[Rainer.]

True. The proverbial "it depends" will apply here, as in most other things in life.

The important thing is to set some goals for yourself, find a track to get on, and see it through.

[Wesley7777]

I was in a situation very much like you a couple of years ago. I very much enjoyed physics but was wondering what I would do otherwise. Now I do not know how things work in Canada, this is coming from the US. Here in the US a lot of companies want engineers that can become Professional Engineers, that means they are licensed by the state. This means they can draw up plans for instance buildings, water systems, electrical systems and all kinds of other things. But to do this you must have a credited engineering degree which you will not get with a physics degree and will not be able to without an engineering degree. Now some schools offer degrees in engineering physics which is almost like an engineering degree but you have the choice of becoming a professional engineer.

I have known several people to get physics degree, I am an EE by the way, and most work as technicians. Now i know not all become technicians but this is coming from my experience. What it means is they kind of work under the engineers, make less, and are not able to move up as far. They are hurt by not having the P.E. license. I am sure this is not how it works for all but it is something to think about. I work in a Solid State laboratory at my university which is blended between the physics department and EE department. I actually work closer with the physics department than EE.

To really get respected as a physics major you really need the Ph.D. Which is why i did not go this route because i was unsure when i started college if i would want to get a Ph.D. Now it usually takes about 4 years for the undergraduate degree and 5-7 years for the Ph.D. You also have to think about post-doctoral work before you become a full professor. So it can be a very long road before you have a decent paycheck a professor.

I really hope this helps. If have any questions just ask and this is of course from my experiences so they can vary greatly from area to area.

[crazymoose]

Ok, so I've spent some time looking around on the internet, and it seems like unless you're REALLY passionate about physics, engineering degree is the way to go. The problem seems to be that you spend 10 years getting your PhD, and you end up working in something you'd probably get paid more for with an engineering degree. Even talking to my dad, it seems like people with engineering degrees have a lot easier time finding good jobs than people with science degrees.

[Wesley7777]

Sadly a lot of times it works that way. I am a undergrad EE and a lot of my teaching assistance were physics undergrads going for master in EE because they could get a job easier, which to me is very sad.

[tlj009]

Ok, so I've spent some time looking around on the internet, and it seems like unless you're REALLY passionate about physics, engineering degree is the way to go. The problem seems to be that you spend 10 years getting your PhD, and you end up working in something you'd probably get paid more for with an engineering degree. Even talking to my dad, it seems like people with engineering degrees have a lot easier time finding good jobs than people with science degrees.

You are correct unless, like Jerry indicated, you are looking for a job in the R&D field. Also, many, many times, the actual engineering job has very little engineering involved in it. A minor in business/management may be very helpful.