Math or Physics for Graduate School in Theoretical Physics?

[ak416]

I am currently going into my 4th year of my undergraduate degree and I am looking at various possibilities for graduate school. I still haven't decided what my concentration will be but over the past 3 years I have acquired a pretty diverse background in economics, physics, math, and computer science. Note that in my university a 'major' is the second most highest concentration in a subject, a 'specialist' is the highest. I have decided so far that I definitely want to do a major in computer science, since it is useful in many areas these days. Now, with a major I need at least 2 minors or one other major. Since I am more interested in Physics then economics I have decided to stop taking Economics and just take the minor and do a major in Physics or Math (There is also the option of a specialist in 'Math and its Applications' with a concentration in Physics which is mostly math). Anyways, the main problem is this: should I take more Math or more Physics? If I take more Math then I have a good chance of getting into a Math Masters program but a slim chance of getting into a Physics program since I only have taken up to second year level courses in Physics. On the other hand, I can take some 3rd year level courses in Physics to complete a Physics major, but then sacrifice the Math courses, which I will most probably need to get into a Math graduate school. Eventually, I want to do theoretical physics so I was thinking to get into Math and then concentrate in Mathematical Physics, but in the same time I think it is important for anyone working in Physics to have some exposure to a laboratory, since this is how theories are tested, and if I go into Physics through Math wouldn't it all be just paper/computer work?

 

[ak416]

So, just to extend my question, does anyone know of any Mathematical Physics programs out there that come with laboratory exposure or is this too much to ask for?

 

[oedipa maas]

It's not really clear how much freedom you have in your course selections with the majors and minors. You might get good advice if you talk to some upper-year students or professors at your school.