What Are the Benefits of Studying Both EE and Physics in Undergraduate Programs?

[Enrickey]

The school I'm looking into for undergraduate studies (McGill University) offers both a Physics major with EE minor and an EE major with Physics minor. If you take the EE minor, you aren't accredited. I am planning on probably continuing with my education until at least a master's degree, but I really have no clue which of the two profiles I want to take.

As far as work goes, what are the fields that would want somebody with both an EE and physics background, and what is probably more hireable, somebody with an engineering major, or somebody with a physics major?

If I were to continue with graduate studies, would taking either of the two really limit myself as to what I would be able to study, or are they pretty much the same thing, and I should just take major in whichever of the two subjects interests me more?

 

[Asphodel]

As far as work goes, what are the fields that would want somebody with both an EE and physics background

Well, physics for starters...

Definitely major in whichever interests you more. If you want the engineer title and the cash that comes with it, EE major is required. They're not "pretty much the same thing" if you're going to get a graduate degree in one of them...but switching fields in grad school also isn't unheard of. They are close to the same thing if you're taking your B.S. and working in a field not directly related to either...at that point it's a degree in "hey look at me, I'm smart and know how to learn hard stuff!"...but that's probably not the option foremost on your mind if you're seriously looking towards grad school.

What gives with no major/major option? :(

 

[Enrickey]

There might be a major/major option, but I haven't gotten the chance to speak to an adviser yet, but they're visiting my school soon, so I'll get a chance.

The only thing that worries me about a major/major is that I've heard that both physics and electrical engineering are very demanding, and to combine them would be almost impossible, unless I study for 6 years. Right now, a single major should take me 3 years because I'm currently finishing Cegep.

Just out of interest though, are there any work fields in particular that appeal to someone who has studied in both electrical and physics? The major reason that I want to do both is that I am more interested in engineering as far as my future career goes, but I also love physics, and I would appreciate being able to somehow integrate the two.

Electrical engineering is the only major which McGill allows to minor in physics, so that is the big reason why I chose it out of all the other engineering disciplines. I've also been told that the electrical engineering curriculum contains the most physics or physics like courses (Although it still misses out on a ton of them) compared to the other engineering disciplines.

 

[leright]

There might be a major/major option, but I haven't gotten the chance to speak to an adviser yet, but they're visiting my school soon, so I'll get a chance.

The only thing that worries me about a major/major is that I've heard that both physics and electrical engineering are very demanding, and to combine them would be almost impossible, unless I study for 6 years. Right now, a single major should take me 3 years because I'm currently finishing Cegep.

Just out of interest though, are there any work fields in particular that appeal to someone who has studied in both electrical and physics? The major reason that I want to do both is that I am more interested in engineering as far as my future career goes, but I also love physics, and I would appreciate being able to somehow integrate the two.

Electrical engineering is the only major which McGill allows to minor in physics, so that is the big reason why I chose it out of all the other engineering disciplines. I've also been told that the electrical engineering curriculum contains the most physics or physics like courses (Although it still misses out on a ton of them) compared to the other engineering disciplines.

I am a double major in EE and physics and I will finish in 5 years. It's roughly 131 credits for the EE degree, and an additional 30 or so credits for the physics degree. I want to get into solid state devices/electronics so the double major will be beneficial.

 

[bob1182006]

EE has a theoretical side, I think it deals with things like solid state and maybe quantum computing circuits?

I'm not sure but I think EE is the field that has the most use of physics, and math.

Also in your major you will have to take some elective courses which in Engineering can usually be fulfilled by Physics courses.

You might want to check out all fields of engineering, who knows you might really like Mech or Aerospace or Civil. And you can always take physics courses to meet those elective credits or just for fun.