics Grad degree with a ME UG degree (not recommended), or a ME Grad degree with a Physics UG degree (also not recommended).

For me (but I am not you) , the choice is clear...get the ME UG degree and then if you want, get the ME Grad degree; or you can just get the ME UG degree and get a good job with it. Plenty of Physics in ME with thermo, heat transfer, fluids, mechanics, dynamics, etc. Or get a Electro-Mechanical degree if you like both the mechanical and electrical aspects of Physics.

On the other hand, if you are choosing ME just to get away from the students with which you have issues, or as a cushion for better job opportunity without any real interest in engineering, forget about it.