Mechanical Engineering Major. Good idea to double major in Applied Math?

[thepatient]

I'm having a bit of a dilemna. I'm currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and will finish in about 1.5 years. I always feel that ME alone might not be as useful and wish to expand my knowledge in Physics or Mathematics. I'm equally passionate of both, and have thought about minoring in one of the two. A minor wouldn't be as useful as an actual major though, as it is only a brief overview of the major.

So I've been considering double majoring. A BS in Physics I wouldn't want to get, since it would extend my studying another 2 years. A BA in Physics would be 1 year, but isn't quite the same as a BA and might not have as much employment opportunities with a BA. My other option is a BS in applied math with concentration in science and engineering. This would also push back my studies about a year, and I feel it might allow for more opportunities for a job after graduating.

What are your thoughts. Is a double major in ME and Applied math a good idea?

 

[MathWarrior]

I think its fine to get a double major if that is what you want to do. However, some questions arise do you intend to go to graduate school? If so I think it might be more beneficial to just finish your current degree and perhaps get a graduate degree in a field such as applied mathematics or related.

Given most masters degree programs are only 2 years, if you continued education immediately, you'd be halfway done with a graduate degree. This seems much more useful in my mind. Most employers are more likely to look at the highest level of education achieved, anything else is a bonus.