Panglossian

Ok, here's the dilemma: I'm currently a freshman at UF majoring in aerospace engineering, and lately I've been having second thoughts about my choice. See, I'm deeply fascinated by anything flight-related, specifically space flight, so my grand plan is to eventually get a PhD in astrodynamics and wind up doing research for gov't. (either US or international) or in private industry.

The thing is, I'm also interested in pure physics. Another side of me wants to go the physics major track and wind up with a PhD in high-energy/plasma physics, once again to engage in research for gov't. or private industry.

What I'm worried about with continuing the engineering track is being stuck doing mundane number-crunching or otherwise not use any of the knowledge I'd have picked up doing undergrad/grad. Maybe I just have a misguided notion of what engineers actually do, since I haven't been able to find out an accurate depiction of what engineers regularly do and how much of what they learn directly correlates with their duties.

Any advice is appreciated, since the physics track is significantly different from the engineering track, and double majoring is strictly out of the question.

Panglossian

Bump; 61 views and no opinions whatsoever? tsk.

jmmom

Why not set up a meeting with one of the Engineering profs (maybe find one who has a degree in physics?) and discuss his/her views of the different paths you might take? You might do the same with a physics prof.

stargirl

When it comes down to graduate school, you can definetely go to physics grad with an engineering degree and engineering grad with a physics degree. So what I'd advise you to do is major in one and minor in the other to see what really piques your interest... after 4 years I'm sure you'll have a much more firm grasp of it!
Another option if your university is more lax about research is see if you can work in the lab of, say, a physics prof while you're an engineering major. That way you'll still understand what's required of both... this really depends on your school and how much they allow undergrad research, however.

ExplorerCY

i emailed a boeing exec who majored in aero. i explained i was a junior in hs and interested in aero. he sent my email to someone who is setting up a panel of aero engineers from boeing for me to talk to over the phone. just ask engineers what engineers do. its not that hard. they want to help you. by the way. i don't understand what you meant in my Aerospace Industry and the Military (or some such name) thread.

cesupro

I am in a very similar dilemma as the OP. I am debating between Aero Engr and Astrophys.

I've gone back and forth a few times. Currently, I'm leaning astrophysics (it's at berkeley!). And, like stargirl said, if it doesn't work out, I'll go straight to an engineering masters program. Then I'll be back to where i started, just a couple years later.

csprof2000

If it's aerodynamics, classical mechanics, materials, etc., you'd probably do best in Aero with a minor / double major in Physics. A pure physics degree will include lots of subjects tangential to those main interests... including modern and quantum physics, as well as E&M and StatMech.

Panglossian

I appreciate the advice, but this was over 2 years ago & the circumstances have changed drastically; thanks anyway, though.

ElectricTech

What did you decide to major in and what are your plans now?

Panglossian

I left UF and joined the US Navy as an F/A-18 engine mech., working towards an eventual commission as a weapons systems officer. Degree of choice for that? Physics.

cesupro

wow, i didn't notice how old this thread was... who revived it?

anyways,.... I'm planning astrophysics at berk with a minor in mechanical engineering.