Should I stay in engineering or get a math degree?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's dilemma regarding whether to continue pursuing a degree in engineering or to switch to mathematics. The scope includes personal aspirations, academic choices, and potential career paths in both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses uncertainty about their future in engineering despite performing well, indicating a desire to pursue a degree in mathematics and potentially a PhD.
  • Some participants suggest that the student should follow their interests and emphasize that studying mathematics does not lead to poverty.
  • There is a recommendation to postpone detailed decisions about specific areas of mathematics until later in their studies.
  • Participants mention the existence of engineering mathematics as a way to maintain a connection to engineering applications while studying mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of pursuing one's interests, but there is no consensus on the best path forward for the student, as differing opinions on the value of engineering versus mathematics remain present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal values regarding career satisfaction versus financial stability, and the implications of choosing between two academic paths are not fully resolved.

Brendyn Cikaluk
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Right now I am a student in first year engineering. The main reason i joined engineering is because I like physics and I love math. Right now I'm starting to question if I even want to be an engineer or not. It's not the work or difficulty, I do really well for myself. I'm just unsure if I want to pursue engineering or if I want to pursue my dream and go get a degree in mathematics. Honestly if i got one I would want to get my phD and work in academia or become a mathmetician.

Just looking for some guidance, in all honesty I don't care thay much about my money, I just want to make a decent salary to feed a family and be happy. It's just discouraging because my family tell me not to and my brother called me an idiot for even bringing it up. Any insight or advice wouls ne appreciated thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Just go for what you like best, I don't see why not. Studying mathematics will not lead you to poverty. Postpone more detailed choices (applied math, pure math, which subfield, etc.) until a later year. There is even engineering mathematics, should you like to keep in touch with engineering applications in particular.
 
Krylov said:
Just go for what you like best, I don't see why not. Studying mathematics will not lead you to poverty. Postpone more detailed choices (applied math, pure math, which subfield, etc.) until a later year. There is even engineering mathematics, should you like to keep in touch with engineering applications in particular.
 
Krylov said:
Just go for what you like best, I don't see why not. Studying mathematics will not lead you to poverty. Postpone more detailed choices (applied math, pure math, which subfield, etc.) until a later year. There is even engineering mathematics, should you like to keep in touch with engineering applications in particular.
Krylov said:
Just go for what you like best, I don't see why not. Studying mathematics will not lead you to poverty. Postpone more detailed choices (applied math, pure math, which subfield, etc.) until a later year. There is even engineering mathematics, should you like to keep in touch with engineering applications in particular.

Awesome thank you, I'll keep that in mind. Also I've never heard of engineering mathematics I'll definitely look into it thanks.
 

Similar threads

Physics Should I apply to do an astrophysics PhD or stick with an engineering job?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
Job Skills Should I leave an Automotive Mechanic's Degree on my Engineering Resume?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Engineering Mid career guidance as an aerospace engineer
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Engineering PhD in Systems Engineering - Impact on Career
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Engineering Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Engineering Masters programs to work in aerospace/defense as an engineer
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
Job Skills Possibilities of a Career in Physics/Engineering
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Engineering Which Engineering Degree is Best for Working in Energy?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Engineering Have B.S. in Engineering, can I get M.S. in Psychology?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Job Skills Physics Careers: Expectations vs. Reality
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K