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<p>Epic lulz.</p>
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<p>I’m actually curious of this myself, seeing as I’m in the division of “Engineering and Applied Science,” so I imagine there’s some sort of difference.</p>
<p>Yes, there is a difference between engineering and applied science.</p>
<p>Applied science is, in general, the study of the application of scientific principles. It also studies science through applications, rather than studying science from “pure” directions. Applied science is a way of doing science which is distinct from the classical approach, but the end is still science. Science has to do with understanding first.</p>
<p>Engineering is the application of principles - many of which are scientific, but many of which have nothing to do with science - to the construction, manufacture, production, or invention of useful artifacts. The end is just that: the product, not the understanding. It’s often the case that the engineer comes to understand the principle on which some novel invention works, but this is an afterthought; the artifact is the end here. Understanding is not first, and understanding is not even always required.</p>
<p>to the OP: If you like Physics … major in Physics (or at least consider it seriously).</p>
<p>I had great interest in Physics and Comp Sci so I’m majoring in EECS. Now I wish I had done Physics and CS. Make sure you explore enough freshmen year and then decide.</p>
<p>Why do you want to do Electrical Engineering over Physics or Math individually? I ask because I saw somewhere on here recently about how EE’s are some of the higher paid engineers, so if you’re going for pay that is one thing. Otherwise, why EE?</p>
<p>I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college, but the engineering departments seem to like you to have an idea from the get go. I chose Engineering Physics, which is basically (like it helps?) applied physics. I do all the fundamental physics courses with a mix of engineering courses, but at my school I then choose to concentrate in something (like ME, EE, Materials, etc). </p>
<p>So I guess if we are going with one of the trains of thought here, this isn’t an engineering degree, but an applied science degree (though interestingly enough ABET certifies it as an engineering major, not an applied science major…)</p>
<p>If you like EE, go for it. If you still don’t know what you want, then hopefully your college lets you feel it out some. I really don’t allow myself to accept the possibility something is too hard, I don’t think you should either. If you like it, or hell even if you just want to use it for money, you can get through it and even do well.</p>
<p>so then what would be the real difference in a BS in Engineering Science with a concentration in " EE, ME, or whatever" over a BS in Electrical Engineering?</p>
<p>Why hire a BS in Engineering Science with a concentration when you can take a “real” BS in EE, ME, etc? When I talk to people about engineering physics I just get blank stares. At my college job fair there were upwards of 150 companies, 4 looking for Engineering Physics majors, but even those representatives there weren’t quite sure what the major was.</p>
<p>Given that, I take the classes of physics majors, but it also lets be dabble in another field. I am looking at Medical Physics for graduate school. They look for physics/applied physics majors, but with Engineering Physics (an applied physics major) I can choose to concentrate in something like Biomedical Engineering and get background courses in Bio/Physiology/Biophysics/etc to supplement my physics background. I might even be able to make up a medical physics concentration that would allow me to take all the classes that are most relevant to Medical Physics (I’m working on this one).</p>
<p>So what’s my take on the taking a route that isn’t straight EE, ME, etc? If you’re planning on grad school it can work out just as well if not better since it allows you some time to figure things out. If I wanted to I could still concentrate in EE and apply to EE grad programs. On the other hand, if you are just looking for the BS then you may have a bit more trouble. If you can get an internship or two that supports your concentration you could probably make out just fine, but getting those can be harder. Unless you prove yourself to be a strong candidate (better than those in the major applying for some internship) then they really have no reason to gamble on a relatively unknown major over a good EE or ME candidate. That’s my take.</p>
<p>I’m happy I chose it though, despite that problem. I’m just finishing my 2nd year.</p>