materials vs mechanical vs EE grad schools

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I'm about to graduate with my major in physics, and am having trouble deciding what graduate programs to apply to.</p>

<p>My background: I've done an REU in solid-state physics and research in materials modeling. As a result, I'm sure I want to work on modeling/simulation in my career, whether it be in academia or industry. Also, I wish to avoid writing lab reports and doing hands-on experiments as much as possible. I would say my favorite physics class covered statistical mechanics and thermo, but I havent taken the upper-div version of it yet.</p>

<p>For graduate programs, I've been looking into physics, applied physics, mechanical engineering, EE, or materials engineering. I list my reasons why below</p>

<p>physics/applied physics - lots of applied areas interest me such as condensed matter, lasers, etc. I'm only hesistant about it because of job opportunities for theoretical physics phD's are scarce. Not to mention lots of them who get employed in industry have positions one can get with a MS or phD in engineering</p>

<p>mechanical - mostly only CFD interests me since I've had some interest in designing missiles and rockets for the military. Other areas such as designing cars, satellites, etc don't interest me</p>

<p>EE - don't know too much about it but I heard one can work on solid state, optics, lasers, and other areas of applied physics. But when I hear of EE, I think of circuits and controls, which I don't like. I even took a mechanical engineering class in feedback and controls and it was one of the worst classes i took as an undergrad</p>

<p>materials - my undergrad research in solid-state and materials modeling gets me thinking this area may suit me. But stuff like solar energy, organic chemistry, polymers don't interest me one bit.</p>

<p>if someone could help me, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks</p>

2

<p>anyone can help me?</p>

3

<p>

</p>

<p>There are people in EE departments that are borderline physicists. Groups that work with new materials (e.g. SiGe, graphene, nanotubes/wires) do not design circuits beyond basic transistors, photodetectors, etc., as proof of concept. There will be a lot of experiments though, as most of the modeling/simulation work is probably done by the hard sciences.</p>

4

<p>The scope and research areas of a materials graduate program vary widely depending on the university. You could fit well in an MSE program that has more of a physics/computational research emphasis or a formal computational option, though I’ve noticed many programs tend towards experimental research and chemistry-oriented coursework. </p>

<p>Really, all the majors you have listed could potentially work–the more important issue is finding an advisor and research group that matches your personality and interests.</p>

5

<p>thanks for the responses</p>

6

<p>Mobius,</p>

<p>At the graduate school level most of the engineering topics become cross disciplinary. For example within my Mechanical Engineering department, there is a lot of work on photonics, MEMS, microfluidic/microheat devices and other nanotechnology. </p>

<p>As others have said, it really depends on the institution in question. Also keep in mind that most universities will have interdisciplinary consortium that include many majors.</p>

7

<p>Ah ok, so alot of engineering is cross disciplinary.</p>

<p>But a question I forgot to ask is: If I do indeed find an engineering program where I get to work mostly on modeling/simulation, and hardly do any lab and hands-on work, what positions can I find employment in? Won’t i not be as employable as those with lab and hands-on experience?</p>

8

<p>Mobius,</p>

<p>I would argue that simulation/modeling positions are more available than experimentalist, specifically those with experience in LabView (I hate it), CFD and CAD.</p>

9

<p>hmm, when I asked one of the EE profs as to what kinds of industry jobs those with EE phDs in simulation/modeling can get, he didnt really know. He just said that about 1/3 of them go into academia, another 1/3 into national labs, and the other 1/3 elsewhere</p>

10

<p>I’m still having trouble deciding what area of interest suits me the most. I’m deciding between CFD and semiconductors/nanotechnology. I havent taken classes in fluid mechanics, solid-state physics, or any engineering classes, and I graduate at the end of this year. What would help me better decide which area interests me the most? I suppose I could audit a class in fluid mechanics. Should I also try to work with a prof doing research in CFD?</p>