Pursuing a Masters in Engineering with a BA in physics?

[jhmz]

So I've just finished my first year of mechanical engineering in Australia (pretty generic subjects) and now is the time i need to make sure I am doing the right major. I've been quite sure throughout the year that mechanical is what I want to do however after doing my first unit of electrical engineering I am quite intrigued.

Can someone give examples of typical projects for each discipline? I'd like to work on mechanical, intricate sort of things (this interests me) as well as their electrical control systems but I am unsure exactly what the mechanical discipline deals with.

 

[spartan3123]

Hello iam entering univercity this year and i have decided to do Engineering Science, i am probably going to specialise in mechatronics engineering or mechatronics(space),<if i can get in>, but i am not sure what to majour in for science, iam really looking to get into reshearch, but i do not want to be limited to mechatronics this is a list of majours that was listed with the combined degree program at my Uni.
mathematics
psychology
computer science
biochemistry
chemistry
geology
biology
physics.
i think u can do more but i have to go and ask them, is computational science good , for the first semester it said they use MATLAB.
My main objective is to contruct a degree which will allow me to pursue research in either directions - preferably towards engineering ( for now)

Anyway thankyou very much for your time any help will be apprecated

 

[skullers_ab]

Hello.

I have finished high school. I topped the country (FIJI) with a mark of 372/400. My preferred subjects are Maths and Physics but I am also very passionate with computing, day to day general computing that is. Also good with computer hardware (good compared to people of my age in my community).

I cannot seem to be able to decide which field to enter - Engineering or Computing Sc. or Information Technology/Information Systems. I do not like the business concepts and thus try to stay away from Information Systems but I like the computing part of it - the networking, the servers, the whole hardware scenario.

I like the idea of Engineering where I get to further develop my Maths and Physics skills but people around me tell me that my computing experience/knowledge/passion will go to a waste considering it won't help my career much in Engineering. I do not like programming either and thus think that Comp Sc. is out for me.

Am sorry for sounding so confused, because actually I am. I cannot seem to be able to find my interests and a field where I may be able to use the skills that I have without compromising on interest.

Any response regarding this will be appreciated. Please excuse my vagueness. Thank you.

 

[Urmi Roy]

HI,
I'm trying to figure out the most suitable branch of engineering for myself.
As far as I know about aerospace engineering at the undergraduate level you have to study all sorts of exciting subjects like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics,relativity,etc
I'm actualy more interested in going on for research in such areas and after reading lots of journals,I found that an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering followed by Phd in it would be a great option.

I'm a little hesitant to go directly for a basic Sciences course since we don't have very good colleges around.

Please give me a dscription of the studies related to aerospace engineering,and inform me about the prospects in the field. Would it be a good option for me to proceed in the course I stated above?(I'm in India,so please consider the career options in my country)

Also, is mechanical or electrical engineering good options as per my requirements?

 

[Caesar_Rahil]

I will be going for my first year of bachelor of engineering next year. I am kinda stuck between Mechanical Engineering , Engineering Physics and Electronics and Telecomm Engineering. Can anyone recommend something for me..

I love computer programming, I do it for every time I find free. Still I am not that interested in Computer Science or Engg (Boring). Next up is mechanics which I consider to be the most beautiful part of physics, and I consider physics to be the most beautiful part of science.
People are telling me that there is a lot of scope in Electronics nowadays. (I hate circuits I forgot to tell that although i do like Electromagnetism)

 

[sollinton]

Hello everyone. First off let me apologize in advance if a question similar to this one has been answered already. I searched around the forums, and I've done some research outside of PF, but I haven't quite found what I'm looking for.

I am about to enter my sophomore year of college, and I am currently majoring in physics. My plan is to earn my bachelor's in physics and then go on to earn a master's in engineering. My ideal career would be something that incorporated both my love for physics and engineering in a marine environment (I love the water).

I did a little research on it both marine engineering and marine physics, but the former involved designing submersibles and whatnot while the latter was mostly underwater acoustics. Both of these options sound nice, but I was wondering if there exists a career that is more of a mix of the two. I realize the lines between marine physics and marine engineering are pretty blurry, and both paths I listed above overlap heavily, but nevertheless, does anyone know of any other types of marine careers involving both physics and engineering?

I realize this is somewhat of an arbitrary question, so thank you to anyone who can lend me some advice!

 

[ninevolt]

I'm really interested in Quantum Computing, and I was pretty sure the best way to get involved in this field was by doing physics, but my dad thinks that by getting a degree/master/PhD in physics is not going to provide a stable job.

I'm currently a second year, and am pretty sure that I can switch my major to chemical engineering. Do you think this will still give me a chance to get involved in quantum computing, and what focus of chemical engineering will give me the best chance to do quantum computing?
The choices: focus on chemical engineering, focus on electrical engineering, focus on mechanical engineering, focus on material science, and for good measure, focus on bioengineering?

I do love physics, but my dad is the one paying for college, plus I like the inorganic aspects of chemistry like wave functions, hamiltonian, etc.

OR should I just get a degree in physics, and then go to chemical engineering for a masters?

 

[Asocialkat]

For those of you that are already employed in a physics and/or an engineering position...what are your impressions of (1) your work environment AND (2) the group dynamics at your job?

For (1) work environment: Do you have a quiet place to work that is free from distractions? Are you forced to work in a cube with 20 people crowded into a room with 20 phones all making noise at once? Do you work with loud machinery? What is the noise and people factor? What is the noise level on a scale of 1 - 10, where 1 is a quiet, sound proof room and 10 is a factory floor?

For (2) group dynamics: How often must you converse with your co-workers? How often do you have meetings and do you feel as though those meetings are productive? Must you work side-by-side with your group mates on a project? Do you all work in the same space and stay underfoot? Are you constantly interacting? What percentage of your work day are you working on something completely alone with no interruptions?

 

[Poopsilon]

So I have the opportunity of instead of going for a PHD, to go for a Masters in Applied Math with a focus on the mathematical theory of communications. The math that is used seems really cool, information theory, cryptography, applied Fourier analysis etc. And it straddles the area between applied math and electrical engineering, which is a type of engineering I would love to learn more about.

The description of the degree lists possible places of employment as places such as Qualcomm, Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard, Texas Instruments, etc. So I'm wondering exactly what kind of work could I expect to be doing upon graduation? How math heavy will it be? Is telecom engineering what I'd be doing? And if so exactly what does that entail? What are the general starting salaries? Is it normal to come at this area from the applied math side rather than the electrical engineering side? And anything else you feel like imparting to me about the field would be great, thanks.

 

[tjfloyd.eet]

Engineering Technology with a Physics minor? Is this useful??

I am a junior in college, just transferred to a community college for Electrical Engineering Technology, and I can transfer my A.S. to another institute to do a degree in Applied Electronics Engineering. It is a technical degree, but I have an additional 18 general elective hours that I can use for anything. I've thought about minoring in physics, because that's what I really love and enjoy learning about. Since I've already got two years of previous core classes, there are holes in the semester course curriculum that I can fill. I'm filling it with math, chemistry, and physics classes. So, when I go on to the 4 year college I will already have that under my belt. Now, the real question comes in at will a physics minor be useful for my career? I'm planning on going to get a second Bachelor's degree later on, possibly a Master's, in Engineering and/ or Physics. The classes the physics minor offer are, of course, Gen. Physics I & II, Modern Physics, Electromagnetism I & II, and Quantum Physics I & II. Thanks guys.

 

[Who Am I]

This is a decision that I realized that it's coming to now. Deciding which is proving to be difficult. They both occupy two sides of the same coin.

Factors I am considering:

I prefer application to direct observation, but I like both quite a lot.

I just love various bodies in space: they're other worlds. I would like to know a lot more about them and I think I would absolutely love a job as a planetary scientist to the point at which I would obsess over my work. That is to say, I'd be making a pretty swift (would violently determined be a good way of stating it?) beeline for a job in which I can actually propose experiments to understand something new about the bodies in our solar system. I might actually try out geophysics, or include that into my studies so that I'd be a better candidate for specific types of planetary science involving the geology of the bodies in the solar system.

But, on the other hand, I would like nothing more than to be a catalyst in manned space exploration. This latter option appears to be a more difficult path. Manned space exploration is the key. While I find rocketry amazing, I also have somewhat of a distaste for it because as a technology it's horrendously impractical. But it's the only thing we have.

So, if I was to switch my major from physics over to aerospace engineering, I'd be making a pretty direct route towards research engineering in things that are either directly related to manned space exploration or things that are partly related to it, such as hypothetical staged vehicles (i.e. scramjets). But seeing the track record for funding thus far is discouraging to this type of career path. Then again, things may be picking up again, and I'd have many years yet to go before I'd even be able to apply for a job in either field. There are jobs in this area, but they seem to be pretty rare.

And I know that in the end this truly is my decision, but I would like more insight.

 

[ThereIam]

Hey all,

A long story short: I'm graduating from small (decent but not spectacular) liberal arts school in the NW with a BA in Physics (actually, I doubled in studio art, but what does that have to do with anything?). My GPA is probably going to be about a 3.5 when I graduate with about a 3.5 in Physics. I have no research experience - the most I can point at is advanced lab coursework. I've been struggling to find something physics-related in my area, but nearly everyone seems to want an engineer or someone who already has work experience (though this has not stopped me from applying).

I'm toying with the idea of pursuing a Masters in an engineering discipline (probably EE or mechanical). As a physics student, I'm not sure what that process would look like, and I was curious if any of you have done it or know more about it. As always, tips and advice are highly appreciated.

 

[doctorwhoo]

I'm a freshman in university right now. I originally wanted to do some form of engineering (electrical or mechanical) , but I didn't get accepted to this school's engineering school, and only got in my second choice, which was the science school. So that is where I am now, with my major declared as physics.

My original plan was to internally transfer to the engineering school this year. However, now I am not sure if I actually want to do this . For one thing, I really like physics more than I expected. If I stay here, I can get a degree in computational physics, as well as some electives in some other fields I like.

I recently found about Systems Engineering, and I like the idea. I like the idea of taking a more big picture approach to solving problems and innovating.

My career goals right now are more vague than I hoped, but I want to work in some kind of innovative field like robotics or replacing silicon, and maybe even try entrepreneurship. My more unrealistic dreams/goals would basically be to be the next equivalent of Steve Jobs. I'm not literally expecting or hoping to achieve that, but I think that gives a good idea of what kind of direction I'm looking at.

So my question is - do I have the right idea? Can I complete a physics BS and move directly to a masters program in systems engineering? And if I do this, will I be able to do the kind of innovative work that I'm aiming for?

 

[vonBraun]

Hi there everyone, I am new around here.

My question is about studying aerospace engineering, but I have problem with my high-school marks even I didn't study some of them. Here is my story, I came to Canada to study university from non-English speaking country, before I came, I was thinking about studying business or management.. but then I've decided on studying aerospace engineering, like I mentioned in the beginning, I had problem with my high-school marks, they were all well enough but the main problem is, i didn't study grade 10,11,12 chemistry, physics, maths or biology when i was at the high school. My high-school was kind of vocational school that provides some sort of skills to use on specific job. Whatever, I've found one school to study here which gives me those credits, but I'm curious about which studies should I study in order to apply universities for aerospace engineering. They told me that at the school, what I have to study but, I want to hear it from people who is studying on this major to ensure it. Last week, I started lessons, now I'm studying grade 12 physics, biology and grade 11 English(they told me that it is also important to study English), after I pass exams of those studies I will start another semester, then we will decide what should I study more. I know its hard to study those things for person who did not study them before, but I'm really want to get my degree on aerospace engineering..

I'm looking forward to see answers,
Thanks.

 

[savage95]

I am a junior in high school taking college courses full time, and I plan to do the same next year. I live in Appalachian Ohio on a farm. With the development of the Marcellus Shale around my area, and the distilling plant to be in Pittsburgh, I am considering going into Petroleum Engineering. Most likely get my master's degree. I know that I want do do something with math & science. So, I have a few questions.
1)I want to work with my head AND my hands. Will I be working on a rig/drilling site?
2) My uncle left me part of the farm (about 130 acres+ a house), and I don't want to move too far from home. Our ground has been leased for the Marcellus Shale oil, and some of the ground neighboring us has reportedly been leased for thousands of dollars per acre, so if the oil is here, it is right in my backyard. Could I get a job that would be stable that wouldn't require me to move very far from home?


My dad thinks I should stay home, not go to college, and farm. NOT happening, but I still don't want to sell the ground that I own that has been in my family for multiple generations.

I guess going to Pittsburgh wouldn't be too far, or anywhere in Ohio.

 

[Classico22]

Hi everybody, first post here. I'm a freshman in civil engineering right now and I was wondering how the outlook and process of working in other counties looks.

I'd be really interested in spending some time over in upcoming countries like Brazil or South Africa that are rapidly developing and improving their infrastructure in the coming years. Are there opportunities for civil engineers in America to get involved with that? Is work typically done through companies in the US who then send employees down there to work or is it all about leaving the country and starting an entirely new life in a new country to work there?

I've always thought the idea was interesting, but never had enough information to get a full grasp of it so I'm hoping you guys can help out. Thanks!

 

[ace-card]

Hi all,

I apologise for the length of the post, but I thought it best to give all the details!

I'm a 27 year old Mechanical Engineering student and will be going into my third year of my course in September. I'm currently looking for some advice as to the best route to take in order to maximise my employability.

There are a number of options that I have been considering in order to take me to my goal of working as an engineer within the automotive sector, and ultimately becoming Chartered. These options are:

1) staying on at my current university and graduating with an accredited MEng in Mechanical Engineering. There is no specialism available, nor is there an opportunity to get involved with the prestigious Formula Student competition.

2) leave my current university with an accredited BEng in Mechanical Engineering and attend University A to specialise in Automotive Engineering by way of an accredited MSc. This university has the opportunity of Formula Student involvement as part of the MSc however it is quite far from our home and I would have to commute/stay away. Also, I would only have a short amount of time to save for the MSc (I don't want to take out a loan for it).

3) follow the same route as in option 2, but stay on an extra year at my current university, gaining an MEng before leaving. The advantage of this over option 2 is the extra year to save in order to fund the MSc course.

4) leave after graduating to specialise in Automotive Engineering by way of an MSc at University B. This MSc is not accredited so I would have to gain an accredited MEng at my university first. However, I would again have that extra year to save, and University B is much closer to us. There is the likelihood of Formula Student involvement, however not guaranteed as the main team is drawn from undergraduates.

You'll notice that I mention Formula Student very often. This is because I recognise its value in simulating a situation not unlike those that I will experience in the industry, and I believe employers would value this highly. I have quite a lot of practical experience with vehicles, and currently work for a race team, however in a technician-based capacity and hence, there is very little engineering to speak of. I was also unsuccessful in attempts for an industrial placement, which is why I think Formula Student would be even more beneficial.

Based on the aforementioned options, I would end up as one of the following:

1) a 29 year old graduate with a good MEng in Mechanical Engineering and no Formula Student participation on my CV.

2) a 29 year old graduate with a good BEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Automotive Engineering and a years Formula Student participation on ny CV.

3) a 30 year old graduate with a good MEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Automotive Engineering and a years Formula Student participation on my CV.

4) a 30 year old graduate with a good MEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Automotive Engineering, with possibly no involvement in Formula Student.

With all these facts, which would you think to be most attractive to a potential employer in the automotive sector in order to maximise employment potential? I have specifically mentioned the age at each point as it would be interesting to know whether that would be a considered factor.

Having discussed these options with my wife, we have agreed that we would make any of them work, so I'm not worried about chosing the easy option. I just want to chose the best.

Any ideas much appreciated!

 

[Rajini]

job information help -- Semiconductor Apps Engineer

Dear PF friends,

I am curious to know about the application engineer's (related to semiconductor field) nature of job..how much travel required..(because whenever i see the advertisement..recruiters say that around 70% travel to customer site is required)..how much will be the salary for a phd/fresher..(in US, China, India)..
If one of the PF member is working as Appliaction engineer please reply and that would be really helpful for me..
Thanks for your reply.
regards, Rajini.

 

[H2Bro]

I've been reading up on accelerator physics and was surprised / interested to see there are huge industrial applications. Especially the factoid that only 4% of accelerators actually go towards research! I am pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Physics degree (starting up next year hopefully), and I'm curious if a bachelors is sufficient to get hands on work in the accelerator field.

Also, anyone have an idea of what kind of folk get to work with accelerators? e.g. are there lots of EE's or ME's, or is it largely physics M.sc and Phd's who are desirable as candidates? Is there even large demand for people who can work with accelerators or is there enough overflow from physics phd's that anything lower is non competitive?

My school has an accelerator so there is a chance I can work with it during the degree (maybe), could be cool.

Thanks for any info.