Programs Adding a math minor to a physics degree?

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Pursuing a math minor alongside a physics degree can enhance understanding and skills in physics, particularly for those interested in research or graduate studies in fields like condensed matter or energy. The coursework typically includes Transition (introduction to proofs), Linear Algebra, Analysis, Abstract Algebra, number theory, and a 400-level class. While the workload may be significant, the additional math knowledge can provide a competitive edge, especially in applied areas such as partial differential equations, computational math, and geometry. The decision to pursue the minor should align with future academic and career goals, as the benefits of increased mathematical proficiency can vary based on individual aspirations.
Arij
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Hello guys,

I was wondering what are your thoughts on pursuing a math minor in addition to my physics degree. I have two years left to graduate. I will have to go through Transition (introduction to proofs), Linear Algebra, Analysis, Abstract Algebra and number theory and a 400 level class. Can anyone who has gone through this describe to me the workload and pros/cons of doing it? did it further your understanding and skills in physics at all?
 
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It never hurts to learn more math. That is, in general, yourself with all your physics knowledge with an extra math course will be at a slight advantage over yourself with all your physics knowledge without that math course. It just depends on what you plan on doing whether the effort of taking the extra math courses is worth it. I can't comment specifically on each of them.
 
axmls said:
It never hurts to learn more math. That is, in general, yourself with all your physics knowledge with an extra math course will be at a slight advantage over yourself with all your physics knowledge without that math course. It just depends on what you plan on doing whether the effort of taking the extra math courses is worth it. I can't comment specifically on each of them.

I am looking into research and I want to get in graduate school; most likely for condensed matter or energy related degrees after I finish my undergrad.
 
take applied math courses, PDE's, Linear Algebra, Computational Math, a real course in geometry (not differential geometry, I am not adverse to it, but unless your thinking relativity as a research topic), a nonlinear math course might not be a bad thing either.

Where I got my UG degree, a math minor was 1 additional course for a physics major since we had to take a year long course in advanced applied math from the math department since they didn't teach a math methods course.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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