Applied Physics/Kettering University Questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the merits of Kettering University’s Applied Physics program, particularly in relation to graduate school preparation and employment opportunities. Participants also compare Kettering with Indiana University-Bloomington, considering factors such as co-op experiences, research opportunities, and cost of attendance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight Kettering's co-op program as beneficial for gaining industry experience, while others suggest that graduate schools may prefer research experience, such as through REUs.
  • One participant notes that Kettering is well-regarded in Michigan but lacks national recognition compared to larger institutions like the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.
  • Concerns are raised about Kettering's location in Flint, which some participants describe negatively.
  • Another participant mentions that Kettering is competitive to get into, suggesting that acceptance there could indicate eligibility for other prestigious schools.
  • Discussion includes a comparison with Indiana University-Bloomington, where one participant notes potential cost benefits and questions the availability of internships in Bloomington.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views on the value of Kettering's program for graduate school preparation, with some emphasizing the importance of co-op experiences while others advocate for research opportunities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which university may be the better option overall.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the relative advantages of industry experience versus research experience for graduate school applications. The discussion also reflects varying perceptions of Kettering's reputation outside of Michigan.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering Kettering University or Indiana University-Bloomington for Applied Physics, as well as those interested in the implications of co-op versus research experiences for graduate school applications.

NextElement
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Hey guys, I was just accepted to Kettering University in Michigan for Applied Physics! I really like the school because of its co-op experience, you spend one quarter of the year taking classes, the next in a co-op with a company, and the rotation continues. However, I was wondering how good this is for grad schools, which I'm assuming I will need to attend to have a chance of employment in Applied Physics. Can you all do me a favor and check out the program website to see if it is up to par in terms of preparing for grad school?

http://www.kettering.edu/academics/departments/physics/undergraduate-degreesprograms/bachelor-science-applied-physics

Also, has anyone heard of Kettering before? Everyone I've talked to seems to have never heard of it, but it looks pretty legit. Thanks!
 
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NextElement said:
Hey guys, I was just accepted to Kettering University in Michigan for Applied Physics! I really like the school because of its co-op experience, you spend one quarter of the year taking classes, the next in a co-op with a company, and the rotation continues. However, I was wondering how good this is for grad schools, which I'm assuming I will need to attend to have a chance of employment in Applied Physics. Can you all do me a favor and check out the program website to see if it is up to par in terms of preparing for grad school?

http://www.kettering.edu/academics/departments/physics/undergraduate-degreesprograms/bachelor-science-applied-physics

Also, has anyone heard of Kettering before? Everyone I've talked to seems to have never heard of it, but it looks pretty legit. Thanks!

Kettering is an excellent school for preparing yourself for an engineering career in industry because of its mandatory co-op program. However, grad schools prefer to see research experience from perhaps an REU somewhere as opposed to industry experience. Maybe you can do an REU instead of an industry co-op for a couple semesters to get some research experience. One of the students in my EE PhD program did his BS at kettering in EE. He has graduated from the PhD program and now he is a professor at a well-regarded research university.
 
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Oh, also keep in mind that kettering is not in the best location. It is in Flint, which is a pretty crappy place to live, imo.

Another problem with Kettering is it just doesn't have the name recognition outside of Michigan (where it is highly regarded), despite being an excellent school. It just doesn't have the recognition of a place like U of Michigan - Ann Arbor, for instance.

Kettering is pretty competitive to get into. If you could get into Kettering you could probably get accepted to somewhere like UM-AA as well. You can still do co-ops every other semester at UM but it might take longer to graduate (like 5 yrs instead of 4)

I am sure you will be fine with a kettering degree though. It is a really good school.
 
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I've also gotten accepted into IU-Bloomington's Applied Physics program. Would this be a better option? I was attracted to Kettering because of the co-ops, but I'm in-state for IU and it would be a lot cheaper I assume. I am interested in materials science/engineering ultimately.
 
NextElement said:
I've also gotten accepted into IU-Bloomington's Applied Physics program. Would this be a better option? I was attracted to Kettering because of the co-ops, but I'm in-state for IU and it would be a lot cheaper I assume. I am interested in materials science/engineering ultimately.

IU-Bloomington is quite good as well and you can still do internships there. I am not sure what kind of industry there is in Bloomington though.
 

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