With ME under my belt, I have 3 options

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the participant's decision-making process regarding pursuing a master's degree after completing a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (ME). The participant is considering three options: Materials Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics, and Material Science and Engineering, and is weighing the pros and cons of each in terms of curriculum, research opportunities, and alignment with their career goals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The participant expresses a preference for Material Science and Engineering due to its interdisciplinary nature and practical applications, but notes that the other options do not meet these criteria.
  • Materials Engineering is described as lacking in scientific content, focusing mainly on metallurgy and mechanics of materials, with outdated labs and limited research opportunities.
  • Condensed Matter Physics is characterized as having a more theoretical approach, which the participant finds less appealing.
  • One participant challenges the notion that metallurgy and mechanics of materials are not scientific, arguing that they are based on experimental work and are essential for innovation.
  • Another participant asserts that there is significant research potential in metallurgy and mechanics of materials, countering the participant's concerns about limited research opportunities in those fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and research potential of Materials Engineering and its components, with some arguing for its scientific relevance while others emphasize the need for more innovative and interdisciplinary options. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the participant.

Contextual Notes

The participant's concerns about the outdated nature of Materials Engineering and the theoretical focus of Condensed Matter Physics highlight the complexity of choosing a program that aligns with their career aspirations. There are unresolved assumptions about the current state of research in these fields.

musk
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Hi

I recently received my bachelor degree in ME and now I am facing a dilemma for my masters. I originally wanted to go into MSE abroad, but because of VISA issues I won't be able to attend although I got admitted.

I have 3 choices: Materials Engineering, Condensed Matter Physics and Material Science and Engineering.

The last one is very very weak, they usually have 2-3 students so professors do not even do lectures, so the students study alone and just go to take tests. I have talked to some professors who are familiar with that major and none recommended it to me.

Materials Engineering, is good, however there is not 'science' in it. It is mostly metallurgy and mechanics of materials, corrosion and such. No electronic materials, no new stuff. Moreover the labs are old and there is literally no possibility to do any meaningful research. If you ask me, quite an outdated major.

Condensed Matter Physics, is on the other side of the spectrum. They have reasonably equipped labs, but the curriculum is literally condensed matter physics (obvious), with a more theoretical approach.

I wanted Material Science and Engineering, exactly because of it's interdisciplinarity and cutting edge application. Neither of the ones mentioned offer that. The first would be terrible, the second is metallurgy more or less and the third is too theory heavy.

So what your opinion? I'd certainly like to have a career in material science and engineering with real life practical application, not metallurgy and not theory.
 
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I'd be glad if anyone could help as I need some fresh perspective. Thank you.
 
musk said:
Materials Engineering, is good, however there is not 'science' in it. It is mostly metallurgy and mechanics of materials, corrosion and such. No electronic materials, no new stuff. Moreover the labs are old and there is literally no possibility to do any meaningful research. If you ask me, quite an outdated major.

Why do you think metallurgy and mechanics of materials are not science? These subjects are mostly derived from experimental work, rather than overarching theories, but they are indubitably scientific. They are also really, really useful subjects to know if you are at all interested in creating new things, especially if you want to push the envelope of performance.
 
I understand that. But as far as I see it there is little room for research nowadays in those fields and I'd very much like to remeain in academia + do research
 
There is a ton of research in these fields if you wish to do that sort of thing.
 

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