Hello all!
I'm currently a high school student and going to college next year. But still, I haven't known which major I should choose. I'm interested in natural science like physics, math , atom and nuclear engineering,etc. So, maybe I'll take physics course (or something like that)and then get a B.S in physics, but I've been told that it's practically difficult to get a job with just a B.S in physics. So, could you please tell me if that is true or not?
By the way, I'm also interested in computer science, so should I choose computer science instead? Also, please tell me some majors with which I would be able to get a job with high (or acceptable) salary easily after graduation!
Thank you.

I think what you've heard is accurate. Physics is a good foundation for any number of fields, but careers in physics start after a PhD in most practical cases. That is a long, hard road.

The reason physics is a good foundation is that it helps you understand how things work in the big world... and how the world works as well. It is good for most engineering disciplines. If you like physics and computer science, you might try an electrical engineering major. Now days there are essentially two tracks. The traditional undergrad EE track gives you a smattering of subject areas related to electronics and electricity. A few, but not all, areas are: antennas and propagation, control theory, power and power transmission, electronic circuit design, digital systems, etc. A solid understanding of physics is required for all of these.

The newer track is usually called something like electronics and computer engineering (ECE). With ECE there is more focus on digital electronics and software. You would learn about how computers work and how the hardware and software interact. On this track, physics is emphasized somewhat less, although if you get on this track with a materials focus, physics is a big deal.

Recent starting salaries are above $50K.

On the other hand, you could take your major coursework in any engineering discipline and your electives in physics. This would only make you a stronger engineer no matter what the major.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rodandy12

I think what you've heard is accurate. Physics is a good foundation for any number of fields, but careers in physics start after a PhD in most practical cases. That is a long, hard road.

The reason physics is a good foundation is that it helps you understand how things work in the big world...and how the world works as well. It is good for most engineering disciplines. If you like physics and computer science, you might try an electrical engineering major. Now days there are essentially two tracks. The traditional undergrad EE track gives you a smattering of subject areas related to electronics and electricity. A few, but not all, areas are: antennas and propagation, control theory, power and power transmission, electronic circuit design, digital systems, etc. A solid understanding of physics is required for all of these.

The newer track is usually called something like electronics and computer engineering (ECE). With ECE there is more focus on digital electronics and software. You would learn about how computers work and how the hardware and software interact. On this track, physics is emphasized somewhat less, although if you get on this track with a materials focus, physics is a big deal.

Recent starting salaries are above $50K.

On the other hand, you could take your major coursework in any engineering discipline and your electives in physics. This would only make you a stronger engineer no matter what the major.

---

Oh! You're in Atlanta? I'm studying in Georgia, too!
I'm actually an F-1 visa student. Well, so do you know any colleges/universities in GA which offer those majors? Can you tell me some? By the way, do you know if an F-1 student (like me) can attend a public college?

There are a number of schools that have EE studies in Georgia:
Georgia Tech
Georgia Southern
Mercer
Southern Polytechnic (engineering technology).

I'm not familiar with student visa issues, but I bet there is a State Department website with that information.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rodandy12

There are a number of schools that have EE studies in Georgia:
Georgia Tech
Georgia Southern
Mercer
Southern Polytechnic (engineering technology).

I'm not familiar with student visa issues, but I bet there is a State Department website with that information.

---

Oh, I see. Thank you.:)