Does a BA in physics look bad for grad school?

CyberShot

Okay, so I originally planned a B.S. but because I wanted to pursue a computer science minor and still graduate in 4 years, I thought about doing a BA in physics. Basically, I'm substituting the difference in BS and BA physics units with computer science courses.

Does this look bad for PhD programs? I'll be taking like 20 less physics units or so than with the B.S., but it shouldn't affect my physics GRE preparation either way because that stuff tests you on mostly lower division work, and maybe one or two upper div QM or thermo/stat mech.



Is it better to stick with the B.S?

Thanks

Norman

What is the difference between at BS and a BA at your institution?

CyberShot

About 20 upper division physics elective units beyond what I think is normally required for grad school.

negru

When is the deadline to change your major? Just apply with a declared BS and after transcripts are out change to BA. If you're worried at all.

Vanadium 50

It's not the degree name that matters, it's the courses you are taking. If you have upper division QM, E&M, Classical Mechanics, Stat Mech and a year-long lab, you'll be in good shape.

Norman

I have no idea what that means. What are the class differences. As Vanadium pointed out, what matters is the classes you have taken. Are you still taking the standard upper level QM, EM, CM and StatMech/Thermo?

CyberShot

Yes, I go to a UC, and over here the BA still requires those standard courses and lab.

fillipeano

This.
I made a thread asking if there is a major difference between having a BA and BS, and this quote is pretty much what I got from it.