Applied Math or Physics graduate school?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for an undergraduate student majoring in math and physics who is considering pursuing a PhD in either applied math or physics. The scope includes theoretical interests, program combinations, and interdisciplinary opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in both applied math and physics, particularly in theoretical physics, and seeks guidance on which graduate program to choose.
  • Another participant suggests that pursuing both applied math and physics is feasible and could be beneficial.
  • There is a question about the possibility of obtaining a master's in applied math followed by a PhD in physics, or whether to major/minor in one discipline.
  • A later reply proposes that a PhD in one field could still involve significant work in the other field.
  • Another participant mentions the option of co-advising by faculty from both departments and cites an example from Cambridge where theoretical physics is housed within the applied math department.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to combine studies in applied math and physics, but there are differing views on the best approach to do so. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal path for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of different program structures or the specific requirements of each field, which may affect the decision-making process.

txr534
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Hi all,

So I am currently an undergrad student majoring in math and physics wanting to pursue a PhD in either applied math or physics. I definitely lean toward the theoretical side of physics and really enjoy mathematics (which has become somewhat of a hobby). My question is, what program of graduate study would best suite my needs? Applied math or physics? I am very interested in both, and can't see myself no longer studying math. On the flip side, I also like using mathematics in the context of physical problems. I'm very interested in relativity and quantum field theory. Thanks for the help!
 
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You can do both you know. Applied math and physics is a very nice combination.
 
As in a master's in applied math and PhD in physics? Or Major/minor in one or the other?
 
txr534 said:
As in a master's in applied math and PhD in physics? Or Major/minor in one or the other?

Just do a PhD in one that involves a lot of the other.
 
Got it. Thank you!
 
You can be coadvised by people in each department. I have heard of that happening before.

At Cambridge, areas of theoretical physics like high energy theory are actually in the applied math department (DAMTP) for historical reasons. So that might be interesting to look into.
 

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