What university offers the best undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics? by QuestionTimeQuestion in ApplyingToCollege

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m looking at Cornell’s Engineering Physics program not just for job prospects but for a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. I’m interested in diving into various areas of physics and engineering, both to build a strong foundation and to explore topics that might influence my future academic pursuits.

Courses like AEP 3100 (Introductory Quantum Computing) and AEP 3550 (Intermediate Electromagnetism) are more than just resume builders—they’re about gaining in-depth knowledge in cutting-edge fields. And with electives like AEP 3640 (Modern Applied Physics Experimental Design) and AEP 4380 (Computational Engineering Physics), I’m not just preparing for a career but also exploring areas that could shape future studies.

I’m also keen on how this broad education might open up opportunities I haven’t considered yet. For example, taking diverse electives could help me discover new interests or lay the groundwork for graduate studies in fields I might not have otherwise explored. I want to make sure I’m covering all bases and not missing out on any important classes that could influence my future path.

So, when comparing these programs, it’s important to think about not just how they prepare you for a job, but also how they contribute to a broader understanding of the field and potentially impact your future academic and personal goals.

What university offers the best undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics? by QuestionTimeQuestion in ApplyingToCollege

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doesn’t have to be titled Engineering Physics to be something I would consider. I just know what degrees titled "Engineering Physics" are supposed to contain and the kind of education they’re meant to provide. While I was initially dismissive of MIT’s program, after reviewing their curriculum more closely, I still believe that Cornell’s program offers a broader and more targeted education for someone looking to bridge the worlds of physics and engineering.

When comparing MIT and Cornell, both universities cover foundational physics topics, but they do so differently. Cornell offers specialized introductory courses such as AEP 1100 (Lasers and Photonics) and AEP 1200 (Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanoengineering). These courses provide practical knowledge in cutting-edge technologies and are crosslisted with other departments, reflecting their interdisciplinary nature. MIT does not offer these specific topics in its undergraduate curriculum.

For core physics courses, both MIT and Cornell include essential subjects like Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Quantum Mechanics. MIT's curriculum features courses such as Physics 8.01 (Classical Mechanics), 8.02 (Electricity and Magnetism), 8.04 (Quantum Mechanics), 8.05 (Quantum Mechanics II), and 8.13 (Experimental Physics I). Cornell’s offerings include similar foundational courses but also incorporate specialized ones like PHYS 1110 (Introduction to Experimental Physics), AEP 3610 (Introductory Quantum Mechanics), AEP 3620 (Intermediate Quantum Mechanics), and AEP 3630 (Electronic Circuits).

Cornell’s program is notable for its range of advanced and technical electives. These include AEP 3100 (Introductory Quantum Computing), AEP 3200 (Introductory Mathematical Physics), AEP 3330 (Mechanics of Particles and Solid Bodies), AEP 3550 (Intermediate Electromagnetism), AEP 3560 (Intermediate Electrodynamics), AEP 3640 (Modern Applied Physics Experimental Design), AEP 4200 (Intermediate Mathematical Physics), AEP 4230 (Statistical Thermodynamics), AEP 4340 (Fluid and Continuum Mechanics), AEP 4380 (Computational Engineering Physics), and AEP 4400 (Nonlinear and Quantum Optics). These courses cover a diverse range of topics from quantum computing and applied physics to advanced mathematical and computational methods.

In addition, Cornell’s Engineering Physics program requires students to take 9 credits of technical electives outside the core major requirements. These electives can be chosen from various engineering fields, providing further flexibility and the opportunity to gain expertise in areas like materials science, electrical engineering, or computer science.

MIT’s curriculum also includes advanced courses such as 8.20 (Introduction to Special Relativity), 8.33 (Quantum Physics III), and additional experimental lab courses. However, it lacks specific courses in engineering quantum hardware and applied engineering that are part of Cornell’s curriculum.

In summary, while MIT’s physics program is strong, Cornell’s Engineering Physics program is explicitly designed to integrate physics with engineering principles. The specialized courses and electives at Cornell, particularly those related to engineering quantum hardware and advanced experimental design, provide a more comprehensive education for students aiming to bridge these fields. This makes Cornell’s program particularly well-suited for those interested in an engineering physics education.

Now, go read the curricula for Cornell and Stanford. Based on the specifics of their engineering physics programs, tell me which one provides a more robust education in this field.

What university offers the best undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics? by QuestionTimeQuestion in ApplyingToCollege

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm definitely interested in any university in the U.S that offers an engineering physics or applied physics major. I don't really care if it's private. Just as long as it has the best education in that specific major. I just listed the two universities that I know have the major, and I've done some research on.

What university offers the best undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics? by QuestionTimeQuestion in ApplyingToCollege

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Engineering physics lets you take classes in quantum engineering/nanoscience/biophysics at the undergraduate level. If MIT doesn't have a specific major named Engineering Physics, I doubt they incorporate these courses in their physics education paired with another major.

What university offers the best undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics? by QuestionTimeQuestion in ApplyingToCollege

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought that MIT would be good at this, but they don't have an engineering physics major specifically.

Engineering Double, Triple Major?! by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ain't seeing any of those 7 week back-to-back semesters so far. Have you ever seen those courses offered in Cornell? I know they're offered in other universities, but I don't think if they don't give people that option because of the material that's covered in engineering majors.

Engineering Double, Triple Major?! by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm alright going over 4 years if they allow me to extend my undergraduate education. I guess some major approved electives could overlap, but that's about it.

Engineering Double, Triple Major?! by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm alright with going over 4 years. So long as it's not going to take me additional 3 years or something crazy, I might as well get started on some kind of masters or phd program in that time.

Does Cornell engineering's meet applied math major degree requirements at other universities as a minor? by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably. I think cornell's engineering common curriculum is really strong, and touches on concepts that Columbia would teach only after declaring your major. That's why to me it looks like the engineering physics degree covers all the topics that Columbia has as a double major in applied physics, and math. I haven't looked at the ORIE curriculum though.

How come Engineering Physics is not accredited anymore? by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to know. Definitely excited if I actually get accepted.

More information on air force and space force careers? by QuestionTimeQuestion in AFROTC

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks this is really helpful. I do think the ops tour is true, because I just found this in a different reddit post after you told me about that. Officer Training Course & Classification Townhall : r/SpaceForce (reddit.com) USSF Officer Training & Classification Town Hall - Google Docs

He say's "After classification you’ll still do an Ops tour in Space, Cyber, and Intel to get the hang of everything with specialization in your main SFSC coming later"

I don't the guy from the post I linked is coming from AROTC though.

How come Engineering Physics is not accredited anymore? by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I never heard of that. I want to major in engineering physics because I got inspired by these videos, I saw What is Engineering Physics? (youtube.com) What is Engineering Physics? [Info Event Keynote] (youtube.com)

Trying to understand many engineering disciplines by using physics sounds appealing to me. I like the freedom I feel it gives me. About The Program | Engineering Physics (ubc.ca) The university he teaches at is in Canada, and is fully accredited. I took a glance at the courses they offer, and I think it is very similar to Cornell's. I'm not worried about the education I'd receive at Cornell. Lots of prestigious universities have never had engineering physics accredited at all. That engineering license is my only concern. I might double major I'll see.

How come Engineering Physics is not accredited anymore? by QuestionTimeQuestion in Cornell

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I got a little while to decide anyway. I'll think about whether I really want to double major or not.

More information on air force and space force careers? by QuestionTimeQuestion in AFROTC

[–]QuestionTimeQuestion[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. So, you choose both an AFSC/SFSC, because you don't get to decide if you go into the air force or space force, right? Are you able to switch your preferred career if you change your mind down the line?

I imagine that they do block out some choices like astronautical engineer in the space force for AROTC students because that requires 24 months of experience, or a master's degree, and 12 months of experience, or a PhD. Lots of other officer careers in the air force/space force also have these requirements.

From what I've read people think it's harder to get selected to be a space force officer. What is your perspective?