Physics vs. Engineering Physics?

Question

'Ello there. I'll be beginning college in a couple of months, and am having trouble deciding between majoring in physics or engineering physics.
Which major is more practical?
I know that a physics-major would require an advanced degree in order to work as a physicist, while an engineering-major can work as an engineer fresh out of college. And I do suppose it has a lot to do with my interests and goals etc.
But some opinions would be helpful.

Thanks much!

Answer 1

If you truly love physics, and you're willing to give up some comforts while you do the ph.d. (which is pretty much a necessity) go for physics.

If you like to solve problems, but you don't want to comit to a ph.d., (even if you think you might change your mind after you finish undergrad) go for engineering physics.

A bachelor's degree in physics will barely get you a job. A bachelor's degree in engineering will get you a decent job. A master's degree in physics will barely get you a job. A master's degree in engineering will get an excellent job. A ph.d. in physics will get you a good job. A ph.d. in engineering will get you a good job, although not necessarily any more high-paying than the masters.

I'm currently doing my ph.d. in physics, and I have kicked myself several times for not chosing engineering instead, because the road to a physics ph.d. is long and hard. But I really don't think I made a mistake most days because physics is the ultimate French Kiss with Mother Nature. It's a beautiful glimpse into the soul of the universe.

Answer 2

Physics Vs Engineering

Answer 3

Physics For Engineers And Scientists

Answer 4

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RE:
Physics vs. Engineering Physics?
'Ello there. I'll be beginning college in a couple of months, and am having trouble deciding between majoring in physics or engineering physics.
Which major is more practical?
I know that a physics-major would require an advanced degree in order to work as a physicist, while an...

Answer 5

Engineering-physics is still a stretch. You need to decide physics or engineering. It all depends on what you want to do; remember, you'll be doing it for a minimum of 40 hours a week. Be prepared to go for a PhD pretty much in physics and then some research to gain a faculty position. Engineering is basically go to work right after you graduate assuming your grades looked good and you got some experience in. It's all a personal choice.

Answer 6

Depends on how much you like to eat and how important a comfortable lifestyle is to you. I love physics as a science because it gives a broad understanding of the physical universe. It also makes a great underpinning for most types of engineering. But that alone doesn't always pay the bills. Engineers learn how to create things and solve peoples problems. There is always a job market for those who can use their knowledge to provide something of immediate value to a broad segment of society.

Answer 7

If you've already decided the school, it depends mainly on your interests and what the school offers. Look at their course requirements. You probably have at least 2 years to make that choice. With which major will you take better classes, that interest you more?

My major was physics, but with a strong interest in electronics. So, I took 2 semesters of basic electronics from the EE department rather than 1 semester from the physics department. Later, I changed my major to EE. When it came time to learn to speak Maxwell's equations, I took complex electromagnetic fields from the physics department, rather than the EE department. I still got my BS in 4 years. I still wonder what my life would be like if I stayed in physics.

Your real choice is how to make the best use of your school to develop the mind that you have. That will make the greater difference in what kind of job you can get, and more important, what kind of job you can do.

Answer 8

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Is this not something you ask your advisor or guidance counselor? A link to the class schedule of this school would make it a little easier to answer this question. If you are a math major you need to take a calc based physics whether or not it says engineering.

Answer 9

Majoring Physic is very general- you will study here from simple forces to nuclear studies. It is more on theoretical. It is more complete.

Engineering Physics is in practical application - It does not study on the detail of all the topics. Only the selected few subject are emphasize. The subject related to the course is HIGHLY studied in their other subjects with applications.

Answer 10

Actually, for finding a job neither is very practical because they are physics, not engineering. This opinion comes from someone who has a degree in physics and a degree in mechanical engineering. Physics is very important and if you major in it you will have a terrific background for solving problems and understanding the universe, but you won't find anyone looking for someone who has a physics degree. Oh, once in a while there'll be a company doing some kind of basic research or doing optics or someone wanting a nuclear physicist or something. But generally most technical jobs are in engineering.

Instead, go to medical school. Sure it's tougher and a longer road, but you'll always find work and people will respect you and you'll be paid much better than most engineers or physicists.