Engineering vs. Physics: Which to transfer into?

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>Greetings. I am currently wrapping up my third semester of a four semester Engineering Science program. It is almost time to send out transfer applications, and I am unsure of whether it would be more to my benefit (and enjoyment) to be a Physics major or pick an Engineering discipline. </p>

<p>Originally, I was fairly set on pursuing Mechanical. However, my experiences so far led to the conclusion that I do not really want to make anything. For example, the RPI website contains the following on their Mechanical Engineering site:</p>

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<p>I am not interested in solving any of those problems. This has basically shaken my interest in Engineering as a whole, because now I have no clear conception of what major would interest me.</p>

<p>Chemical - So far, I have not enjoyed lab work.
Electrical - My limited experience with circuits was uninspiring.
Civil - Statics is not particularly stimulating.
Environmental - Not even sure what it encompasses. My advisor does not seem to know either.</p>

<p>The list continues along in this way. I realize this comes across as extremely negative, but I assure you that this is not my modus operandi. I am simply frustrated with my inability to find my niche.</p>

<p>I recently discovered the option of a Physics major, which I had previously dismissed as automatically leading to a career in teaching. According to some reading I have done on various school sites, a Physics major is now seen as a way into more business oriented fields. I am curious if this is actually the case, and if anyone here has any experience with the process. For example, I saw a thread on this forum about going into investment banking. How would that work - Physics as a bachelors and then go into Finance or Economics as a graduate? What other careers could be entered other than a job as an engineer or researcher if I decide upon pursuing a Physics or Engineering degree? </p>

<p>In summation: what are the benefits of going into a Physics major rather than Engineering, and vice versa? Which Engineering field, if any, sounds more suitable to me if I would highly prefer a desk job? </p>

<p>As for what drives me: I value the knowledge that comes with taking high level math and science courses. I have found some unexpected interest in social sciences such as sociology and macroeconomics. More personally, I come from a low income family, and am somewhat driven to succeed monetarily so I can improve our quality of life. At the same time, I do not really want to work 100 hours a week like an investment banker. Not to say I am not willing to work hard -- but I do need time to spend with my loved ones. Sacrificing family, friends and significant others for work does not make sense to me.</p>

<p>Alright, that's it. I apologize for my paradoxical inquiries. Thanks for any input you can offer.</p>

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<p>I'd like to see some input as well. Thanks, guys.</p>

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<p>
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However, my experiences so far led to the conclusion that I do not really want to make anything.

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<p>That sentence right there should tell you that you should go into physics. Engineering is all about making things, whether it'd be machines, buildings, computer programs, etc. It's all about being practical.</p>

<p>If you must choose an engineering major for whatever reason, go with electrical, as it provides you the best chance with a pure desk job. It, along with chemical engineering, are the most high-level math and physics intensive .</p>

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<p>I agree, but at the same time there must be a way to go into Engineering and do desk work. For example, an upperclassman of mine went into Engineering</a> & Management at Clarkson. He joined the program because it allowed him to continue Engineering without becoming a standard field/floor/plant worker (and Clarkson offered him a lot of money). So far he enjoys it, but I am not interested in attending Clarkson.</p>

<p>Are there some aspects or fields of Engineering that I may not be aware of that are more business/desk job based than the traditional top disciplines? I am concerned with becoming a Physics major because it appears harder to get a job right off the bat. It's not a major concern, but if one of my parents died before I finished graduate studies I would probably have to get a job right then, and having an Engineering degree would make that easier. Am I being unreasonable?</p>

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<p>
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I agree, but at the same time there must be a way to go into Engineering and do desk work.

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I'm not sure what you mean... I never said there was no way of doing that. There are plenty of opportunities to get a "desk job" in engineering right from the start. All I said was that electrical engineering provides the most opportunities of that kind.</p>

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<p>Sorry for the confusion. I suppose I'll find out if I'm interested in electrical when I take circuits next semester, but by the time we are into the heart of it, my applications will need to be in. Right now I'm leading towards a Physics major, because Physics leaves room for more electives than Engineering. Exploring a secondary interest would be more attainable in that circumstance. I'm wondering how I would go about correlating it with another not obviously related interest though, such as banking. What is the usual process for this?</p>

<p>Maybe I should ask which degree would leave me the most amount of flexibility to go into a field that may not be directly Engineering related. I am really more interesting in doing Engineering + something; for example, Engineering + Law = Patent Office. In a way, I almost want the Engineering/Physics to be the secondary part of my potential career. What paths are there to take that involve Engineering or Physics as a backbone? I'm having a hard time finding information on this.</p>

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<p>For an engineering desk job, look into IE or possibly CS, if you like computers. IE is definitely a window into management...</p>

<p>As far as physics goes, I would be wary of having only that. I'm double majoring in CS and physics... but I wouldn't have the balls to just do physics. I've heard the same sorts of stories as other people about physics majors... and if we've all heard them...</p>

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<p>From what I have said above, could either of you [or anyone else, certainly] suggest which major I may find more rewarding: Physics or Engineering?</p>

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<p>Or maybe you should just get a BBA.</p>

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<p>I see what you're saying, but I would rather have the science background for my own interest and education.</p>

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<p>I think you've already made up your mind. Do what you want to do; physics is probably a good choice for you. Remember you can always go into grad school.</p>

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<p>I absolutely want to go to grad school, I am just unsure on how the transition from Physics to _____ will work.</p>

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<p>A physics graduate with a MBA is pretty marketable. Or even Financial Mathematics.</p>

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<p>Can you recommend a website where I can explore the differences between these subjects?</p>

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<p>I'm not really well-versed in this subject (I was an economics major), but the TAMU career center site lists what kinds of careers physics majors got right out of college:</p>

<p>College</a> of Science - TAMU Career Center</p>

<p>Just click on any/all of the dates and scroll down to physics.</p>

<p>I don't know a lot of physics majors who didn't go to grad school, I can tell you that much.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the link. Very interesting. It honestly did not look too promising ;)</p>

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<p>Returning to this idea, wouldn't an Engineering graduate with an MBA be just as marketable?</p>

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<p>You should check out Systems engineering and engineering physics. The Engineering degree will get you employment and a good salary without grad work. Once you are in a company you can find your way to your niche job. The whole goal is to get a basic understanding in school and then learn everything else on the job. You can get your MBA while at work and paid for thru work.</p>

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<p>Hi sax. Would Industrial</a> and Management Engineering be comparable to Systems Engineering? I am not so sure about Engineering Physics...</p>

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<p>
[quote]
From what I have said above, could either of you [or anyone else, certainly] suggest which major I may find more rewarding: Physics or Engineering?

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I think it's pretty much a slam dunk for you. In engineering, you use a lot of physics, but you won't study nearly as much physics as one who majors in it. What you have to ask yourself is not what you want to major in, but rather what you want to do for a career.</p>

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<p>Catch 22. If I already knew the answer to that, well, this thread wouldn't exist.</p>