<p>i would like some advice from someone who can relate to my situation or has gone through it.</p>
<p>I am an international high school graduate with absolute passion for math and physics. Hoping that engineering combines both, I was thinking of majoring in aerospace engineering. But then I hear (obviously in the internet) that engineering courses have less math and physics than BS in Physics/Maths degree. Is it true? If yes, how deeply does the engineering course cover math and physics?
also, now i'm second guessing my decision to choose engineering, and am instead leaning toward a Math+Physics DoubleMajor. With the dual degree, can I get into a Aerospace Engg program at grad school as easily as anyone with an undergrad aerospace engg degree?</p>
<p>If you are interested in Aerospace engineering in the long run, just start out in AE from the beginning. Physics is much more general than engineering and you can certainly get into engineering graduate programs with a physics degree, however, you will likely have to take some remedial courses.</p>
<p>The thing about physics is that you cover material that is the basis for several fields of engineering: mechanics and dynamics (ME), Electrodynamics (EE), scientific programming (CS), statistical thermodynamics (CHE), plus quantum mechanics. This is great and makes you very versatile but you won’t have the specific disciplinary knowledge that an engineering degree provides and that some employers seek. I often tell my advisees that they can compete for engineering jobs and they certainly can. The problem is that not all employers are open minded about this.</p>
<p>A good middle ground might be an Engineering Physics degree.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am a physics professor at IIT and I have a son who is an engineer.</p>
<p>Thanks for your advise. I really appreciate it. Can you also tell me which course is more academically challenging-- dual degree in (Math+Physics) or Aero Engg?</p>
<p>A mechanics/engineering mechanics program may be right up your alley. For example, look at the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Virginia Tech (there are similar programs elsewhere, too). This departments are typically very plugged in to the aerospace industry but approach the problems from a more mathematical perspective than a typical aerospace engineering department.</p>
<p>Both can be challenging but in different ways. It all depends on what you find enjoyable and stimulating. When that is the case, you don’t have a problem studying hard and trying to understand the material in the best way. If your enthusiasm level is not high, you will find the material more difficult.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for your advise. You’ve been great help! :)</p>