<p>Hi: My son is currently taking ap physics, ap calc, and a discrete math class at Smith College. He is a junior. He is really loving the physics and is now thinking he wants to major in physics in college. He is working on creating a school list and I am seeing a lot of small, liberal arts schools on his list (Williams, Grinnell, Oberlin). He also wants to continue being active with his clarinet so looking for a strong music program. As a nervous mom whose husband was recently laid off, I am thinking he should explore engineering as an option. My neighbor who is a physics professor recommends that he follow physics and "see where it takes him." He said to really work as an engineer you need at least a masters degree anyway. I would love feedback from others who have been in this situation.</p>
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<p>That is definitely not true. Many engineers are highly employable on graduation with just a bachelor’s degree: chemical engineers, petroleum engineers, electrical engineers, environmental engineers (in high demand right now), biomedical engineers… </p>
<p>Engineering is not for everybody. The drop out rate is generally high just as with premeds, largely because of the amount of work and weed-out classes. </p>
<p>It is also possible to go the enginering route for grad school after an undergraduate degree in physics/chemistry/math/computer science or even biology (biological engineering is one of the fastest growing fields right now). That is what I did. I had a double major math/physics before going to MIT for grad school. </p>
<p>Mechanical engineering is largely built on physics so that would be the closest match. </p>
<p>One way to keep his options open would be for your son to pick schools with both strong science and engineering departments with flexibility to move between the two. The first two years would be largely the same and he could decide by the end of sophomore year whether he wants to major in physics or engineering. At some schools such as MIT, double majors physics/engineering or physics/computer science are quite common. A physics degree has generally a lot more electives than engineering so it is often possible to combine the two.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if he only majors in physics he will need to go to grad school. If he is strong in math, he may be able find to a job in finance as a “quant” but most of these are now PhDs.</p>
<p>You will pleasantly surprised how important orchestral music and performance is at techy type schools. So many accomplished musicians seek degrees in science, math and engineering. However, if he wants to major in music, never mind.</p>
<p>If your kid doesn’t want to be an engineer, don’t force him. Also, if you’re worried about finances, just cut him off once you pay (if you pay) for his undergrad, regardless of if he’s making bank broke.</p>