BS MSE + Math OR Physics Minor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to pursue a minor in mathematics or physics while studying for a BS in Materials Engineering. Participants explore the value of a minor versus taking electives that align with personal interests and career goals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a minor to engage with more challenging problems in math or physics, indicating a personal interest in both fields.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice between a minor in physics or math depends on personal appeal and future aspirations, noting that a minor may not significantly enhance graduate school applications.
  • A different participant questions the value of a minor compared to simply taking relevant electives, sharing their own experience of focusing on materials science and engineering while fulfilling math requirements for physics.
  • Some participants agree that unless required by the school, a minor may not hold intrinsic value and recommend pursuing electives of interest instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a minor may not have significant value unless required, but there is no consensus on whether pursuing a minor or electives is the better approach for personal and academic growth.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the utility of a minor versus electives, with some emphasizing personal interest and others focusing on practical implications for future education and career paths.

Copar
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I am studying to get a BS in Materials Engineering. I am learning a ton of useful skills (MATLAB, spectroscopy, materials testing), but I miss the theory in the math / physics classes I took during my first couple of years.

I don't know if I would like physics or math more, I like them both. I do want a minor though, just for the sake of learning and doing more challenging problems. What do you think?
 
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I'm not sure what you're looking for in terms of an answer. If you want a minor, then go for it. If you're trying to decide between a minor in physics or math, a lot depends on what you find more appealing and what you want to do in the future. Just bear in mind that a minor doesn't really tend to qualify you for much. Most graduate schools won't accept someone based on a minor.
 
Copar said:
I am studying to get a BS in Materials Engineering. I am learning a ton of useful skills (MATLAB, spectroscopy, materials testing), but I miss the theory in the math / physics classes I took during my first couple of years.

I don't know if I would like physics or math more, I like them both. I do want a minor though, just for the sake of learning and doing more challenging problems. What do you think?
I've never understood the point in getting a minor vs. just taking electives that you find useful or interesting. As a credential on a resume, a minor really has little (or no) value..

FWIW, I got my bachelor's, masters, and PhD in physics, specializing in solid-state physics. I took the math required for the physics programs. But I took almost all my free electives (both undergrad and grad) in materials science and engineering (MSE); the math required for the physics programs met or exceeded the math required for the MSE electives. The blend between the fundamental approach of physics and the pragmatic approach of MSE was a good combo, at least for me.
 
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I agree with @CrysPhys, unless your school requires you to complete a minor, a minor in and of itself has no real intrinsic value. Just take whatever electives that you want, whether they be math or physics.
 
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