Physics vs Computer Engineering Job Market: Which is Best?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the job market comparison between physics and computer engineering (CE), with a focus on the potential benefits of pursuing a double major in physics and electrical engineering (EE). Participants explore the job prospects, flexibility of careers, and the challenges associated with double majoring in these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a shift in interest from computer engineering to physics, seeking insights on job market viability for both fields.
  • Another participant suggests that engineering degrees, particularly EE and CE, are generally more marketable than a physics degree, citing challenges faced by physics graduates in securing jobs.
  • A participant mentions the potential for transferring classes from CE to EE, indicating a perceived overlap between the two disciplines.
  • Concerns are raised about the difficulty and time commitment of pursuing a double major in physics and engineering, with one participant warning it could extend the duration of studies significantly.
  • Several claims are made regarding job prospects: one participant states that few physics graduates find jobs in their field, while most engineering graduates do, and that EE and CE are similar enough that a double major may not be necessary.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the primary motivation for studying physics should be a passion for the subject rather than job prospects, noting that engineering typically offers better pay and job security.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the job market for physics versus engineering degrees, with some emphasizing the advantages of engineering while others highlight the potential benefits of a double major. There is no consensus on the best path forward, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal degree choice for job security and marketability.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about job availability and the workload associated with double majoring, but these points are not fully explored or resolved. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and opinions without definitive conclusions.

bassplayer142
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I have always been leaning towards computer engineering till now. Now I feel that physics would be more exciting and would open more doors. How is the job market of physics vs computer engineering. I plan to do a double major and now I'm thinking it might be electrical engineering. Would a physics and ee degree be the way to go? I'm looking for answers strictly on a job basis. Like which has more jobs and which is more flexible to careers that are parallel. I don't need guidance on what I find interesting anymore. Thanks.
 
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Well, engineering seems to be the most insured route to go. You can browse through the earlier threads and see that there are a decent number of recently graduated people with no job because selling your physicists degree tend to take more effort than selling an engineering degree.

If you want a job right after a b.s. engineering is probably the easiest of the two and ee or ce will provide you with a good number of choices.
 
I was thinking I would take EE first since I have to make that switch from CE. I think I'm really lucky because it seems that all classes will transfer over since both fields are so close. Then I guess I got a few years to decide what next. Thanks
 
bassplayer142 said:
I have always been leaning towards computer engineering till now. Now I feel that physics would be more exciting and would open more doors. How is the job market of physics vs computer engineering. I plan to do a double major and now I'm thinking it might be electrical engineering. Would a physics and ee degree be the way to go? I'm looking for answers strictly on a job basis. Like which has more jobs and which is more flexible to careers that are parallel. I don't need guidance on what I find interesting anymore. Thanks.

With just a BS in Physics, you are less likely to find a job as compared with just a BS in engineering.

However, with a double major in Physics and EE, or EE and CE, then it's a different story. They are probably more equally likely than one would think.

CS
 
Double major in physics and engineering is hell. Unless you're prepared to stay in school for a long time, that is.
 
How long is a long time exactly? I just love to learn and I want a great job that is exciting and pays well. Also, to have job security.
 
Well how many classes are you prepared to take per semester in order to fulfill the double major requirements? If you're thinking the standard 4-5 classes, you're definitely going to have to stay in school for a year or 2 longer than a standard single degree course. If you're taking more like 7-8, then the question is, are you able to cope with the workload?
 
1) Very few people with a BS in Physics are able to find jobs in physics.
2) Virtually all people with a BS in either CpE or EE are able to find good jobs in those fields.
3) EE and CpE are so similar that there is no point in double majoring in them.
4) A double major in physics will not help you find a job in CpE or EE.
5) The only sensible reason to study physics is for love of the subject.
6) Physics does not pay nearly as well as engineering.
7) Engineering provides much greater job security than does physics, at least at the BS level.

- Warren
 

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