Major in Renewable Energy?

College Majors
1

<p>I'm a college freshman at Illinois State University and (supposedly) our community and even the college itself is big on renewable/sustainable energy and what have you. I'll have to look up some articles that can provide me with what exactly is so great about us, but apparently we're forerunners of sorts in that respect. But I digress...</p>

<p>I was going in as a physics major, but the more I thought about it the more I didn't want to have a desk job. Theoretical astrophysics sounds cool as hell, but staring at a computer screen all day doesn't sound that appealing to me. Therefore, I was thinking of majoring in Renewable Energy, minoring in physics, and perhaps majoring in some field of engineering. The thing is, ISU doesn't have an engineering program (just my luck) so I have no idea what to do about that. If I went through with this, though, could I potentially find a job with those credentials and then go back to school for engineering? That would hopefully put me right where I want to be: in the 'hands-on' category of things. I want to apply my knowledge in a practical way (hence, the change from physics to engineering).</p>

<p>Also, what the heck can you do with Renewable Energy? A minor in physics will help, but I'm confused as to what that major alone can accomplish. Thanks in advance for all helpful answers!</p>

2

<p>I’d also like to point out that my dad works as a lawyer for ComEd and told me to check out Exelon Corp’s website (they own ComEd). I have yet to dive into that, but it looks like I could potentially be working for them in the next handful of years. They own damn near everything O_o</p>

3

<p>I would suggest that you turn that around and major in physics and minor in renewable energy. Not all physics is theoretical and certainly not all astrophysics. The biggest field in physics is condensed matter and many of us are experimentalists and we work on energy-related projects.</p>