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Is there a merit selecting an Applied Physics/ Engineering Physics major over a mechanical or aerospace engineering major career wise in the future? Which offers more critical problem-solving requirements for these jobs?

As a student primarily interested in math, physics, and engineering, I constantly wonder which major I should decide. I have loved the necessary logic and problem solving required in some of the math and physics courses I take in high school but always consider if engineering is the right major for me. Both majors in the question require similar skills and interests and I think knowing the distinction and what I will be getting into may help clarify many things. #engineering #mechanical-engineering #math #physics #aerospace-engineering #aerospace #applied-mathematics

engineering math mechanical-engineering physics aerospace-engineering aerospace applied-mathematics
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dinesh’s Answer

Please refer to the link for information https://www.quora.com/What-major-should-I-choose-Engineering-or-physics
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Sungmo David’s Answer

I had a professor that told me as you take on the title of engineer, you should be able to do a little bit of everything. Now it might take you a little longer to solve computer science based questions being a mechanical engineer, but it should not be completely foreign to you. Major difference between the 2 degrees will come towards you junior and senior year and maybe a little bit of you sophomore year. Engineering physics you will take a few more physics heavy courses versus the mechanical side that will lean toward the hardware side based upon your area of concentration. You can be robotics heavy or the mechanic structure such as hydraulics, gears, etc. I personally would lean towards the physics ( a little biased bc this was my degree). I feel it is a more of an all encompassing degree ranging from optics to quantum physics and beyond with the pragmatism that comes from the engineering title, but mechanical is a strong base as well. As far as potential jobs I am sure you can find a job with any company with either degree so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. I have friends that graduated with me that work with Caterpillar to NASA with everything in between and they will tell you they work with folks with a mechanical degree right along side them.
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Andrei’s Answer

Excellent question Kai. With a little more research, I think you will find that each one of those will deal with a slightly different area of interest that may or may not appeal to you.
Aerospace engineering is obviously going to be mainly dealing with some sort of aircraft, or aircraft related items. This is all great, until you realize that there are only a hand full of manufacturers world wide and only several other research centers that may be looking for an Aerospace engineer at the time that you are job hunting. Now, if you are like me, and eat, breathe and sleep aircraft, and could not think of anything else you would rather do, that this would be the obvious choice. From personal experience, don't get involved with aviation, unless that is what you really want.
Mechanical engineering is a field that can be applied anywhere. If you look around you, pretty much everything has had some mechanical engineering applied to its inception at some point. In my opinion, this is the widest field with the most opportunities available out there.
I don't have a lot of knowledge about the physics engineering, but I believe that has to do with a lot of abstract ideas, formulas and things that you may never be able to put a hand on or see a finished product.
You will have to make a decision on which seems like the most appealing one to you. All engineering will deal with problems, but some might interest you more than others. If you really like cars, than aerospace might not be a good fit. If you really like astrophysics and are always thinking of how to get to Mars faster, than mechanical engineering may not be the best option.
Good luck!
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