Would it be stupid to switch to engineering at this point?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's contemplation of switching from a physics major to mechanical engineering, exploring concerns about job prospects, personal interests in theoretical versus experimental physics, and the implications of changing majors at this stage in their academic career.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with upper-division mechanics and considers switching to mechanical engineering, despite a lack of interest in building machinery.
  • Another participant suggests that the student should explore what engineers do and consider attending an REU to gain insight into physics research.
  • A participant mentions that aerospace engineering seems interesting but notes that mechanical engineering may offer better job opportunities.
  • One contributor discusses the possibility of entering a graduate engineering program in Canada with a few additional undergraduate courses, suggesting flexibility in choosing an engineering discipline later.
  • Another participant advises the student to consult with their advisor for tailored guidance, expressing concern over the student's uncertainty about their academic direction.
  • The student shares that their faculty advisor recommended pursuing personal interests over job security, mentioning potential job opportunities with a PhD in experimental physics.
  • The student indicates they will make a final decision after completing an REU and taking a quantum mechanics class.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the merits of switching majors, the importance of personal interest versus job prospects, and the value of gaining research experience before making a decision. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about job markets in physics and engineering, the nature of engineering disciplines, and the impact of personal interests on career choices. There is also uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of academic advising in guiding the student's decision.

proton
Messages
349
Reaction score
0
I'm currently a 3rd year student majoring in physics and will probably end up with a minor in math. I'm having a major crisis tryin to decide what to do with my life.

I'm currently taking upper-div mechanics, but the class is pretty boring. I'm thinking about leaving physics also because there's so few job opportunities available. But, I think it would be stupid to switch at this point since I already applied to 13 REU programs for physics. It would be a total waste if I didnt continue with physics as I put a TON of effort into those applications.

I could continue and complete my math degree but none of the jobs you can get with it sound interesting: actuary, computer programmer, finance, etc

So I was thinking of switching to mechanical engineering. But I'm not that into building machinery, but it sounds the best among all the engineering fields. But it would take 3 more years to finish it (unless I take like 5 classes per quarter), whereas math and physics would only take 2 more.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your REUs are all going to reject you if you change majors?

Take some upper-div lab courses and tell me if you're still bored. It may just be that you're destined for experimentalism not theory...
 
proton said:
I'm currently taking upper-div mechanics, but the class is pretty boring.

and

So I was thinking of switching to mechanical engineering. But I'm not that into building machinery, but it sounds the best among all the engineering fields.

It sounds like you might want to look into what engineers do a little bit more. I am not sure what "best among all the engineering fields" means but it does not mean it's the best for you. Since you've applied to REUs, maybe you should go to one (assuming you get accepted), see you what you think about prospects in physics from the research point of view, and decide at the end of the summer. Meanwhile, you can look into the different engineering fields and see if that's what you really are interested in.
 
Asphodel said:
Take some upper-div lab courses and tell me if you're still bored. It may just be that you're destined for experimentalism not theory...

I definitely like theory more than experiment. which is another reason why I'm considering dropping physics: there's few jobs available for theoretical areas of physics

bravernix said:
It sounds like you might want to look into what engineers do a little bit more. I am not sure what "best among all the engineering fields" means but it does not mean it's the best for you. Since you've applied to REUs, maybe you should go to one (assuming you get accepted), see you what you think about prospects in physics from the research point of view, and decide at the end of the summer. Meanwhile, you can look into the different engineering fields and see if that's what you really are interested in.

aerospace eng sounds the most interesting but i heard doing undergrad in mechanical eng has more job opportunities and can lead to aerospace-related jobs.
 
I'm not sure how it is in the States, but in Canada you're able to directly enter into a graduate degree in engineering. If you're smart and find what the requirements are to get (what would be the equivalent of) Professional Engineer (P.Eng), then you can take the few required undergrad courses (~5-10) so that you pop out with a masters in engineering and have the qualifications to become a P.Eng.

Plus, you have the benefit of choosing whichever discipline of engineering that suits you most, at a graduate level.
 
proton, you sound like you have no idea which degree you really want to do, which is a little worrying for a third year student! I would advise that you book a meeting with your advisor/tutor and go and talk to him/her about the options you have. They should know you a lot better than we do, and will be able to advise you based on what you have taken as to what an appropriate route would be.
 
well i talked to my faculty advisor about this and he wasnt very helpful. he just said pursue what you like, don't worry about making money/finding a job. but he did say one thing useful, that is if he isn't lying: you can find jobs easily with a phD in experimental physics, even in areas like particle and highenergy physics.

i'll probably make my final decision after i do my REU this summer and/or take my 1st quantum mech class
 
I think I like theory more than experimentalism.
 

Similar threads

Considering Switching from Physics to Computer Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Programs Materials Engineering Undergrad Reflection
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Programs Switch majors from ME to material science?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Getting into an engineering career with no degree...
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
Switching to chemical engineering from physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Is it possible to switch from physics to maths after undergrad?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Deciding between Physics or Engineering after a very turbulent year
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
How to switch from engineering with unknown undergrad name to Physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Which degree should I take?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Other After an Engineering Physics BSc, can I enroll in a Physics MSc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K