what's better physics or electrical engineering or both?

Question

i'm taking both now, the only thing im sure about is that i wanna be a theoretical physicist, i dont know if engineering tecniques that i will learn will help me in research or anything else

what if i don't care about the career much and i want to complete graduate studies?

Answer 1

I would have to say physics, especially for a theoreticist.. If you ask me, physics has a purity to it that is not present in anything called engineering...

Answer 2

I got a degree in both. And worked as an EE in my career part of the time with gyroscopes and similar instruments which apply physics principles. Engineering has been called applied physics and I think that's accurate (except for the beaurocracy).

For you, the research a theoretical physicist does often requires special instrumentation. And that would often be electronic instrumentation. So the 2 fields would be a good partnership for you.

Answer 3

Oh boy, I was In your position about 3 years ago and let me give you some advice from my own mistakes...
I'm guessing your at some 4 year university as an undergraduate. What you really need to do is look at the job oppertunitys after graduation. In todays job market there is a huge difference between a degree in physics and a degree in Engineering. Engineering degrees are extrememly more looked for in the job market, and physics degrees are generally laughed at. For the record I have 2 degrees one in mathematics and the other in physics from the university of Wisconsin.
I remember one instance of trying to set up an interview with a large company and they flat out told me that they will only hire people for that particular job who have an engineering degree.
I know you said you want to be a theoretical physicist, and yes at a point in college that's exactly what I wanted to be. THE JOB MARKET FOR A THEORETICAL PHYSICIST IS VERY SMALL AND THE COMPETITION FOR A POSITION LIKE THAT IS VERY INTENSE. If I could do everything in my college career over I would have been an engineer... the money is better, the oppertunies are greater, and you don't have to go to graduate school to get a very good job.
Now realize that both career paths are going to be dealing in many of the same fields, and to tell you the truth alot of the classes required for one major are also required for the other. Go ahead and take physics classes, but make sure that when you graduate your degree is an engineering degree.
A few tips for either career path that you ultimatly choose...
1. Make sure you take some computational classes in college. Having the raw knowledge is great but in both research and the private sector you will NEED computational experience in order to conduct research and relay your ideas. Computational physics is a great class.. take it if you can!
2. Make sure you have some programming knowledge. Don't neglect computer Science courses. If you have to extend a 5th year in college to get programming on your transcript do it.
3. Junior year do anything you can do to get some "real life" experience.. summer co-ops, internships and apprentiships are a huge thing to put on a resume regardless of what you want to do. Fermilab, NASA, and even private buisnesses offer these type of things. They are highly competitive but if you get one it really makes a difference.
4. Know your limits. If in your college career you realize that you are weak in a certain area... stay away from these types of classes. Protect your GPA! Don't thake for instance " Abstract Algebra 608" if you don't need to. Many students (myself included) bite off more than they can chew and take very difficult classes that they really don't need for their degree.
5. Be very pragmatic... Don't let the thirst for more knowledge cloud your judgment.. Don't try to be a genious. Get your degree, maintain a GPA as close to 4.0 as you can and get out of college. Listening to your college professors about what classes you should take can accually harm your future..talk to graduate students. They know what the job market is and they can in most circumstances help to guide you better than a college professor can.

Answer 4

Electronics was very good to me. But there is another u may need to take and that is computers. it is getting so that everything interfaces with the computer.
Good luck

Answer 5

Both

Answer 6

Electronic engineering is best.