Schools Proceeding with BA in physics to Graduate school for environmental engineering

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the career path of a student enrolled in a BA in physics at SUNY Geneseo, who is considering transitioning into environmental engineering. The student is uncertain if a BA in physics, complemented by minors in mathematics and environmental science, is the right foundation for graduate school in environmental engineering. Advisors suggest this path is common, but the student seeks broader opinions to validate this choice. Concerns are raised about whether to pursue a BA or BS in physics, the feasibility of a 3-2 program that includes engineering studies, or transferring directly to an engineering school. The importance of checking graduate program admissions requirements is emphasized, particularly regarding the necessity of an engineering degree. Experiences shared indicate that while licensure is not required in all engineering disciplines, having a physics background can still lead to successful careers in engineering, although some on-the-job learning may be necessary.
Avondail
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I was hoping some of you could help with some advice on my current career path. I am enrolled at Suny Geneseo, New York currently working on a BA in physics. Originally i chose Geneseo based on the reputation of its physics and education programs, but i decided early on that i wanted to advance into the engineering field. My main question i suppose is if a BA in physics along with minors in mathematics and environmental science is the correct path leading towards grad school for environmental engineering and obviously my future career. My advisors say this has been done countless times but I am not so sure I am ready to risk 4 years of my education on one advisors opinion. If someone could please provide their concerns/ideas over this choice that would be EXTREMELY helpful.

I also am slightly concerned whether or not i should obtain a BS or BA in physics. Should i do the 3-2 program with 3 years of physics here in geneseo and 2 years in an engineering school? Transfer to an engineering school all together? I also will not be setting myself up for a license. Please give me some advice...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Look into environmental engineering graduate programs and see what their admissions requirements are. If they require an engineering degree, you should switch to a major in engineering.
 
I see that you have a degree in physics and went on to become an engineer. Everything work out fine for you then? the fact that you don't have a license didnt seem to harm you?
 
Avondail said:
the fact that you don't have a license didnt seem to harm you?

My particular engineering discipline doesn't require licensure, but otherwise it's been fine. Some things I had to learn on the job, other things I knew much more than I had to.
 
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

Similar threads

Back
Top