4 answers
Hayden
Student
Oxon Hill, Maryland
1
Question
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If I want to be an aerospace engineer or a physicist is it worth it to get two bachelor's degrees (one in physics and one in engineering) Or would it be better to get one bachelor's degree and one graduate degree??
I am a sophomore in college at a liberal arts school that has the option of a 3+2 dual degree engineering program.
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4 answers
R Jackson
Aircraft technician
1
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Burlington, North Carolina
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R’s Answer
I suggest that you do one or the other. My area of expertise is aviation. If you choose the Aerospace field I would recommend a major in aerospace and then you go and get your Airframe and Powerplant license. I have been in aviation for over 35 years and the worst engineer is one that only has book knowledge. A hands-on mechanical background is essential to be a well rounded engineer.
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
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Andrew’s Answer
It is a matter of strategy to contemplate pursuing a double major of physics and aerospace engineering. As a full disclosure, I retired into academia for fifteen years as a professor of mathematics after two decades of consulting work at NASA. All my degrees, BS, MS, and PhD are in physics.
Physics (science) and Aerospace Engineering (engineering) are two very different animals. On the other hand, many worthwhile professional endeavors are multidisciplinary. In that sense, a scientist is also an engineer, and an engineer may also perform a bit lit a scientist. Hence, you may be able to enjoy both dreams of being a physicist as well as an engineer at the same time. I worked as a physicist in the NASA environment, but I considered myself also an engineer too.
The 3+2 duel-degree engineering program you mentioned can be very challenging. One can rationalize it that you would have to take quite a lot of physics courses for the engineering program. Hence, why not take a few more physics courses and earn a physics degree too.
On the other hand, if you want to scale back a little bit, you can major in aerospace engineering and minor in physics. You may be able to complete your degree program in four years. That would get you an early start in your career ladder.
Physics (science) and Aerospace Engineering (engineering) are two very different animals. On the other hand, many worthwhile professional endeavors are multidisciplinary. In that sense, a scientist is also an engineer, and an engineer may also perform a bit lit a scientist. Hence, you may be able to enjoy both dreams of being a physicist as well as an engineer at the same time. I worked as a physicist in the NASA environment, but I considered myself also an engineer too.
The 3+2 duel-degree engineering program you mentioned can be very challenging. One can rationalize it that you would have to take quite a lot of physics courses for the engineering program. Hence, why not take a few more physics courses and earn a physics degree too.
On the other hand, if you want to scale back a little bit, you can major in aerospace engineering and minor in physics. You may be able to complete your degree program in four years. That would get you an early start in your career ladder.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Hayden
Michelle M.
Actress
2660
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hayden !
No, do not get two Bachelors Degrees, one in Aerospace Engineering and one to be a Physicist. These are two highly intense majors for which you need keen expertise in order to make a career out of it. You should take a four year path for your Bachelors Degree and a two year path for your Masters Degree to be fully sufficient to work at either career.
You will need to have a four year academic path to be fully trained for Aerospace Engineering and you should Major in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering. Going all four years will allow you to smoothly ace your courses, do practicums, get experience and sharpen your written, presentation and communication skills. The four year path will most likely provide opportunities and a better chance to get to know people in the industry before you go for your Masters Degree in the same subject. This is NOT a major that can be short-cut, rushed or cut corners on - there's just too much expertise you will need.
If you decide to pursue a career as a Physicist, you will need a four year path majoring in Physics for your Bachelors Degree. For advance career positions, you can obtain your Masters or Doctorate Degree in Physics. Again, not a career that you can rush through with shortened programs. You'll need to experience a full four years undergraduate and two years for the Masters if you want to be in the forefront for career jobs. This path is intense and you will need exceptional mathematical skills as well. The four year path will allow you to have substantial experience through more Lab Work than if you go the short cut path. Again, four years for this study will allow you to meet many contacts for possible future work.
Since it seems as though you haven't pinpointed the career you actually want to do, you'll need to perhaps take your General Education Required Courses until you can decide on which career you want to dedicate your life's work to. I'm pretty sure about this advice, but definitely double check it with your on campus Academic Counselor to have a good discussion about it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
No, do not get two Bachelors Degrees, one in Aerospace Engineering and one to be a Physicist. These are two highly intense majors for which you need keen expertise in order to make a career out of it. You should take a four year path for your Bachelors Degree and a two year path for your Masters Degree to be fully sufficient to work at either career.
You will need to have a four year academic path to be fully trained for Aerospace Engineering and you should Major in Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering. Going all four years will allow you to smoothly ace your courses, do practicums, get experience and sharpen your written, presentation and communication skills. The four year path will most likely provide opportunities and a better chance to get to know people in the industry before you go for your Masters Degree in the same subject. This is NOT a major that can be short-cut, rushed or cut corners on - there's just too much expertise you will need.
If you decide to pursue a career as a Physicist, you will need a four year path majoring in Physics for your Bachelors Degree. For advance career positions, you can obtain your Masters or Doctorate Degree in Physics. Again, not a career that you can rush through with shortened programs. You'll need to experience a full four years undergraduate and two years for the Masters if you want to be in the forefront for career jobs. This path is intense and you will need exceptional mathematical skills as well. The four year path will allow you to have substantial experience through more Lab Work than if you go the short cut path. Again, four years for this study will allow you to meet many contacts for possible future work.
Since it seems as though you haven't pinpointed the career you actually want to do, you'll need to perhaps take your General Education Required Courses until you can decide on which career you want to dedicate your life's work to. I'm pretty sure about this advice, but definitely double check it with your on campus Academic Counselor to have a good discussion about it.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
31
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Hayden,
Two very different but related professions.
Physics is pure science - the discovery of, and understanding of the "truth" of our universe, as it were.
Aerospace engineering - Applied science in the domain of Physics of flight.
Let's take a different tack (sailing term) at this question; Where do you want this dual degree to take you; an analytical or a practical career discipline? Physics is primarily analytical; if you're wrong it's embarrassing. Engineering is practical; If you're wrong, people will be hurt.
Pick one or the other, not both. My opinion is that it is easier to transition from Aerospace Engineering to Physics than the alternative, so maybe start with the Aerospace and adjust your path as you proceed through your syllabus. Just answer that first question before reaching the "point of no return" in your sophomore or junior year.
Tony
Two very different but related professions.
Physics is pure science - the discovery of, and understanding of the "truth" of our universe, as it were.
Aerospace engineering - Applied science in the domain of Physics of flight.
Let's take a different tack (sailing term) at this question; Where do you want this dual degree to take you; an analytical or a practical career discipline? Physics is primarily analytical; if you're wrong it's embarrassing. Engineering is practical; If you're wrong, people will be hurt.
Pick one or the other, not both. My opinion is that it is easier to transition from Aerospace Engineering to Physics than the alternative, so maybe start with the Aerospace and adjust your path as you proceed through your syllabus. Just answer that first question before reaching the "point of no return" in your sophomore or junior year.
Tony