Job prospects with an Engineering Physics degree??

Question

I am about to attend the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Engineering Physics. I did my first two years at a community college, completing my basic science and math classes as well as electives. With the economy sucking so bad, I'm worried about my career prospects with this degree. Would it be better to go for my Plan B, which is Mechanical Engineering?

Answer 1

First off all there are tons of engineering jobs out there if your willing to relocate or travel for work. If you don't want to leave the neighborhood your from, then ya the economy might suck where you're from.

A friend of mine got a degree in Physics and he worked for two years as a structural engineer, but eventually he couldn't get promoted till he got an engineering degree. So he went back and got his second degree in EE.

Just get a degree in Mechanical Engineering and there are tons of jobs in varies fields related to ME. I work as an Aviation engineer designing aircraft for the military and half of my team are Mechanical dudes.

Answer 2

I took a glance at the University of Pittsburgh's engineering physics' curriculum. It's a mix of EE, material science, and physics. (I don't see any mechanical engineering courses so i don't know why mechanical engineering is your plan B). It's a good mix in the sense that you get to learn the basics of those 3 fields. As an engineer, you often need to use concepts outside of your specialty. But at the same time, because the education is broader, you sacrifice on depth.

One thing to note is that your engineering physics program is different from some other universities'. Some others emphasize more heavily on physics. Yours is much closer to EE.  Have you considered going to EE instead? Mechanical engineering is partly suffering due to the heavy slow down in the auto industry. Layoffs are rampant.

Answer 3

You should take which ever you prefer to do, although both are somewhat similar.  Generally there are more jobs in mechanical engineering.  Many physics jobs are in aerospace and defense but there are a variety of opportunities.  

I know good mechanical engineers that are out of work, as well as physics majors.  

My other recommendation would be whichever you choose, to take some crossover classes to expand your opportunities upon graduation.