What is the difference between physics and engineering physics?

[Larnach]

I am a high school senior and am doing well in school. I had plan to major in physics when I go into college, but now I have been informed that there is physics and engineering physics majors. What is the difference between the two? Do they go with different careers? Do the majors take different classes?

[Merlin]

Physic is a broader and more general field. Enginerring physic is more specific. A more narrow definition.

[JackieDRhodes]

physics is a pure science subject whereas engineering physics is anapplied science,that is physics as applied in engineering

[Halmir]

Also engineering physics I think you need to maintain a higher GPA like a 3.6 and above, well thats how it is in my university. But as far as careers, I don't know. They are different classes once you get in the higher level courses too. LIke the other person said more specifics are required.

[Bree98]

The difference between science and engineering can be thought of like this:

The scientist will theorize and test that theory in reproducible laboratory conditions. Many grants will have to be written to finance this experimentation, which may one day lead to a breakthrough discovery.

The engineer needs to design this thing such that it can be brought to market at the important price point of $999. Have it done by Friday.

[Huor]

Physics is a fundamental science that deals with the concepts of the laws and principles that govern the unverse while engineering physics deals with the application of such concepts... '_'

[Valacar]

Physics is the study of earth's natural laws, where as engineering physics is the application of earth's natural laws as applied to whatever is being engineered. Also engineering physics is a cheap way to sound like you're actually putting in the work of a true physicist, whilst actually only having to be concerned with half the classes. (Disgruntled physics major)

[Dior]

I have an Engineering Physics degree.

The only difference between the 2 as far as classes went was that I took engineering courses in a field of my choice in place of technical elective classes like foreign language and free electives.

In engineering physics, at least where I went, you take all the same stuff as physics with the exception of foreign language and you take engineering classes as kind of a minor.

As an important side note, it's hard to get a job with a just a bachelors degree in either field, but you might be able to talk your self into some engineering jobs with the engineering physics degree.

My advice would be, if you are going to get a Masters or a PhD, go with the straight Physics degree. But if you need to make a living after your first degree and you are smart enough to get a physics degree, then find something you like where there is a demand for it at the Bachelors level and apply yourself to that.

PS: The first year of many degrees are the same (Calculus, Physics, Chemistry), so if you are trying to narrow it down between like Physics, Engineering Physics, or something in Engineering, then you can just pick 1 and figure out what you like the first year and then make a switch without really loosing any time. The best way is to get the actual class requirements for each major and compare them.

[Akshay_M]

Physics is “the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them”.

Elaborating the above, Physics is the natural science that studies matter and its motion and behavior through space and time and that studies the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, and its main goal is to understand how the universe behaves. What that really means is that physics is about asking fundamental questions and trying to answer them by observing and experimenting.

Many physicists work in ‘pure’ research, trying to find answers to these types of fundamental questions. The answers they come up with often lead to unexpected technological applications.

Engineering Physics is a unique branch of engineering discipline with a combination of physics, mathematics, electrical engineering and other advanced technology subjects. Graduates in Engineering Physics are provided with a strong base in the science & physics with engineering. Basically we can say that it is an systems approach to engineering. Graduate in engineering physics are prepared to find solutions for complex technological problems in nuclear science, aerospace, computing, etc. Most of the curriculum in engineering physics have strong emphasis on advanced mathematics, chemistry and physics. They are rigorous too. Some of the curriculum also provide insights on material sciences, electronics, computer systems and optics as well. While the other engineering branches are focused more or less in a narrow subjects, the engineering physics students are exposed with a blend of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering and computing. With a good exposure and broad view on Mathematics, Material Science, Physics, Electronics, Computers & Optics, engineering physics graduates have a wide range of career options available in the research and innovation in the industry and the academia.


Regards,
Akshay
Technical Consultant
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