- #1
FordPrefect
- 16
- 0
First of all, I want to apologize in advance for contributing to the pollution of the forums by the "I want to be a Theoretical physicist...but how?" type threads. Honestly, I thoroughly searched for an answer to my question, but was unsuccessful in finding direct answers. With broad key-words such as "Theoretical", "Physics", "Mathematics", and "Graduate School", it proved to be a very exhausting task sifting through the countless results.
I am currently an undergraduate student at a large (but not well known for physics) university. Once I complete my undergrad studies (few years down the road), I would like to attend a graduate school to pursue a higher degree in Theoretical Physics. I have heard that Theo. Phys. graduate programs are competitive to get into (more-so than many experimental), and obviously Theo. Phys. requires a deep, broad understanding of mathematics. So my question(s) is this: Is a double major in Physics and Mathematics necessary to being accepted to study Theo. Phys. at a top graduate institution (as opposed to only a Physics BS)? Would a double major in Physics and Mathematics greatly increase my chances? If so, is it worth taking an extra year as an undergrad to complete the joint degree?
Again, sorry if this question has been beat to death. I appreciate everyone's comments in advance.
-FP
I am currently an undergraduate student at a large (but not well known for physics) university. Once I complete my undergrad studies (few years down the road), I would like to attend a graduate school to pursue a higher degree in Theoretical Physics. I have heard that Theo. Phys. graduate programs are competitive to get into (more-so than many experimental), and obviously Theo. Phys. requires a deep, broad understanding of mathematics. So my question(s) is this: Is a double major in Physics and Mathematics necessary to being accepted to study Theo. Phys. at a top graduate institution (as opposed to only a Physics BS)? Would a double major in Physics and Mathematics greatly increase my chances? If so, is it worth taking an extra year as an undergrad to complete the joint degree?
Again, sorry if this question has been beat to death. I appreciate everyone's comments in advance.
-FP