Programs Graduate next spring or finish math degree?

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The discussion centers around the decision of whether to graduate in spring 2014 with a B.S. in physics or to extend studies until spring 2015 to earn an additional B.S. in computational mathematics along with more advanced physics courses. The individual currently holds a 3.4 GPA, which has been affected by a poor performance in their freshman year. There is a belief that having a computational mathematics degree could enhance career prospects, particularly in computational and experimental physics, as well as nuclear engineering. However, opinions vary on the necessity of the additional degree. Some participants suggest that focusing on graduate studies sooner may be more beneficial, especially since many graduate programs consider only the final 60 credits for GPA calculations. Ultimately, the advice leans towards graduating promptly to pursue advanced studies, while also considering the potential benefits of improving GPA and gaining research experience in applied mathematics.
DocHoliday
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Overview: Can't decide between two scenarios.
1)Graduate spring 2014 with B.S. in physics
2)Graduate spring 2015 with B.S. physics and B.S. in computational mathematics
(also with additional physics courses and labs)

Situation:
I can graduate next spring with the minimal classes for a B.S. in physics or stay another year and also get my computational mathematics B.S. In doing so I would take some more higher level physics (maybe 1 or 2 graduate classes), and also boost my GPA. My current GPA is a 3.4 overall and a 3.4 for mathematics / physics combined, dragged down from one bad freshman semester. I have been told that having a computational mathematics degree (the programming part) can help, but also have been told it won't matter. I also have a spot in the mathematics department doing research in which I find very interesting (applied mathematics).

Plans:
I would like to hopefully attend graduate school to do computational physics and / or experimental physics. I would also be applying to graduates schools for nuclear engineering. If I stay for a mathematics degree also I would apply for applied mathematics.

Thoughts? Any insight is helpful.
 
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Hi! I would not worry about the extra year if you plan on doing graduate studies. Personally I would just get into graduate studies and teach myself the subjects. That said, you may want to boost your GPA if you plan on getting awards. However, most schools will only look at the final 60 credits as well (which luckily for me were all A's and A+'s).

To sum up, just graduate! There is no point staying in undergrad when you could be doing graduate studies (if you feel you are ready).

Hope I was somewhat helpful and good luck!
 
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