Minoring in Math: Worth It for Physics/EE Double Major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of minoring in mathematics for a student pursuing double majors in physics and electrical engineering (EE). Participants explore the necessity of linear algebra in these fields and whether obtaining a minor in math would enhance career prospects or educational experience.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of linear algebra for their physics degree, suggesting they may take it at a community college instead.
  • Another participant argues that linear algebra is essential for both physics and electrical engineering, questioning the rationale behind the double major choice.
  • A different participant notes that in their country, linear algebra is a requirement for all engineering majors, implying a difference in educational standards.
  • One participant questions the value of having a minor in math on their transcript compared to the significance of having double majors in physics and EE.
  • Another participant reassures that regardless of the minor, the student will likely learn linear algebra in graduate school.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of linear algebra for the discussed majors or the value of obtaining a minor in mathematics. Multiple competing views remain regarding the importance of formal qualifications versus self-study.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the requirements for physics and EE degrees, and there is a lack of clarity on how a minor in math might impact career opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering double majors in physics and electrical engineering, those evaluating the importance of mathematics in STEM fields, and individuals interested in academic qualifications and career prospects in these areas.

paridiso
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I'm trying to double major in physics and electrical engineering. I'm most likely going to go to grad school after I get my degree. As you can imagine because of that I have a pretty rigid course structure. Linear algebra is necessary to minor in math but for some odd reason isn't necessary for a physics degree. I don't really have much time to take LA during the school year so if I do take it it'll be at a community college during the summer. I'm pretty sure I can teach it myself during the summer at a more rigorous level than a cc. There are lots of things I'd rather spend my 500$ on.

So what I'm wondering is it worth it to take the course at a cc and get a minor in math or will it not make a big difference.

Thanks.
 
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linear algebra is necessary for physics (and probably ee, but I'm not sure. why are you double majoring in physics and ee? because you think it will look good on a resume or because you may end up pursuing ee instead of physics? think less about what courses you need to fill some requirement for an extra major or minor and more about what courses you think will help you and provide you a good well rounded education.
 
I'm actually surprised you don't need linear algebra for Physics or EE.
In my country, it is required in all Engineering Majors I've checked so far. But perhaps it's just some requirement they should have abolished in at least some of Engineerings, since you are double majoring without having it.

I don't know how much a minor would broaden your career opportunities (really few univs in my country offer minoring opportunities, so I don't know much about it). But if I felt it would open some oportunities in a area I would enjoy working in, I would do it. Even if you don't do it, I'd recommend studying some of it, since it is very important in Physics.
 
I know it's necessary for physics and if I don't take an LA course I'll definitely learn it by myself. I guess what I'm really asking is is it worth paying a few hundred dollars to have my transcript say I have a minor in math when it already says I have a double major in EE and Physics.

I want to major in EE cause I'm still not really sure what direction I want to go in after I graduate.
 
I wouldn't worry about having your transcript say you had a minor in mathematics. Hell, it probably doesn't even matter if it says physics, so long as you have the requisite courses
 
Physics and EE both involve a lot of linear algebra. If you're going to grad school, you'll probably end up learning it sometime along the way even if you don't now.
 

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