I need some advise for my major. (Physics Vs. Engineering)?

Question

Hey, right now I'm a freshman in engineering. However I went into this because I had nowhere else to go. I am currently trying to decide whether to switch into physics. I took some classes back in high school and i love the ideas however I'm not sure if I should go because it is obviously harder to get a job in the physics world. Additionally my school doesn't have a huge emphasis on physics. Would that affect my chances of getting a job? Unfortunately I need to decide now whether to switch or not. If someone has some advise for me it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

If you want to get a job as a Physicist,you will definitely want a PhD. On the other hand, For an entry level engineering job, a B. Sc. is generall adequate. One would think that Civil engineering would be a very hot area for hiring right now, with all the talk about shovel ready projects.However, I'm afraid that a lot of it is just talk.

Answer 2

If you want a job researching physics, or teaching at the university level, PhD would be necessary. With just a bachelors you could teach HS physics, become a research assistant, or work in the private sector - the math skills necessary for a degree in physics are a very attractive quality in many fields. I know a guy who received his BA in physics and is now working on wall street at a big investment firm.



A physics degree is pretty versatile if you plan to go onto grad school as well.



It really depends on what you like best, how much schooling you want to go through, and how much money you want to make. I'd thought about engineering as well, but it really didn't interest me as much, and I can always go into engineering if need be. You have some time, so take a few classes of each, talk to a few professors or other students in those majors, and decide next year.

Answer 3

I was an astronomy major for the first 2 1/2 years of my college career and then I switched to electrical engineering so don't feel like you have to decide right now - you can always switch. You probably have to take a bunch of math and physics classes for your engineering degree which would also count towards physics. My advice would be to take some physics this semester and see if you like it or not. Do what you think you will enjoy the most - don't worry so much about a career because that will come regardless!

Answer 4

A great man has said - " Be excellent the success will go before u". Study the subject u have interest in else u will repent for ur whole life. If u are still confused watch the Bollywood movie '3 Idiots' , if possible.

Answer 5

Engineering physics is a nightmare. You do well with that and the world is your oyster.



Engineering is safer, if you're thinking of employment. Building things is so exciting, but physics is the language God spoke before Hebrew. (In other words it has a wonder of its own).

Answer 6

Engineering is applied physics so the question may be do you want to deal with the hands on engineering aspect or the more theoretical physics.