Would a masters in physics help someone with a bachelors in Mech. Engineering?

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SUMMARY

A master's degree in physics offers limited advantages for individuals with a bachelor's in mechanical engineering seeking employment in the engineering sector. Forum participants suggest that pursuing a minor in physics alongside a master's in mechanical engineering (ME) would be more beneficial. Statistics indicate that graduates with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in engineering have a significantly higher job placement rate compared to those with a BS in physics, with only 4% of physics graduates finding relevant employment. Therefore, self-study in physics may be a more practical approach for engineering students.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical engineering principles
  • Familiarity with CAD software
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts
  • Awareness of job market trends in engineering and physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the benefits of a minor in physics alongside a master's in mechanical engineering
  • Explore job market statistics for BS in engineering versus BS in physics
  • Investigate self-study resources for advanced physics topics
  • Learn about CAD software advancements and their applications in engineering
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineering students, career advisors, and individuals considering further education in physics or engineering will benefit from this discussion.

Bigman
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i'm working on my BE in mechanical engineering right now (and I've still got a ways to go) and I'm really interested in the aspects of physics that we don't really get into in the engineering program, so i started toying around with the idea of getting a masters in physics afterwards. i know, i could just go for for a bachelors in physics, but i enjoy the engineering stuff too (especially CAD), and i like the idea of being an engineer, so i was just wondering how much a masters in physics would help me in the job market. thanks :)
 
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Have you thought about doing a physics minor and a master's in ME? That seems like it would help you more than a physics master's.
 
I doubt that a master's in physics would matter much in a typical mechanical engineering job.

- Warren
 
I agree, not very helpful.

Look into the minor, that may satisfy your interests.
 
it wouldn't help, eh? hmmm, maybe i'll just learn about this stuff on the side on my own... anyone have any thoughts on how the job market treats people with a bachelors in physics vs a bachelors in engineering; as far as the availability of jobs, and pay?
 
Bigman said:
it wouldn't help, eh? hmmm, maybe i'll just learn about this stuff on the side on my own... anyone have any thoughts on how the job market treats people with a bachelors in physics vs a bachelors in engineering; as far as the availability of jobs, and pay?

Those with a BS in engineering find jobs in engineering fairly readily, while those with a BS in physics almost never find jobs doing anything related to physics. (The last statistic I heard was 4%.)

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Those with a BS in engineering find jobs in engineering fairly readily, while those with a BS in physics almost never find jobs doing anything related to physics. (The last statistic I heard was 4%.)

- Warren

oh wow... yeah, i think i'll just take some time on the side and learn this stuff on my own. thanks :)
 

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