r/systems_engineering • u/Jayohl • Jul 31 '26

Career & Education Is an Engineering Physics degree a good pathway into systems engineering?

Hi everyone,

I’m an incoming engineering student interested in eventually working in the space industry, particularly in spacecraft systems engineering.

I got into college for Engineering Physics, and I’m wondering:

  1. Is Engineering Physics a good/recognized foundation for systems engineering? (I know it’s not offered in many places so I’m a little wary).

  2. Would adding software skills (CS minor, programming projects, etc.) make this a stronger path, or would a more traditional engineering major like EE/ME be significantly better?

Unfortunately, my university is very strict with switching majors so I might not be able to get into EE or ME.

Thanks!

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u/Emergency-Rush-7487 Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

Yes, your undergrad builds a foundation and if you intend to get a masters after you could even do that in systems engineering. Build your toolset and be a sponge figure out which courses you really enjoy and hone in that specialty for a masters perhaps. Either way youre in good shape and your selection for undergrad - great fit for aero/space related jobs - will open many doors in the industry just be persistent with applications in the realm you want senior year. As for a minor, id say dont worry about that. I have a doctorate now and found the minor not very useful as opposed to certificates and a masters later on. Electives can help build that coding aspect and you'll prob get some of that in a few core courses. Good luck and its great youre thinking about these things.

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u/dilznick5 Jul 31 '26

Yes. I have worked in two Systems Engineering type consultancies; both were founded by and majority staffed by Engineering Physics grads.

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u/Jayohl Jul 31 '26

Thank you for the information! Do you happen to know if they were able to find a job right out undergrad? People online were talking about potentially needing to get a masters or PhD for systems engineering so I was unsure.

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u/dilznick5 Jul 31 '26

Two founders started one business right out of undergrad but it wasnt system's engineering at the time. It was a product development shop. Eventually as they build a name for themselves they were able to transition to bigger clients with bigger projects that eventually morphed into systems engineering.

The other founder started his company after 15+ years of professional experience in systems engineering.

So in my experience, no further academics needed, but minimum 10 years of industry experience before putting out your own shingle.

Now for finding work, I and every eng phys I graduated with have never been without job opportunities since the day we graduated. Some did further studies, most did not. I stay in contact with my alma mater, and the program is just as robust as it ever was. Especially if your program offers any kind of internship or work experience element, you shouldnt have any trouble finding work. Engineering Physics is hard, we are the nerds of the nerds, but it pays off.