Maximizing Math for Theoretical Physics: Double-Major or Minor?

[JJHK]

Hey u guys. Say I'm an undergraduate wanting to be a physicist. Not just any physicist, but a theoretical physicist. Say that I'm already planning on taking all of the "Mathematical methods for Physics" courses offered at my university, but now I want more of some math action.

Which subjects of upper div math classes do you think are the most important for physicists to learn?



Also, as a second question: Would double-majoring in mathematics (or maybe just minoring in it) greatly help?

 

[Jorriss]

1) Graduate Mathematical Methods in Physics in both departments if offered
2) Graduate Group Theory, offered in the physics department
3) Linear Algebra & Complex Analysis
4) PDE's
5) Algebra & Analysis
6) Probability Theory

There are more specific classes like differential geometry, functional analysis, etc, etc but this is, imo, the core (unless I forgot something).

 

[FactorsOf2]

Yes, if you want to do theoretical physics you should double major in math. Jorriss had some good suggestions for where those credits should go, but I would talk to some theory faculty in your department.

 

[JJHK]

Hey, thanks for that list! May I ask how each subject will help my physics career? I've taken only the freshman/sophomore math and physics classes, and I would like to know how those subjects will benefit me. Thanks!