Is a Double Major Worth It for Physics Grad School and Job Applications?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to complete a double major in Mathematics and Physics in the context of applying to graduate school in physics and the potential impact on job applications. Participants explore the relevance of a double major versus focusing on research and preparation for the Physics Graduate Record Examination (PGRE).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that not completing the math major may negatively impact applications to mathematics graduate programs.
  • Another participant suggests that the decision may not affect applications to physics graduate programs, as they are not aware of any specific requirements for the mentioned math courses.
  • A participant questions the value of completing the double major for job applications after obtaining a graduate degree, considering the time investment required for the math courses.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of focusing on doing well in physics and preparing for the PGRE, suggesting that poor performance in these areas may outweigh the benefits of having a double major.
  • Another participant inquires about the influence of time spent on completing both majors versus engaging in research or preparing for the PGRE.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of completing a double major in mathematics and physics. While some believe it may be beneficial, others argue that focusing on physics-related preparation and research may be more advantageous for graduate school applications.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the potential impact of course requirements and the relevance of a double major without reaching a consensus on its overall importance for graduate school or job applications.

PCSL
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Hello, I recently decided that I will not complete my major in math despite only being two classes shorts so that I can focus more on the PGRE and research during those semesters. If I plan on going on to grad school will this decision hurt me in any way? Down the road will being able to say that I majored in PHY and MTH be of any advantage or will most employers just look at your grad degree? Thanks - I'd normally just suck it up and take the two classes but I feel as if Real Analysis and Modern Algebra would be two very time consuming classes, however I'm not close-minded to the option.
 
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PCSL said:
Hello, I recently decided that I will not complete my major in math despite only being two classes shorts so that I can focus more on the PGRE and research during those semesters. If I plan on going on to grad school will this decision hurt me in any way? Down the road will being able to say that I majored in PHY and MTH be of any advantage or will most employers just look at your grad degree? Thanks - I'd normally just suck it up and take the two classes but I feel as if Real Analysis and Modern Algebra would be two very time consuming classes, however I'm not close-minded to the option.

It is likely to hurt you should you decide to apply to mathematics graduate programs.
 
Dembadon said:
It is likely to hurt you should you decide to apply to mathematics graduate programs.

Haha, I would imagine so - I will be applying to physics graduate school. Should I take that as it will not effect me in my scenario?
 
PCSL said:
Haha, I would imagine so - I will be applying to physics graduate school. Should I take that as it will not effect me in my scenario?

Ah, I see. I wasn't sure whether you'd made the decision to only pursue physics graduate programs.

I'm not familiar with admissions requirements for physics graduate programs, but I'm not aware of a program that requires its applicants to have taken the mathematics courses mentioned in your post. Perhaps someone can provide a counter-example or two, if they exist.
 
Dembadon said:
Ah, I see. I wasn't sure whether you'd made the decision to only pursue physics graduate programs.

I'm not familiar with admissions requirements for physics graduate programs, but I'm not aware of a program that requires its applicants to have taken the mathematics courses mentioned in your post. Perhaps someone can provide a counter-example or two, if they exist.

Thanks for the replies. I know that those courses are not required for physics grad school. My question is that is it worth sucking it up and taking those two classes so that I can say on my transcript or during job applications that I was a double major in MTH and PHY. Not sure how important this is after you obtain a graduate degree.
 
What would you do with the time you would otherwise spend on completing both majors? You suggest some things in your OP but you don't really make clear what amount of influence you expect it to have (e.g. would you otherwise lack time for PGRE? Would you have something demonstrable from the research (i.e. letter of reference, possibly even a publication, ...), etc.)

Also, out of curiousity: one of the two math courses necessary for completing the major and that you still have to take is Real Analysis I? Isn't that kind of a "basic" course in a math major? You were able to take your other math courses without having Real Analysis I under your belt? (Modern Algebra sounds "basic" too, but I'm not too familiar with the term "Modern" in relation to Algebra, so perhaps I'm thinking of something else.)
 
PCSL said:
Thanks for the replies. I know that those courses are not required for physics grad school. My question is that is it worth sucking it up and taking those two classes so that I can say on my transcript or during job applications that I was a double major in MTH and PHY. Not sure how important this is after you obtain a graduate degree.

If you are only planning on going to physics grad school, then you need to do whatever is needed to do well in physics. :smile: I believe doing poorly on the PGRE and not getting research experience will hurt you more than having a double major will help you.
 

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