Physics versus engineering

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>I would like to eventually be a civil engineer or an environmental engineer. However, I'm more interested in LACs for undergraduate education. Is it possible for me to major in physics at a LAC and then obtain a master's in engineering at a larger university? Would I be sufficiently prepared for a master's through physics programs at schools such as Middlebury, Oberlin, or Vassar? I realize that there are some LACs with engineering, and I am considering those as well (I like Swarthmore a lot). Also, would this be appealing to future engineering employers, or would an undergraduate physics degree leave me at a disadvantage?</p>

2

<p>Yes. It is doable.
There might be pre-requisites required to be complete before continue your graduate study. This may take you an extra semester while in graduate program, which isn’t a big deal in my opinion.
Your entrance to a graduate program is not based on your undergraduate study.</p>

<p>In my opinion, physics is a recommended undergraduate study if you are not sure about your career path and areas of interest. Physics is heavily involved in engineering.</p>

<p>I will direct you to another discussion here, please take a glance:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/950132-value-undergrad-mse-degree.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/950132-value-undergrad-mse-degree.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Most engineering branches are applied physics.</p>

<p>Cue [xkcd:</a> Purity](<a href=“http://xkcd.com/435/]xkcd:”>xkcd: Purity)</p>

4

<p>Carleton College has a 3+2 engineering program where after 3 years at Carleton, you transfer to either Washington University in St. Louis or Columbia University for engineering. After 5 years, you graduate with both a BA in physics, chemistry, or Math and BS in engineering from either school. Perhaps that would interest you</p>

5

<p>kc, here is the thing: </p>

<p>if you you have your mind set on being a civil or environmental engineer, then why not go to a school that offers these majors?</p>

<p>there are plenty of small-sized schools that are almost like an LAC but offer strong engineering in those areas.</p>

6

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<p>Hahahaha!! =D</p>