Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Studying Engineering with Physics degree
(OP)
Hi all. Great forum, lots of good advice. Here's my question...
I have a BSc in Physics and have work experience mostly at a technologist level in various industries. I find that most of the "good" jobs out there that interest me require an Engineering degree if not PEng credential.
I have been looking into entering into a Mechanical Engineering program to get my career a boost. On paper it looks like I can get credit for most of first year Engineering at the local university and go right into second year. Of course I'd have to make up the few firsst year applied science courses.
Does anybody have experience with this type of transition into Engineering?
I have a BSc in Physics and have work experience mostly at a technologist level in various industries. I find that most of the "good" jobs out there that interest me require an Engineering degree if not PEng credential.
I have been looking into entering into a Mechanical Engineering program to get my career a boost. On paper it looks like I can get credit for most of first year Engineering at the local university and go right into second year. Of course I'd have to make up the few firsst year applied science courses.
Does anybody have experience with this type of transition into Engineering?





RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
corus
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
I worked at Southwest Research Institute for a few years, and there were a significant number of my colleagues that had physics degrees but were basically doing mechanical engineering work.
Corus is also correct in that it may be hard to get by HR.
-The future's so bright I gotta wear shades!
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
However, without experience in a given area, you're unlikely to get hired. Entry-level positions are tough to find outside of university placement programs.
I endorse the suggestions above regarding an MS program. That's almost certainly the best avenue if you're amenable to additional schooling.
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RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Some states (WI is one) have a path to achieve PE without an ABET accredited degree. Experience requirements are greater, but it is still quite possible.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Here in Canada, I believe the only way to achieve PE is with the Bachelor or Masters degree and 4-5 years engineer-in-training work experience.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
First off, whoever or wherever you found that you can't get a P.Eng without a Bachelor's degree in Eng is totally wrong.
You can absolutely get a P.Eng without a undergrad engineering degree, it's just tougher.
At the very least, you would be required to take some courses that cover design (which your BSc. didn't). You may need.
A Masters in Eng. will definitely help you out on that.
FYI, a co-worker has a Life Science degree and got her masters in engineering. She now has a P.Eng (after taking some addn'l courses and working for some time).
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Hello echosmyron,
FYI.. I have a friend who has a chemistry degree and applied to a Chemical Engineering Programme and was accepted as a "mature student" right into the 4 year (here in Ontario, Canada).
She actually did the 3rd and 4th year (this was her choice) since she felt she could use some more background.
Here is my 2 cents, someone with your experience and degree should not have to start in 2nd year. Perhaps 3rd or 4th year.
Good luck and best wishes,
Joseph
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
"Academic Qualifications
To obtain your P.Eng. status you must demonstrate that you have met the minimum academic requirements. For Canadian applicants this normally means that you have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited Canadian university program."
It goes on to say...
"If you do not have an undergraduate degree in engineering from an accredited Canadian university program, your academic background will be assessed and you may be assigned academic examinations."
If I had to study for all the extra exams that they require, wouldn't I just be better off doing it in a Bachelor program? I'm about 10 years removed from getting my BSc in Physics, and have to honestly say I've forgotten a lot of the content.
Not to mention that the Masters programs I have looked at require 3 academic or professional reference to even be considered. That would be tough for me since I've had no contact with my profs and would probably only be able to get a reference from my manager at the last company I worked for (he's not even an engineer).
josephv: Your friend likely had credit for 2nd & 3rd year courses in the ChemEng programme. I can't see a university giving someone placement that far into the programme without the transfer credits. Here in BC, the engineering universities require all courses be completed during the degree or by transfer credit. I'd love to start in the 3rd or 4th years, but just don't see it happening.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Also, contact the chairman of the engineering department at the school you want to attend and explain your situation, find out exactly what the university is looking for in a reference. Don't count yourself out before you've tried. My experience with reference letters to get into school is that they are a formality. The university is selling something and they want your money, they aren't going to deny you a chance. I agree with the advice to pursue a master's degree. But I also wonder why you aren't interested in graduate work in physics.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
I have no problem getting work-related references. They are asking specifically for academic references detailing academic performance, etc. Alternatively, professional references outlining industry research (which I haven't done). I haven't got to far into looking into the Masters option, but you're right, it's definitely something I should consider.
Graduate work in physics doesn't interest me. I found in my experience that I prefer practical applications type work, the jobs I gravitate towards are in the realm of engineers. Doing theoretical research doesn't appeal to me.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Furthermore, "industry research" can mean anything. Anytime you figure something out it's research.
If you hurry up and get your university application in, you might be able to attend the next semester. You can always agree to enter on probation. If you don't make it after trying there won't be any doubt, but if you don't try you will always wonder.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
I'm glad I did it. I would have had a much harder time in graduate school if I'd tried to go right in, with all my classmates coming from undergrad engineering programs.
At my school, a second bachelor's degree meant that everything was negotiable. After a long conversation with the dean, I ended up only having to do 5 semesters to get the engineering degree because I had all the calculus, physics, chemistry, and humanity/social science classes covered in my previous degree.
Hg
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RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
It is easier if you have a bachelors in engineering to sit for the PE/P. Eng. The other way, with a masters, is also possible, just not as easy/straight forward.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Good luck to you.
RE: Studying Engineering with Physics degree
Then, figured I could increase my salary and marketability faster and better by getting a Civil degree. Quite a few hours transferred from the Architectural degree which was a huge help.
I had not even taken Calculus, which I assume a Physics Major would have already. I had to spend an entire year "qualifying" to enter the Civil program by taking 2 first year courses prior to being admitted in to the Engineering College. It seems to me that you would probably only be taking Engineering specific courses. You would most likely have your electives and Lib. Art courses already.
You might would be able to graduate in a couple of years. I have never regretted getting an Engineering degree. It is too bad you can not get some experience in an office doing the "good" work you are talking about before you take the leap for another degree.
Have you been to a University and discussed your ineterest with a professor in the Mechanical department? They might help you get more perspective on your decision by educating you on the process to obtain the additional degree...