MS Physics, or EE?

[phxis2hot]

Long time lurker here. I'm one third of the way finished with a masters in physics, but I've been thinking about switching to EE. One, although I like the subject material, I'm concerned that I'm not getting enough practical, hands on experience in physics. Two, the EE specialities seem to have curricula which exactly match demand in both industry and the patent field. Finally, I can still finish a EE masters in just about the same amount of time as physics. For these reasons I'm considering a change to EE. My physics profs are excellent and I respect them as scientists and as people. My grades are ok (3.0+) and I'm certainly no Einstein, but I'll be able to make it through either track. My undergrad was in math and I went to law school after more than a decade in the real world. I've discovered that I generally dislike much of what I've done so far in the law (general practice, mostly family), so I decided to pursue a masters degree to start working my way into a technical side of our economy. If I can use my law license, then great, but overall I'm indifferent as to practicing again or not. I do plan to take the patent bar in the near future. Thanks.

[bald & chained]

well, EE is much more practical both for practicing patent law and for the technical jobs. But you seem to know that. What's your question then?

[smgsmc]

If you want to maintain a wide range of options, including those outside of patent law, go for the MS EE.  An MS Physics doesn't buy you much; it's often a consolation prize for those who don't complete their PhD programs; whereas an MS EE is a well-respected professional degree. 

[stuffball]

ditto

[phxis2hot]

I never thought about the consolation tag of a MS in physics. It's not really a fair characterization, but I can see why that is the perception as very few physics grad students plan to stop at the masters; the stop is usually involuntary. The further I got into the 400 level and first year grad courses, I realized that applied physics is really EE and Materials Science, but without the broad lab experience. So I then started wondering if industry would have much use for someone who can understand what goes on inside of an atom, but is short on experience in applying that understanding. Physics is really a theoretical pursuit and it takes someone who is very, very smart to be useful in that capacity. I'm mostly a B student which places me firmly in the universe of mortals. I'll never be a theoretician. Hence, my efforts could be better spent pursuing a path which is in demand in industry and the patent community. Plus, the course selection is noticably more flexible in the EECS department vice PHYS and as a working parent who is doing this at night, scheduling flexibility is another factor.

Thanks all for your sage responses.

[UVAgal4]

If you don't want to research or teach Physics, then def. go with EE.
My husband has his PhD in Physics and is a researcher.
I have my Master's in EE and am patent attorney in training.

[DogDayPM 9er9er9er]

I have my Master's in EE and am patent attorney in training.

Training for FR registration or EPO registration or both? 

Also, how long does it take? (I have the impression that there's a multi-year experience requirement before you can even take exams?).

[bleedingpen]

Go with the EE.  The skills you will develop between the EE and Physics program are nearly the same, but many clients and hiring attorneys don't seem to realize/recognize that. 

[UVAgal4]

I have my Master's in EE and am patent attorney in training.

Training for FR registration or EPO registration or both? 

Also, how long does it take? (I have the impression that there's a multi-year experience requirement before you can even take exams?).

Oh god yes.
Have to work under a registered European Patent Attorney for at least three years before being able to sit the qualifying exams (a little time less if you graduated from certain IP programs or else were an examiner for the EPO)
Apparently, as a non-European, I can take the European exam but cannot take the French exam until I get at least a European nationality. Go figure.
The European exam is held every year, and the French exam alternates every year between patents and trademarks.

It is a very protected market.

[bleedingpen]

I have my Master's in EE and am patent attorney in training.

Training for FR registration or EPO registration or both? 

Also, how long does it take? (I have the impression that there's a multi-year experience requirement before you can even take exams?).

Oh god yes.
Have to work under a registered European Patent Attorney for at least three years before being able to sit the qualifying exams (a little time less if you graduated from certain IP programs or else were an examiner for the EPO)
Apparently, as a non-European, I can take the European exam but cannot take the French exam until I get at least a European nationality. Go figure.
The European exam is held every year, and the French exam alternates every year between patents and trademarks.

It is a very protected market.

Now that all of us have our US registration, the US should enact requirements such as this