Wrong Path, need to step back and re-trace

[Killerzone]

Hey folks,
I am currently studying at Ryerson (Toronto, Canada) in Computer Engineering (BEng) and I am starting my 3rd year in September. Since high school, I have been very interested in astronomy and quantam physics (at least what was taugh) and I always postulated my own theories on how daily objects work (most of them being close enough to reality) and even now as I sit in my office doing my summer job I search the web for ideas and theories to learn about astronomy and basically quantam physics and so on.
Now I have decided that I really want to continue my career in theoretical physics (PhD), and find a nice job at a university while doing research. But if I change my studies now, I will be set back at least 2-3 years and I (and parents who probably won't approve) may not be able to pay off extra 2-3 years. But I cannot leave my current program with just a BEng, because then I won't be able to find a job too easily to pay for my Physics PhD. I was thinking of doing Masters in Engineering and then getting a job, then pursuing my career in Physics.
If you have recommendations to what I can do as of now, that would be great.

 

[lisab]

I recommend you read this thoroughly, it's full of good information:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

 

[Aero51]

You would be very foolish not to get your computer engineering degree. I am sure you have acquired a great deal of programming skills and that will translate into getting a job. You may not even need a ME. Once you have a job you can prepare for the physics GRE and take it, then you can look for a grad program in physics. It is also a good idea to be proactive and talk to some physics professors in your prospective field to get their input.