My son is looking into the different physics concentrations at Texas Tech. Does anyone have a viewpoint on Bachelor of Science Physics Applied vs Professional Concentration vs Astrophysics? He is very interested in a career in rocketry, satellite, and space craft and would be starting in Fall of 2017. Thanks, and go Red Raiders!
Kinda late at replying to this, but please tell your son to look elsewhere. While Texas Tech does indeed have those kinds of programs, there are VERY few graduates from the physics department per year. Sometimes there are none in a given year. This is mainly due to the difficulty of the program. I knew one of the two seniors who graduated in 2015 and they had to resort to meth several times during the semester to stay awake and complete homework, course readings, etc. Of course, that’s an isolated incident, so your mileage may vary.
If he is still interested in it, astrophysics might be the way to go. That would prepare him for graduate work in the field. Unfortunately I cannot provide any friendly advice… Like I said, I don’t know anyone in that department usually just because few people make it to the end.
Wow, that is quite an insight. I did some searching and found data on the American Institute of Physics that supports your observation. In 2014-2015 Tech has 3 students graduate with a Physics degree. UT and A&M had 20+. This is really disappointing since I’m a Tech alumni. Here is the link to the data is anyone is interested.
I did some more digging around the Tech Physics website and learned from the department newsletter that it is now the Physics and Astronomy Department and that they are adding staff to account for the increase in enrollment. The dept is also adding classrooms; sounds like a positive change. Does anyone have any other positive experience with a Physics classes/dept/major? My son is still considering Tech.