<p>...Hi I'm deciding between a Physics major or Aerospace Engineering major (@ USNA). I plan to service select Navy Pilot after graduation. I REALLY enjoyed my high school physics courses but I never touched engineering. And graduate school is a must in my future.</p>
<p>Any suggestions? Thanks!</p>
<p>A lot of engineers, including myself, enjoy the entry level physics material. The upper class material can be much different however. I would not let the classes you have taken steer you in one direction or the other, however, it certainly sounds like you're in the right ballpark. Also, from what i understand, jobs with a physics degree can be more limited than those with an engineering degree, so that's something to think about. Some colleges offer an engineering physics degree, perhaps that's something you may want to look into.</p>
<p>I know two fighter pilots, one who's an instructor in the Air Force and another who's in the Air National Guard. The first was an aerospace engineering major at USAFA and the second was a structural engineer that I went to grad school with at UIUC.</p>
<p>Then again, I don't know many physics majors.</p>
<p>I think engineering would be fairly useful, from a knowing-what's-going-on-with-your-plane standpoint. I can't imagine wishing that I knew more about theoretical quantum mechanics when both engines are on fire and I'm plummeting to my doom, but I can imagine that I might have wished I knew more about how airplanes are designed.</p>
<p>Liking Intro Physics is an equally good jumping-off point for both engineering and physics career paths-- it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to love being a physics major. Take a look at the curricula in both departments and see which sounds more appealing and applicable to what you want to do.</p>
<p>I appreciate the input.</p>
<p>There's a lot of people saying I should go Aero. But learning how to build engine was never too fascinating, but learning how the universe how works seems interesting. I guess I'll wait for more input.</p>
<p>I don't necessarily think Aero's just building engines. A lot of it is materials, dynamics, etc. If that doesn't immediately appeal to you, do physics. That way you can do aero for graduate school without any problems (starting with aero and doing physics as a graduate student would be more difficult)</p>