Thinking about a Master's. EE or MicroEP or something else.

[arkcom]

Have my BS in Physics. Mostly concerned about employability and course deficiencies.

I'm most interested in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, but they require 2+ (maybe more for CmpE) semesters of deficiency courses. I don't mind the work, but I'd have to pay for them myself.

Microelectronics and Photonics is a multidisciplinary program that I wouldn't have to make up any classes for. It doesn't have engineering in the name, which seems important to employers.

Other possibilities
-Industrial Engineering- very few prereqs, might get out of some.
-Civil Engineering - maybe the best job security/prospects, not terribly interesting to me
-Operations Management- for science majors, no prereqs. Wide field of job possibilities, don't think these students get funded, though

Any thought/opinions/experience?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Have my BS in Physics. Mostly concerned about employability and course deficiencies.

I'm most interested in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, but they require 2+ (maybe more for CmpE) semesters of deficiency courses. I don't mind the work, but I'd have to pay for them myself.

Microelectronics and Photonics is a multidisciplinary program that I wouldn't have to make up any classes for. It doesn't have engineering in the name, which seems important to employers.

Other possibilities
-Industrial Engineering- very few prereqs, might get out of some.
-Civil Engineering - maybe the best job security/prospects, not terribly interesting to me
-Operations Management- for science majors, no prereqs. Wide field of job possibilities, don't think these students get funded, though

Any thought/opinions/experience?

Every field has that one discipline that others in the field roll their eyes at, and in engineering, that would be Industrial Engineering. We used to call Industrial Engineers "Imaginary Engineers" in college -- there is a reason you have tons of prereqs for EE but few, if any, for IE. Of course, that matters little nowadays -- what is the job market like for IEs? Have you also looked into Petroleum Engineering?

What's the job market like for Physics majors with advanced degrees like a PhD?

 

[z1ggy]

Depends what you want to do really. I have a BS in EE, but no masters degree. I work with some people who have a BS in physics, but a masters in EE, which seems preferable by my employer as opposed to continuing down the physics path.

I personally think EE have one of the widest ranges of knowledge in their field and can perform the most functions since you have to learn about all aspects of the subject matter. You'd likely specialize in something within EE though, and seeing as you have a physics background, something like electronics/hardware might be an easy transition, or possibly energy conversion, aka motors, generators, etc etc.

Other options within the EE field are utilities (less relevance to the physics field) and control systems (you could transition easily to that, too, and not really need a MSEE either, but most of the controls guys at my job are EE's).

 

[CraKaJaX]

I was in your shoes a few years ago deciding on masters or no masters. I got my BS degree in EE with a concentration in power. Of course a masters would have been xx,xxx more dollars out of my pocket in the future, and after talking with my uncle (EE masters) I decided not to do it.

Considering the cost, the time, and what you're actually getting out of it.. it wasn't worth it to me. Your starting salary isn't going to be THAT much better than if you only have your BS. For a FRACTION of the price, you sign up and take your FE & PE and you are golden. You'll be hired wherever you want to go. I see a PE as WAY more useful and marketable than a masters degree.

FWIW, I rarely use/calculate anything I ever learned in the 4 years of school I had. In most cases, after so many years of engineering, you'll most likely end up on the management side of things not even doing engineering anymore. The only degree that I could see being beneficial after a BS in engineering is an MBA for just that reason. You'll have engineering AND business - not a bad combo to have under your belt.

That's just my two cents

 

[z1ggy]

I was in your shoes a few years ago deciding on masters or no masters. I got my BS degree in EE with a concentration in power. Of course a masters would have been xx,xxx more dollars out of my pocket in the future, and after talking with my uncle (EE masters) I decided not to do it.

Unless your company pays for it. The place I work, pays for an MS in engineering @ 100%. The caveat is, you must work there for 6 total years from the start to receive back all the money you pay, but, you only pay 30% of the cost upfront. So each semester (3 per year) you pay roughly $1500 or so. It takes 3 years to finish, and then 3 more to get paid the 30% you spent. I decided not to do it because of other personal things going on at the time, but plenty of my friends here have gotten their MSEE for free.

Considering the cost, the time, and what you're actually getting out of it.. it wasn't worth it to me. Your starting salary isn't going to be THAT much better than if you only have your BS. For a FRACTION of the price, you sign up and take your FE & PE and you are golden. You'll be hired wherever you want to go. I see a PE as WAY more useful and marketable than a masters degree.

That's a bit misleading. The FE exam doesn't cost that much to take, but of course you must pass it to even qualify to get your PE. Once you do pass the FE, in order to take the exam to get your PE, you have to "study" under an engineer who has a PE for 5 years. Most EE's that have PE's generally work in the utility business where it's mainly the only place an EE would need it. Otherwise, you'll just have passed the FE with no real need/chance to get the PE license. I don't think you'd like utilities anyway as a physics guy.

FWIW, I rarely use/calculate anything I ever learned in the 4 years of school I had. In most cases, after so many years of engineering, you'll most likely end up on the management side of things not even doing engineering anymore. The only degree that I could see being beneficial after a BS in engineering is an MBA for just that reason. You'll have engineering AND business - not a bad combo to have under your belt.

That's just my two cents

That is a YMMV type of situation and not what I've found in my experience. I do agree, many of the things you learn in school, like Calc, DifEq, etc aren't really that applicable once you're a professional. However, I do use many of the theoretical and overall knowledge base that I learned in college all the time.

I have not found that you'll "most likely" end up in management as an engineer. That is very rare, especially in large companies. It is a conscious choice one makes to take that path, not just a path everybody goes down eventually.

My gf's father has a BSEE,MSCE and an MBA. He does not really manage people or money, but is a lead engineer for the data base his company uses (utilities) to manage and keep track of their substations. He's been an engineer now for almost 40 years. So, again, YMMV.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Unless your company pays for it. The place I work, pays for an MS in engineering @ 100%. The caveat is, you must work there for 6 total years from the start to receive back all the money you pay, but, you only pay 30% of the cost upfront. So each semester (3 per year) you pay roughly $1500 or so. It takes 3 years to finish, and then 3 more to get paid the 30% you spent. I decided not to do it because of other personal things going on at the time, but plenty of my friends here have gotten their MSEE for free.


That's a bit misleading. The FE exam doesn't cost that much to take, but of course you must pass it to even qualify to get your PE. Once you do pass the FE, in order to take the exam to get your PE, you have to "study" under an engineer who has a PE for 5 years. Most EE's that have PE's generally work in the utility business where it's mainly the only place an EE would need it. Otherwise, you'll just have passed the FE with no real need/chance to get the PE license. I don't think you'd like utilities anyway as a physics guy.



That is a YMMV type of situation and not what I've found in my experience. I do agree, many of the things you learn in school, like Calc, DifEq, etc aren't really that applicable once you're a professional. However, I do use many of the theoretical and overall knowledge base that I learned in college all the time.

I have not found that you'll "most likely" end up in management as an engineer. That is very rare, especially in large companies. It is a conscious choice one makes to take that path, not just a path everybody goes down eventually.

My gf's father has a BSEE,MSCE and an MBA. He does not really manage people or money, but is a lead engineer for the data base his company uses (utilities) to manage and keep track of their substations. He's been an engineer now for almost 40 years. So, again, YMMV.

:thumbsup:

All good points.

I will point out that I did end up with a contracting firm doing substation design directly out of school but now am employed by a utility in the power generation group.

Of course if your employer pays for your degree that's different. I guess this wasn't specified by the OP and I just assumed (woops). My employer does not offer @ 100% but they do pay a portion I believe...

As far as the FE, well yes... you've got to pass. But studying and passing the FE is much easier than applying yourself for years, semesters worth of courses for the end result. I never actually looked up what "studying under" a PE means, but I can say that I am less than a year out from getting my PE as my exam is in April. With the old contracting firm, many guys I worked with got their PE while I was there. The manager who looked over us had his PE, but no one actually "studied" under him. The PE needs to sign off forms for you. You have to keep a portfolio of all jobs you've worked on, with who, when, details, etc. I agree that it's a long and tedious procedure, but the end result is worth it. Of course this is an opinion and I'm just giving it to the OP. PE, FE, Masters.. nothing at all, it's up to him. I just think a PE regardless of what field you're in gives you many more options than a masters degree.

 

[z1ggy]

:thumbsup:

All good points.

I will point out that I did end up with a contracting firm doing substation design directly out of school but now am employed by a utility in the power generation group.

Of course if your employer pays for your degree that's different. I guess this wasn't specified by the OP and I just assumed (woops). My employer does not offer @ 100% but they do pay a portion I believe...

As far as the FE, well yes... you've got to pass. But studying and passing the FE is much easier than applying yourself for years, semesters worth of courses for the end result. I never actually looked up what "studying under" a PE means, but I can say that I am less than a year out from getting my PE as my exam is in April. With the old contracting firm, many guys I worked with got their PE while I was there. The manager who looked over us had his PE, but no one actually "studied" under him. The PE needs to sign off forms for you. You have to keep a portfolio of all jobs you've worked on, with who, when, details, etc. I agree that it's a long and tedious procedure, but the end result is worth it. Of course this is an opinion and I'm just giving it to the OP. PE, FE, Masters.. nothing at all, it's up to him. I just think a PE regardless of what field you're in gives you many more options than a masters degree.

Yeah I can't comment on what % companies pay for all, some or none of an MS. I know here, my company pays for engineering MS', but not MBA's or any other degree type. I was tempted to start my MS in systems engineering, I took one course but then changed my mind about paying and taking it for credit.

The study thing, is essentially just a sponsor. I'm sure the manager you speak of is probably the person who would be that role. I agree, if you are in the utility business, a PE is definitely worth it and sometimes a must.

The optics thing OP described could potentially be right up his alley with the physics background. Jobs might not be abundant, or if he does find one, he may become so specialized in that field that if he ever decides he wants/needs to leave his company, it may become extremely hard to find a comparable job elsewhere. I always see postings on Lockheed's website and other large defense contractor companies looking for people with photonics/laser backgrounds.

 

[trungma]

I was in your shoes a few years ago deciding on masters or no masters. I got my BS degree in EE with a concentration in power. Of course a masters would have been xx,xxx more dollars out of my pocket in the future, and after talking with my uncle (EE masters) I decided not to do it.

Considering the cost, the time, and what you're actually getting out of it.. it wasn't worth it to me. Your starting salary isn't going to be THAT much better than if you only have your BS. For a FRACTION of the price, you sign up and take your FE & PE and you are golden. You'll be hired wherever you want to go. I see a PE as WAY more useful and marketable than a masters degree.

FWIW, I rarely use/calculate anything I ever learned in the 4 years of school I had. In most cases, after so many years of engineering, you'll most likely end up on the management side of things not even doing engineering anymore. The only degree that I could see being beneficial after a BS in engineering is an MBA for just that reason. You'll have engineering AND business - not a bad combo to have under your belt.

That's just my two cents

Good advice! This pretty much sums up my experience as an EE.

 

[arkcom]

Thanks guys!

The University of Arkansas is where I'll be going, if I do. The electrical engineering department is huge. The mechanical engineering department has half as many grad courses and a lot of those lean electrical too, like MEMS and nanomaterials.

Considering the cost, the time, and what you're actually getting out of it.. it wasn't worth it to me. Your starting salary isn't going to be THAT much better than if you only have your BS. For a FRACTION of the price, you sign up and take your FE & PE and you are golden. You'll be hired wherever you want to go. I see a PE as WAY more useful and marketable than a masters degree.

I'm most concerned with getting any job rather than how much it pays. Starting in 2015 Arkansas will require a BS and MS in engineering to get a PE. I will never have that. (BS is Physics)

Yeah I can't comment on what % companies pay for all, some or none of an MS. I know here, my company pays for engineering MS', but not MBA's or any other degree type. I was tempted to start my MS in systems engineering, I took one course but then changed my mind about paying and taking it for credit.

I don't have a job to pay for it, but between all the research and the 40% increase in enrollment, most people are getting paid by the school while getting the MS.

The optics thing OP described could potentially be right up his alley with the physics background. Jobs might not be abundant, or if he does find one, he may become so specialized in that field that if he ever decides he wants/needs to leave his company, it may become extremely hard to find a comparable job elsewhere. I always see postings on Lockheed's website and other large defense contractor companies looking for people with photonics/laser backgrounds.

The MicroEP program is big into Application/Commercialization of Research
MicroEP

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I'm most concerned with getting any job rather than how much it pays. Starting in 2015 Arkansas will require a BS and MS in engineering to get a PE. I will never have that. (BS is Physics)

Wow, that's ridiculous.

 

[z1ggy]

I don't want to quote the large post above, but this is in reply to OP in which he quoted me.

Can you specify what you mean by "Getting paid..." in regards to the MS? My girlfriend has a doctorate degree and was paid sh!t money by her school while she attended. I'd just firm up how much money you'd expect to make by whatever means you think are viable and bounce that off how much the MS will cost you.

Secondly, is researching the job market. As I said, I do see postings online by companies looking for folks with optics backgrounds, but maybe times have changed. The last thing you want is to have spent a bunch of money for a nice degree, but no job (and few prospects).

With the economy more and more people are getting their masters because they can't find work. Having an MS isn't all that "special" anymore. Is there a reason why you aren't trying to find a job first, then think about going back to school part time after the fact? We have two guys here with physics degrees who work on motors and motor controllers. We also have a girl who has a MS in physics who does modeling on various things in MATLAB Simulink.

 

[arkcom]

Every field has that one discipline that others in the field roll their eyes at, and in engineering, that would be Industrial Engineering. We used to call Industrial Engineers "Imaginary Engineers" in college -- there is a reason you have tons of prereqs for EE but few, if any, for IE. Of course, that matters little nowadays -- what is the job market like for IEs? Have you also looked into Petroleum Engineering?

What's the job market like for Physics majors with advanced degrees like a PhD?

Industrial Engineering looks a bit boring, all about statistics and efficiency.
Physics PhDs are pretty much teaching or continuing their research.

Depends what you want to do really. I have a BS in EE, but no masters degree. I work with some people who have a BS in physics, but a masters in EE, which seems preferable by my employer as opposed to continuing down the physics path.

I personally think EE have one of the widest ranges of knowledge in their field and can perform the most functions since you have to learn about all aspects of the subject matter. You'd likely specialize in something within EE though, and seeing as you have a physics background, something like electronics/hardware might be an easy transition, or possibly energy conversion, aka motors, generators, etc etc.

Other options within the EE field are utilities (less relevance to the physics field) and control systems (you could transition easily to that, too, and not really need a MSEE either, but most of the controls guys at my job are EE's).

Electronics/hardware or embedded systems would be great, but it seems they are only offering these at the undergrad level.

Control systems might be good, and they offer quite a few courses.

Half the reason I'm thinking about going back is to do some of the networking that I didn't do as an undergrad. Wasn't on my mind at all back then.

 

[z1ggy]

All in all, my real advice is pick something that's marketable and hopefully enjoyable. I think the MEPH one is riskier. It could be a bust right now for jobs, or potentially have huge room for growth in the future as we likely transition to quantum computing and/or away from silicon chips in general.

I am probably slightly biased, but I would pick MSEE and focus on controls. Controls can be applicable to simple things like assembly lines at a factory, or extremely complex like a NASA space mission, etc. You'd be more marketable and likely be able to apply and qualify for more jobs.

 

[arkcom]

Nothing special as far as getting paid.. like $1300 a month plus your tuition. Problem is, until the deficiencies are made up, it's all out of pocket.

As far as a degree and no prospects, that's kinda where I thought I was right now.

Here's a post where I list some of what I've tried for - http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36767804&postcount=95

I search indeed every day, maybe I just don't know what to search for.

I'm about to apply to the "Electronics Test Technician" here and that's about my last hope- http://www.apei.net/about/career/

Edit instead of bumping: I've basically been doing nothing relevant to anything for the last 5+ years, which certainly isn't helping the job search. I thought school would be a good way to refresh my resume.

 

[CountZero]

Nothing special as far as getting paid.. like $1300 a month plus your tuition. Problem is, until the deficiencies are made up, it's all out of pocket.

As far as a degree and no prospects, that's kinda where I thought I was right now.

Here's a post where I list some of what I've tried for - http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36767804&postcount=95

I search indeed every day, maybe I just don't know what to search for.

I'm about to apply to the "Electronics Test Technician" here and that's about my last hope- http://www.apei.net/about/career/

Edit instead of bumping: I've basically been doing nothing relevant to anything for the last 5+ years, which certainly isn't helping the job search. I thought school would be a good way to refresh my resume.

I graduated BSEE, did nothing relevant for ~4 years and then went back to get MSEE and it made a huge difference.

I don't know much about the non-EE degree you described but I will offer this advice. When I went back to school I had a plan. I could technically do my degree in one year but with no relevant experience I thought that was foolish. I did it in two years in order to pad my experience. First year was all about nailing classes and networking with professors. Did TA work the first year, lined up RA work for the second year.

Spent the summer doing an internship related to what I wanted to do. The internship experience itself was actually pretty useless but having it on the resume (it was a well respected company) caused most recruiters to stop and talk about it. The RA experience on the other hand was mostly glossed over by recruiters but the majority of my applicable work experience came from the hands-on work I did in the lab. So the internship got my foot in the door and the RA position gave me something good to talk about.

I also did as many interviews as possible, every one made the next one that much easier. Blowing an interview you don't care about is a great way to learn what not to do for the interview with the big pay off.

Long term I don't know how much the MS helps but most job reqs count an MS as equivalent to 2-4 years experience. It also gave me a bigger starting salary. In addition there were several positions (usually R&D related) that had minimum requirement of MS.

Look at your colleges job sites and see what companies recruit, for what degrees and what specializations. No one can tell you what the right path is (the bottom might fall out from under whatever you do) but EE isn't a bad path just go into the whole thing with a clear goal and a plan to get what you want. And if you don't know what you want then don't do it.

 

[z1ggy]

Nothing special as far as getting paid.. like $1300 a month plus your tuition. Problem is, until the deficiencies are made up, it's all out of pocket.

As far as a degree and no prospects, that's kinda where I thought I was right now.

Here's a post where I list some of what I've tried for - http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36767804&postcount=95

I search indeed every day, maybe I just don't know what to search for.

I'm about to apply to the "Electronics Test Technician" here and that's about my last hope- http://www.apei.net/about/career/

Edit instead of bumping: I've basically been doing nothing relevant to anything for the last 5+ years, which certainly isn't helping the job search. I thought school would be a good way to refresh my resume.

So you've had the BS in physics for 5 years, with no job in that time?? Or am I interpreting that wrong?

Either way, I think an MSEE would probably be good for you as long as it doesn't put you in insane amounts of debt. I know masters programs at my alma matter, were still sort of generic for the first year, then you kind of pick a path to go down for the last year and team up with an applicable professor for your thesis.

If you did happen to like hardware stuff, I always see tons of positions open at TI and Qualcomm for DSP & digital/analog circuit guys.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I search indeed every day, maybe I just don't know what to search for.

I'm about to apply to the "Electronics Test Technician" here and that's about my last hope- http://www.apei.net/about/career/

Edit instead of bumping: I've basically been doing nothing relevant to anything for the last 5+ years, which certainly isn't helping the job search. I thought school would be a good way to refresh my resume.

The first question I have is, have you updated your resume & have a cover letter to tweak for each position applied for? It's very easy to pull out a resume from 2-3 years back and call it good. But read it over yourself as if you're the hiring manager. Of course this is obvious to some, but not others... just thought I'd mention it.

Searching indeed is fine and dandy, but what I always recommend is going to company websites and checking their Careers/Openings page. Bigger, well-known companies usually turn to those Indeed, Monster, etc. sites as a last resort. Find something you want to do for a living regardless of past experience (what HAVE you been doing these past 5 years?), roam around Google for a few hours and find companies that fit the bill.

Good luck man.

 

[CraKaJaX]

I graduated BSEE, did nothing relevant for ~4 years and then went back to get MSEE and it made a huge difference.

If you don't mind me asking - what was your concentration of study?

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So you've had the BS in physics for 5 years, with no job in that time?? Or am I interpreting that wrong?

Either way, I think an MSEE would probably be good for you as long as it doesn't put you in insane amounts of debt. I know masters programs at my alma matter, were still sort of generic for the first year, then you kind of pick a path to go down for the last year and team up with an applicable professor for your thesis.

If you did happen to like hardware stuff, I always see tons of positions open at TI and Qualcomm for DSP & digital/analog circuit guys.

What does an MSEE program look like these days in terms of core courses and number of hours?

When I worked on mine in the mid 90s, there were 3 core courses and the rest were electives on a specific track. 30 or 33 hours total, IIRC. I completed all the course work but did not complete my thesis -- I should've just switched to the non-thesis option and done a project instead, but life got in the way.

 

[z1ggy]

What does an MSEE program look like these days in terms of core courses and number of hours?

When I worked on mine in the mid 90s, there were 3 core courses and the rest were electives on a specific track. 30 or 33 hours total, IIRC. I completed all the course work but did not complete my thesis -- I should've just switched to the non-thesis option and done a project instead, but life got in the way.

I think it depends where you go. Currently, my friends take their MSEE at Steven's Institute of Technology, RPI, or WPI. While you work, you take 1 class a week, for 12 weeks which is 3 hours long. Do this 3 times a year, for 3 years. There's a capstone project at the very end which is the final course.

When I was an undergrad, the MSEE program was only 2 years long, but you took more credits per semester (obviously). As far as "core" courses go, ours was core in that your 'concentration' requires 3 relevant courses and the rest could be whatever fit the bill. Most grad students also did TA work.

I don't remember all the courses I took by name, but I got a concentration in power distribution. I took a power distribution class, a transmission line class and a class in dielectrics, which all counted toward that. My electives in EE were things like control theory, Digital Signal Processing, microelectronics, etc etc. Most of my 400 level courses were offered as the same course but level 500 courses with a few additional pieces of work added on for masters credit.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I think it depends where you go. Currently, my friends take their MSEE at Steven's Institute of Technology, RPI, or WPI. While you work, you take 1 class a week, for 12 weeks which is 3 hours long. Do this 3 times a year, for 3 years. There's a capstone project at the very end which is the final course.

When I was an undergrad, the MSEE program was only 2 years long, but you took more credits per semester (obviously). As far as "core" courses go, ours was core in that your 'concentration' requires 3 relevant courses and the rest could be whatever fit the bill. Most grad students also did TA work.

I don't remember all the courses I took by name, but I got a concentration in power distribution. I took a power distribution class, a transmission line class and a class in dielectrics, which all counted toward that. My electives in EE were things like control theory, Digital Signal Processing, microelectronics, etc etc. Most of my 400 level courses were offered as the same course but level 500 courses with a few additional pieces of work added on for masters credit.

Yeah my MSEE was in DSP and I was an RA responsible for hardware design and implementation in our DSP lab which was primarily funded by a very well known audio company. I don't even remember all the electives I took either; I know I took a few my last semester of undergrad because I only needed like one course to graduate and thought I should just take a full load and take some grad courses too.

It wouldn't have helped me in my current field, but I wish I would've taken up my advisor's offer to switch my 3 thesis courses over to project courses and been done with it. I designed and built several really cool hardware devices and who knows, maybe I could've just used one of those and wrote the paper and been done.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Yeah my MSEE was in DSP and I was an RA responsible for hardware design and implementation in our DSP lab which was primarily funded by a very well known audio company. I don't even remember all the electives I took either; I know I took a few my last semester of undergrad because I only needed like one course to graduate and thought I should just take a full load and take some grad courses too.

It wouldn't have helped me in my current field, but I wish I would've taken up my advisor's offer to switch my 3 thesis courses over to project courses and been done with it. I designed and built several really cool hardware devices and who knows, maybe I could've just used one of those and wrote the paper and been done.

DSP still gives me nightmares

 

[IndyColtsFan]

DSP still gives me nightmares

I was always a hardware junkie. While I took a few courses on DSP (in the 90s, it was the Motorola DSP 56000 and 96000 series we focused on since my advisor did a lot of work for Motorola) and didn't mind assembly programming, my true love was hardware design and implementation.

One of my big projects was that I designed a "motherboard" housing a DSP56004 and it had 8 slots on it. Each slot would hold a card (also designed by me) containing a DSP56200 filter chip. The system worked great and was really fun to design.

 

[z1ggy]

DSP was always meh for me. I didn't mind doing it inside of MATLAB because of all the filters were built in. But doing Z transforms and all of that math on paper was....not enjoyable for me.

My transmission line class was the same thing. Give me a problem, and MATLAB and it's all good. Make me solve for the wave function on paper (triple integral) and it was just not cool.

The stupid part is, all complex math we do here at work is done 100% in MATLAB. Any thought experiments, etc we can do generally on paper, but we let the computers solve everything. It's cool to have an understanding of why certain math is required for whatever the problem is, but it's just never actually important to be able to solve these things by hand in the real world.

Anyway we are slightly derailing OP's thread.

 

[CraKaJaX]

@Indy

You may as well be typing in hieroglyphics. All that means NOTHING to me, lol. FWIW I was born in 87... so as you can imagine when I graduated the DSP class I was in had a little bit better technology to work with. The class I took was a LOT of Matlab, VHDL and using the Altera board. Everything was on the computer. Lots of Laplace and Z transforms, etc.

@zig

You mentioned you're in the power industry..... and you're using matlab/doing complex calcs? Are you designing stuff for GE or Siemens or something? PM me, I'm interested!