I graduated with a BS in chemistry and physics, and minored in biochemistry. I would not recommend it. It was a pain in the arse, and it didn't seem to open any doors for me. No one really seems to care that I double majored, except for my mom. If I could go back, I would double major in physics and computer science. Now that is a hell of a combo.
I was essentially forced to go to grad school, because I couldn't find a job. Now, I basically have no idea what I'm doing with my life. Don't get caught up in all of this academic stuff. You should be looking at jobs and where you want to be in 4 to 5 years, maybe 6, if you decide to do the double major. Try to choose something that will allow you to go to graduate school if you want but also make you employable right after your bachelor's degree. You probably won't regret it. I thought I wanted to be a super scientist and go to school my whole life, but 5 to 6 years later, I was 5 to 6 years older and had a change of heart, but chemistry and physics are two pretty weak bachelor's degrees in the current job market. Combining them doesn't make things any better.
It doesn't make a lot of sense to double major. In the amount of time I spent on my bachelor's degree, I could have graduated with a master's degree. School costs a lot of time and money, and you need to be utilizing that time and money effectively. I agree that you should take a few electives in other departments and explore classes, but also talk to professors, volunteer for research in different areas and talk with them about jobs and where their students get employed after graduation. That doesn't cost money and the time will be worth it. You have the opportunity to obtain skills and professional experience in just about anything you want at the university. Just because you're a physicist doesn't mean you have to work in the physics department. You can talk to anyone and get involved with anything without having to take extra classes. Right now, I am speaking with someone in the electrical engineering department at my school. It is possible that I will begin research with him in optical engineering despite being a master's student in the physics department. Work experience usually trumps a few classes in whatever area you're interested in. Don't go crazy and take 250 credits of university classes, like I did. It doesn't pay off. You're better off filling your extra time with research or engineering experience than taking some stupid class.
That's my advice. I don't know what it's worth, but if I could go back, I wouldn't choose to double major in chemistry and physics. It was pretty difficult and there was no reward in it. With a bachelor's in chemistry, you can expect to choose between careers as a chemical technician or materials scientist. With a bachelor's in physics, you can expect to choose between careers as a chemical technician or materials scientists. I'm just joking, but it's kind of true. Physics might open a little bit more doors than chemistry. The chances of becoming an engineer are higher, but apparently not high enough for me.
I knew someone who triple majored in biochemistry, chemistry and chemical engineering. How useful do you think that was? I also know someone who got a PhD in chemistry and became a plasma physicist. That was due to her research, not her classes. But if you're going to supplement a physics major, I would choose something other than chemistry. It's not a particularly good degree. I've thought I would make a great spectroscopist or physical chemist, but that kind of stuff usually requires a PhD, so having the chem + phys background still doesn't help me much there. I'm like a millimeter away from being a materials engineer, right? I seriously have not a clue what I'm doing, but head my warning, Amy. I must know a little bit. Heck, I majored in chemistry and physics ...
... minored in biochemistry.
Only a chemist would think that double majoring in physics is a good idea.
Your major should be finding a career, lady. Not becoming a professional student.
