/sci/ - Science & Math

in physics, there aren't many job opportunities. I mean, it's a shitty degree. You can get a job as a lab tech based on your understanding of math, but that's about it.

If you get a Ph.D, your prospects aren't a lot better when it comes to astronomy and theoretical physics. You could be a college prof, but there are about 100 times as many Ph.D grads as there are professorial position openings.

Take home story, get a trade degree if you want to have a job after graduation: physics is a good degree if you want to do engineering in grad school. Lot's of money for those grads.

>>1772757

Right, but I'm not interested so much in the actual engineering. I really like physics, but should I transfer somewhere that has an actual astronomy/cosmology major or am I fine with physics for now. I have no problem changing schools for a masters or PhD.

Considering getting certification as a car mechanic as well, but that's unrelated. I just wanted a quick sense of realistic job offerings right out of college. My school career center gives me this bullshit about "Physicists can do anything they like!"

High school teacher.
Wasn't joking there. Teaching is relevant experience to Ph.D. related jobs. You will teach at a university, so a few years in high school is a good way to prep. With an undergrad degree, you would need to agree to continue to a graduate degree within a certain number of years.
I suggest starting your undergrad work there and transfer to a graduate program at a university close to your job. Pick what major you want and enjoy.

Alright, disregarding post-college jobs, what is the best undergraduate degree to prep for becoming a cosmologist or theoretical physicist? Physics? Math? Women's Studies?

bumping this shit.

another shameless self bump.

There must be 1 physicist. On /sci/. 1?

>>1772773
>Considering getting certification as a car mechanic as well

Yeah, being a quantum mechanic is a pretty good career for the money, as long as you like to f(x) cars

>>1772875
Comment unrelated. Unless exhaust pipes can smash atoms.

Or just be a math major and have everything handed to you on a silver platter for the rest of your life.

>>1772903

Let's try real answers

Get a degree in undergraduate physics and a degree in applied mathematics. Those are about the only relevant degrees.

>>1772818
see this>>1772903

Physics major sucking ass here compared to brother who is the opposite with the math major

And follow advice of this>>1772757

Do pick up a trades degree. Hell, work hard to get into a top 25 Business school; and get an MBA.

The reality, sad or not, is that dealing with the Business side of science is a good seal of success and prosperity (hell, even if it's decent) compared to the shitty unstable pure science market

>>1772990

No thanks, I still have some traces of a soul.

>>1772735
Yes, stick with the physics major. Most people who end up going to graduate school for astronomy or astrophysics did their undergraduate degree in physics, not astronomy. Some even have chemistry degrees.

There is no such thing as a cosmology department -- I have never heard of one. You may, however, have a class in cosmology which you should put a lot of time and effort into preparing for and taking when you're ready for it (i.e don't just take it ASAP because you won't get as much out of it).

An undergraduate degree in physics is literally unheard of, because if you were going to stop your education there you would not have done a physics degree (would have picked engineering or something similar). You really are obligated, in a sense, to continue on for a PhD. Similar story holds for masters in physics.

Keep in mind that graduate school for physics/astronomy is different than for other subjects. In physics/astro, you are actually paid to go to gradate school so you do not have to worry about accruing massive amounts of debt. You won't be rich, but you can expect to be making on the order of $20,000 per year on top of having your tuition and other such things paid for.

>>1773008
>Keep in mind that graduate school for physics/astronomy is different than for other subjects. In physics/astro, you are actually paid to go to gradate school so you do not have to worry about accruing massive amounts of debt. You won't be rich, but you can expect to be making on the order of $20,000 per year on top of having your tuition and other such things paid for.

Could you explain this bit a little more?

>>1773132
Not much to explain, this is just how the system works. Typically you'll have a TA or a fellowship from somewhere for your first one or two years, and then after you're done taking classes you will have some type of research grant. The moral of the story is being a physics phd is a full time job -- you don't need to take on another unless you really need extra money, but I doubt you'd even have time for that.

>>1773185

So your coursework for getting the PhD partially consists of paid work for the university. Essentially a GTF with some harder research positions, right?

moar?

>>1772735
If you go to grad school for most science/ engineering degrees you can work for the school and in return they cover your tuition and give you a small allowance. If you are lucky you get to work as a research assistant. But most of the time you end up being a teaching assistant for some ass wipe professor who will make you grade papers for him or you will teach a lab course. This is a fair amount of work but it is worth it. Disclaimer I am in undergrad electrical engineering so this is not from experience. This is just what I hear everyone in the grad school side of EE tell me. Not 100% sure if this will be the same for physics but it should be close. This is how I plan to go to grad school. Hope this helps OP.

>>1773978
Yes, gives me a better idea.

So, if I declare physics as a major, I'm essentially committing to a doctorate?

Yes OP, do all that.

anyone else?