Best preparation for grad school?

[Eelbot]

I am going into physics next year, and I am incredibly excited! I love astronomy, and I love math and physics, and i do very well in both, so astrophysics seems like the perfect fit. However, I wanted to get a broader degree than an undergrad in astrophysics to start off with. My final goal is to go to grad school and do work in physics. So, my question is: What is the best degree for preparing for grad work in physics? Would mathematical physics be okay, or would it be better to get a pure physics degree? Or does it even matter, as long as the degree is related to physics?

 

[jtbell]

In the USA at least, most universities don't have separate bachelor's degrees for "physics" and "mathematical physics", as far as I know. Students who plan to go to grad school in physics, normally go for a physics degree as an undergraduate. If you're in some other part of the world, you might want to say where you are, so people can give you helpful advice (or at least avoid giving you unhelpful advice).

 

[Eelbot]

I am living in Canada. The degree is the same for physics and mathematical physics, they both result in a BS, but I am wondering if universities look at pure physics for graduate work differently than mathematical physics.

 

[fasterthanjoao]

I am living in Canada. The degree is the same for physics and mathematical physics, they both result in a BS, but I am wondering if universities look at pure physics for graduate work differently than mathematical physics.

Not really. Calling the course 'mathematical physics' is probably a bit misleading - I expect the difference between that and a 'pure' physics degree will simply be that you'll take some extra math courses in place of some physics ones.

You should really have the same options for grad school from both courses, though obviously if you end up doing something highly mathematical then having the extra math background might be useful - but it won't be a deal breaker.

 

[Stan Marsh]

If you work hard enough, try get a physics and math double degree.