Best double major combo for graduate studies in nuclear/experimental physics

[nlsherrill]

If one were to go onto experimental/nuclear physics in graduate school, which double major do you all think would be the better/best option?

Physics and Applied Mathematics

or

Physics and Nuclear Engineering

The reason I ask is I recently talked to a graduate student in experimental nuclear physics and from what I gathered I found his research pretty appealing. He apparently is part of a research group that uses the PULSTAR reactor here on NC States campus. He also talked about how there was a lot of underlying theory, and I believe he is specifically working on the Electric Dipole Moment experiment(I don't know if that's right?). Anyway, I liked the "hands on" sounding aspect of this, but I also liked the theory as well.

I basically am leaning towards a double major in one of the above options, with a slight preference towards math. I have done all my electives/general education requirements already, so staring in the fall semester next year I can complete a double major in 3 years(if all goes well). The math degree will *only* require 6-7 extra courses, albeit quite hard ones from what I have heard. The NE degree has more courses...about 10 I think.

I see benefits/advantages of both options, but I really don't know if nuclear engineering would apply too much to graduate studys in nuclear physics or not. I figure I would learn a good amount of nuclear physics in the nuclear engineering curriculum though, and also have more laboratory/technical skills aspects.

Here are the curriculum requirements for the 3 degrees.

Physics
https://packtracks.acs.ncsu.edu/scripts/RegRec/adadgbk.pl?curr=BS&dgr_key=17PY 2097 &title=PHYSICS

Applied mathematics
https://packtracks.acs.ncsu.edu/scr...gr_key=17AMA 2097 &title=APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Nuclear Engineering
https://packtracks.acs.ncsu.edu/scr...gr_key=14NE 2097 &title=NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

 

[nlsherrill]

bump.

anyone?

 

[Shackleford]

Nuclear engineering is for someone who wants to build them.

I say the first option is best.

 

[Vanadium 50]

At some point in your life, you will have to do things because you want to, and not because someone else - like an admissions committee - wants you to. Why not now?

I also think Shackleford's advice is not very good. For some things, he's right. For others - neutrino reactor experiments, non-proliferation - he's not. But the successful people take what interests them and try and build a career around it rather than the other way around.

 

[Shackleford]

At some point in your life, you will have to do things because you want to, and not because someone else - like an admissions committee - wants you to. Why not now?

I also think Shackleford's advice is not very good. For some things, he's right. For others - neutrino reactor experiments, non-proliferation - he's not. But the successful people take what interests them and try and build a career around it rather than the other way around.

Well, I was thinking more about nuclear physics graduate school which will require more advanced mathematics. Of course, the practical side of the nuclear engineering plan would be very beneficial as well.

 

[nlsherrill]

Well, I was thinking more about nuclear physics graduate school which will require more advanced mathematics. Of course, the practical side of the nuclear engineering plan would be very beneficial as well.

I mean this is about what I was thinking. I would have more "hands on" experience with the NE degree, but I would have more math with the math degree. So it seems both options have their ups and downs. I'll probably go with math.