Questions about being an engineering major

HPuck35
Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:23:10 +0000

One should be able to get into an engineering MS program with a BS in physics. But why would one want to do that? Why not just get the BS in engineering and then move on to the MS?

You have to make up a lot of engineering prerequsites to go from physics to engineering, taking time and money. You may believe that you are “keeping your options open”, but not really. You’d have to select a branch of engineering for your MS with little or no experience in that field. You’re then locked in. I’ve known several people that have gone into one field of engineering only to decide that it isn’t the one for them and switched engineering fields. Making a switch in engineering fields as an undergrad is a much easier task.

IMHO, you appreciate and understand the engineering field with a little actual experience in the field. The physics BS path almost eliminates the get the BS, get a job and, after a couple of years, get into a grad program path. I believe that you are better prepared for your MS (and possibly PhD) at that point. That path also many times includes your company paying your way (at least in part).