<p>I know that a physics major is more concerned with studying theories and principles, and an engineering major is more concerned with applying those same principles to solve real life issues.</p>
<p>But I am curious about how college life is different for these two majors, and the types of jobs each major would lead to.</p>
<p>Physics graduates generally need to have a PhD to gain work in actual physics research. There are other oppurtunities for physics at the undergrad level, in finance, business, and sometimes actually engineering (but actual engineers are preferred for such jobs).</p>
<p>Engineering is typically seen as among some of the most difficult majors in college. They on average have the lowest GPAs, but employers/grad schools will take that as a given, and understand that engineering is very intensive. Not that physics is not, of course, but not as much so. Engineering majors are the highest salaries outside of graduation. I can find the statistics if you want, but I think petroleum engineers average about 80k or something starting salary out of school, 55k-60k/ for chemical engineers, and around 50k-55k for mechanical/electrical engineers. Biomedical engineering is probably the worst in terms of career prospects outside of college because most employers that are seeking biomedical engineers want MS-degree holders.</p>
<p>Physics is most prominent in mechanical and electrical engineering, but of course serves purposes in the other realms as well. There are a lot of engineering concepts that are not directly related to physics (unless you argue that everything in the world is based upon physical principles). </p>
<p>Engineering jobs will get you a better job for a 4 year degree. There are still options for physics (I think physics is among some of the highest-paid pure sciences at the undergrad level), but do not expect to get a position doing the research in physics at the undergrad level. You’d likely be shoveled into a position not really related to what you learned. A PhD would be necessary for such research, and even then research positions are limited. There are plenty of postdocs, but a ton of PhDs, so unless you want to be thrown around the country earning salaries of 30k-45kish every 2 or 3 years with the hopes of gaining tenure some day, consider something else. That lifestyle may not be for you. I’m also interested in physics but I am really debating on my future paths because of the bad job outlook for physics-trained people actually doing physics.</p>
<p>There’s a lot of discussion on this subject on another forum, which I can PM you if you’d like. When you feel compelled to make the decision, and you feel you will regret having taken a certain path, do the one that you really want to do and then see if such an income would be sustainable for the type of life you want to live.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! That was a perfect answer to my question.
Also, can you link me to other forums on this topic? Thanks again</p>
<p>I’m glad I came across this thread! I’m in the same position: I want to go into physics (specifically theoretical or astrophysics), but I’ve been looking into engineering more recently, since it’s so similar to physics. I currently live close to a major laboratory (Fermilab), so I’m hoping to get an internship there this summer. But it sounds like job security is not great at all for scientists…</p>
<p>I don’t know about that. All of my Ph.D. students have been able to find jobs without a problem, either in industry or at a university or government lab. However, as an undergraduate you won’t be specializing in theoretical physics or astrophysics but getting a more general degree. Finding a job with a B.S. in physics requires that you figure out how to sell your skills rather than your major. Some companies are enlightened enough to realize that a physics major can be a very productive employee but many just want to consider engineers for positions.</p>