Undergraduate Engineering Physics To Graduate Aerospace Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the feasibility and implications of transitioning from an undergraduate degree in engineering physics to a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. Participants discuss various educational pathways, potential challenges, and career considerations related to aerospace engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that transitioning from engineering physics to aerospace engineering is possible, but may not be the most straightforward path.
  • Others note that individuals who have made this transition often feel behind in their graduate studies compared to peers with more directly relevant undergraduate backgrounds.
  • A participant mentions that a mechanical engineering background might be more beneficial for pursuing aerospace engineering at the graduate level.
  • Concerns are raised about the uncertainty of future interests in graduate studies, especially for those who have not yet started their undergraduate education.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the job market for specialized aerospace engineering graduates, noting potential limitations in job opportunities outside their field of study.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of personal passion for aerospace, suggesting that enjoyment in the field can influence career satisfaction.
  • Questions arise regarding the ability to work in the aerospace industry abroad and the relevance of electronics knowledge in aerospace engineering.
  • A participant inquires about the possibility of pursuing aerospace engineering with a diploma in mechanical or electrical engineering.
  • Some participants affirm that individuals with mechanical or electrical engineering backgrounds have successfully pursued graduate degrees in aerospace engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the transition from engineering physics to aerospace engineering, with no clear consensus on the best educational path or the implications of such a transition. Concerns about job opportunities and the necessity of electronics knowledge also remain contested.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding educational backgrounds, personal interests, and job market conditions, which may influence their perspectives. The discussion reflects a diversity of experiences and opinions without resolving the complexities involved in the transition to aerospace engineering.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a transition from engineering physics to aerospace engineering, those exploring undergraduate and graduate educational pathways in engineering, and individuals interested in aerospace career opportunities may find this discussion relevant.

AerospaceKid
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Is it possible/okay to get your undergraduate degree in engineering physics and then go into graduate school and get your graduate degree in aerospace engineering>

please help

Thanks
 
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It may be possible, but it not necessarily the smartest thing to do. A lot depends on what you have in mind for your graduate work to be. If you are thinking of doing the graduate work at the same school where you are doing the undergraduate work, go over and talk to the aero folks and see what they say. They can give you the best available advice for what you specifically have in mind to do.
 
Yes, and I know people who have done it. However, those people have all reported feeling behind at the beginning of their gaduate work and having to work harder to catch up. Similar to how an aerospace engineer would feel lost going the other direction.
 
I have not yet gotten a degree in anything yet and am still in high school. I have heard from some of my older friends that getting an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering is beneficial to a graduate degree in aerospace engineering. the whole thing is about what university i want to go to for my undergraduate degree (university of British Columbia), and then i plan on going to university of toronto for my graduate studies.
 
Given that you haven't even started your undergraduate work yet, there is no way to be certain you will even be interested in more school after 4 to 5 years of baccalaureate work. You are best served by doing something that you can use to get a jobyou like should you decide you don't want to do grad school after all.
 
i'm an undergraduate student. I'm thinking to study Aerospace engineering. one of my senior told me that one of the advantage of studying specialized engineering like this one is you are different from students who study engineering such as mechanical and E&E, however the disadvantage is i can't get a job far different from the field if i don't want to work the jobs in my specialization. I'm really confused now, not sure i should go ahead or not.
 
that is true but the question you need to ask yourself is, are you going to be happy in aerospace. i personally love space and hope to be involved in building spacecraft one day. That is my dream. what university/college do you go to?
 
i'm going to apply for Nanyang Technology University in Singapore. I'm a Malaysian with STPM qualification. Any other fields that an aerospace engineer can work? besides working with flight company.
 
  • #10
Thanks! the link is really useful and make me see clearly what aerospace engineers can do. i think I'm one step further to my decision. Thanks a lot! I wonder can i work in aircraft industry in foreign country? i may not be able to work in Department of Defence or NASA, how about other aircraft industry/company? do you know some examples? Does aerospace engineering deals a lot with electronics?
 
  • #11
Angeline Ling said:
Thanks! the link is really useful and make me see clearly what aerospace engineers can do. i think I'm one step further to my decision. Thanks a lot! I wonder can i work in aircraft industry in foreign country? i may not be able to work in Department of Defence or NASA, how about other aircraft industry/company? do you know some examples? Does aerospace engineering deals a lot with electronics?
It is possible for a compentent scientist or engineer to work abroad. One could work for an airline or aerospace company.

Avionics is the fields of electronics in aviation.

https://info.aiaa.org/tac/ISG/DATC/Web Pages/Downloadable Documents.aspx
http://www1.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=360&id=1004
http://www.aiaa.org/PubDetail.aspx?id=3961

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avionics
There are several major vendors of flight avionics, including Honeywell (which now owns Bendix/King), Rockwell Collins, Thales Group, Garmin and Avidyne Corporation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #12
would i still be able to do AeroE if I'm not good in electronics?
 
  • #13
Hi guys,

I am a student with a SPM qualification. I am thinking of studying diploma in mechanical or E&E engineering in a college in my hometown. But i am very interested in aerospace engineering as well. I would just like to ask about whether can i pursue a degree level in aerospace engineering in university although having a diploma in mechanical or E&E engineering?

Please help. I was so frustrated with my further education.

Thank you so much for your comments.
 
  • #14
I know people working towards graduate degrees in aerospace who did MechE/EE for their undergrad.
 

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