Is a Double Major in Physics and Astronomy the Best Path to Astrophysics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Totalderiv
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
When planning an undergraduate college path for astrophysics, it's crucial to prioritize a major in physics, as it is essential for graduate programs in astrophysics or astronomy. While the discussed universities—OSU, University of Michigan, University of Maryland, and University of Chicago—may not offer a specific astrophysics major, pursuing a double major in physics and astronomy is a viable option. Additionally, taking courses in math and computer science will further strengthen the academic foundation necessary for graduate studies in the field. All mentioned institutions are recognized for their strong programs in physics and related disciplines.
Totalderiv
Messages
69
Reaction score
1
Need some help deciding!

Hello, I need some help figuring out my college plan as an undergraduate. I'm looking at applying to OSU, University of Michigan, University of Maryland, and University of Chicago. I'm looking to do astrophysics, but most of them don't have it. Would it be easier to double major as physics and astronomy, then do astrophysics for graduate program?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org


No matter where you go, you should be majoring in physics. Classes in astronomy, math, and computer science are useful/necessary as well, but physics is essential for graduate programs in physics, astrophysics, or astronomy. A double-major in physics and astronomy would work nicely. Those are all excellent schools for this.
 


Thanks for the information
 
I’ve been looking through the curricula of several European theoretical/mathematical physics MSc programs (ETH, Oxford, Cambridge, LMU, ENS Paris, etc), and I’m struck by how little emphasis they place on advanced fundamental courses. Nearly everything seems to be research-adjacent: string theory, quantum field theory, quantum optics, cosmology, soft matter physics, black hole radiation, etc. What I don’t see are the kinds of “second-pass fundamentals” I was hoping for, things like...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...

Similar threads

Back
Top