Having a minor in physics can enhance a math major's application to graduate school in pure mathematics, provided that the grades are strong. The discussion highlights two options for maintaining a minor: taking six courses in one semester or extending the degree by an additional semester. Participants emphasize the importance of managing course load effectively and suggest that a minor can be advantageous if pursued diligently. Ultimately, the consensus is that while a minor may not be strictly necessary, it can provide a competitive edge if executed well.
PREREQUISITESMath majors considering graduate school, students interested in pursuing a minor in physics, and academic advisors guiding students on course selection and workload management.
Chris11 said:Hey Guys. I was wondering if having a minor would be important for applying to graduate school in pure math. I realized about 2 months ago that if I want to keep a minor in my degree either: 1. I have to take six courses in the winter semester (2 upper math, 2upper physics, 1 2nd year stats course, a programing course); or 2. Stay an extra semester
Chris11 said:My major is math. My minor would be in physics.
Chris11 said:Yeah. I just don't know if I would be able to do six courses in a semester without wanting to kill myself. I would love to take quantum mechanics, so that I could learn a little about how representation theory is applied, and general relativity because of diferential geometry. But, yeah. I don't know. Do you think that it would be a disadvantage to not have a minor?