Can I Apply for Math Grad School with a Double Major in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the eligibility of applying to a mathematics graduate program with a double major in physics and mathematics, particularly focusing on the implications of having a theoretical physics major. Participants explore the necessary prerequisites and the relevance of one's academic background in relation to graduate school admissions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a major in theoretical physics would hinder their ability to apply to a math graduate school.
  • Another participant suggests that a strong understanding of mathematics, along with specific coursework in advanced topics, would support an application to math graduate programs.
  • Reference is made to Edward Witten's background, with some participants arguing that diverse academic paths can lead to success in graduate school, as long as prerequisites are met.
  • There is a suggestion that the concern about eligibility may be premature for someone who is not yet a first-year undergraduate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of the specific major for graduate school applications, with some emphasizing the significance of coursework and others downplaying the impact of one's major.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific prerequisites for math graduate programs and how they may vary between institutions.

bignum
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I am just wondering this because I have not set on what to do for graduate school. Now if I go for theoretical physics and study Math and Physics, when it is time for me to apply to grad school, will I get to apply to a math grad school or will they not let me because my major is "theoretical physics (math and physics major)" and not "math major"
 
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If you have a good understanding of math, you should get in. Ideally, you want to take courses in group/ring/field theory, general topology, and a couple of courses in analysis, such as complex variables, functional analysis, and measure theory. These will give you a good background to take grad courses in mathematics and should complement your physics as well.
 


Well Edward Witten got into grad school in physics and he was an English major. It doesn't really matter as long as you have the prerequisites they expect.
 


eof said:
Well Edward Witten got into grad school in physics and he was an English major. It doesn't really matter as long as you have the prerequisites they expect.

I thought he got a bachelor in history before he started physics
 


^ with a minor in linguistics (according to Wikipedia).
 


bignum said:
I am just wondering this because I have not set on what to do for graduate school.
You aren't even a first-year undergrad (says this post), I don't think you should worry too much about this stuff. If you major in math and physics, then in particular you major in math. It's that simple.
 

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