<p>Is it as employable as an engineering major? I want my options broad and open so I am hesitant to truly major in engineering, and I am extremely interested in physics (but I don't think I want to all the way to a Phd).</p>
<p>Applied physics is often heavy on engineering courses so you should have the background to compete for engineering positions. Some companies specifically look for physics majors in these positions but for the most part, you will be competing with engineering majors. This is not a problem if you learn how to present yourself in a good way. The key is to find summer internships to gain some valuable experience before actually going out to look for a job.</p>
<p>Applied physics is also a good jumping off point for a Masters in Engineering whcih might appeal to you after being in the workforce for a while.</p>
<p>Would there be any advantages to being in this major. What about any disadvantages, I hear that physics majors have a bit of an high unemployment rate, is this different for applied physics.</p>
<p>This might give you a good idea of what types of jobs are looking for Physics majors:</p>
<p>[Physics</a> Major Jobs - MajoredIn](<a href=“http://www.majoredin.com/jobs/Physics]Physics”>http://www.majoredin.com/jobs/Physics)</p>
<p>I know personally in my career experience the defense industry seems to love Physics majors. They seem to do very well as system engineers. And the physics majors who pick up a few programming languages are very employable. Be sure to take some time to learn MATLAB.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>As a physics major who started in engineering, I’ll tell you what I think based on my experiences. </p>
<p>Pros of applied physics: More broad, leaves more options open
Cons of applied physics: More broad, leaves more options open</p>
<p>As an engineering student, you are basically being trained for a specific job type by acquiring a certain skill set required for those types of jobs. The curriculum is jam packed with classes that you have to take to get the degree and there is little flexibility (especially ABET accredited programs) besides a few technical electives. This strict schedule translates to job security after graduation because employers know that you jumped through hoops to complete all the engineering degree requirements.</p>
<p>As an applied physics major, you have much more freedom to make the degree what you want. Applied physics with an engineering concentration will typically have a smattering of several general engineering courses along with a few more “specialized” courses in EE or ME for example. In the end, you will not be very specialized in one field of engineering like the true engineering majors would be, but you will be in a great position to continue on to graduate school in engineering or physics or one of the many of the other sciences.</p>
<p>There is also the major “engineering physics.” Look it up.</p>