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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of pursuing a master's degree in physics for someone currently studying mechanical engineering. Participants explore the relevance of such a degree in the job market, particularly in relation to engineering careers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing a master's in physics to explore topics not covered in their mechanical engineering program, questioning its value in the job market.
  • Another participant suggests considering a physics minor along with a master's in mechanical engineering, proposing it may be more beneficial.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the utility of a master's in physics for typical mechanical engineering jobs, indicating it may not be very helpful.
  • A participant raises concerns about job market differences between those with a bachelor's in physics and those with a bachelor's in engineering, citing low employment rates for physics graduates in related fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the value of a master's in physics for mechanical engineering careers, with multiple views on alternative educational paths and job market outcomes remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference job market statistics and personal experiences, but these claims are not substantiated with sources or detailed analysis, leaving the discussion open to interpretation.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in engineering or physics considering further education, as well as those interested in the job market dynamics between these fields.

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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