<p>Here's my current story: I'm at CC right now double majoring in Physics and Engineering Science. When I transfer (Rutgers) I will continue to Mechanical Engineering and plan to continue Physics as a minor.</p>
<p>I am highly interested in Mech. Engineering and I love physics, I would major in Applied Physics but I can't guarantee I will be pursuing graduate school though I really want to (I'll probably be around 30 by the time I graduate with my BS).</p>
<p>So my thoughts are I will do Mech. Engineering while taking necessary physics classes on the side as a minor that can prop me up if I decide to continue to the Applied Physics graduate route. I figure this will put me in a good position whether I decide to jump right into the workforce or head to graduate school for AP in the future.</p>
<p>By the way, my ideal career would be researching and working on new technologies and finding ways to apply them, kind of being the liaison between physics and engineering.</p>
<p>I'd like to see what input you more experienced guys/gals have on this. Thanks!</p>
<p>300 views and no replies? That’s weird. I will take a stab at it…</p>
<p>I don’t think that it will be a good combo. Why? Mechanical engineering deals w/ classical physics problems like dynamics while applied physics leans towards non-classical, relativistic properties, like lasers (optics) and electron properties (materials, electrical, quantum). </p>
<p>Can you think of a sub area of applied physics that pertains to mechanical engineering? I can’t. Just my thoughts. I haven’t studied mechE stuff but you might be better off getting a masters in your field.</p>
<p>An engineering physics program would be a better fit for an engineer</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply Lookin4ward</p>
<p>The way I’m thinking about it is that MechE touches on a fair amount of applied physics at least a little (except for QM and the particle area), while having a higher focus on things like motion, materials, thermo and energy (depending on how you schedule your classes). I would be filling the void with other physics classes as a minor or electives. Even if I had to take a class or two after graduation it wouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>I’ve looked into engineering physics, is there an appreciable difference between that and applied physics? Because I thought they were almost the same thing, so when I say AP I’m also thinking EP too.</p>
<p>Look at applied physics programs vs engineering physics programs…They are different. The engineering gives you a chance to mix engineering courses, math, and physics. </p>
<p>But ask yourself what you want to do w/ the degree. You can learn some advanced computational stuff for fluid flows and modeling. Maybe ask on the physics forum things you can do vs a masters in engineering. </p>
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