Programs Physics major needs advice on choosing a minor

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the academic paths of students pursuing a B.S. in physics, with a focus on whether to minor in chemistry or double major in mathematics. The consensus leans towards a mathematics minor or double major being more beneficial for graduate studies in fields like cosmology, nuclear physics, or theoretical physics. The physics chairman at one university advocates for a mathematics minor for students aiming for research roles. Additionally, programming skills, particularly in languages like C++, Visual Basic, and FORTRAN, are highlighted as universally useful in physics research. Some participants express interest in combining physics with materials chemistry, while others clarify that their institutions have specific restrictions on minors and majors. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of mathematics and programming in preparing for advanced studies in physics.
JFrankParnell
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I'm going for a B.S. in physics and haven't decided yet whether I'm going to use my elective credits to minor in chemistry double major in B.S. mathematics. Eventually, I'd like to do graduate work in cosmology or nuclear or theoretical physics. Which of these two options (if either) would be more helpful to me in grad school?
 
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Probably math, but if you can/have to take non-physics courses, you'll likely find programming courses to be far more universally useful.
 
Hi JFrankParnell,

The physics chairman at my university highly encourages a minor in mathematics along with a physics major for students looking to do research in physics. I see you've also mentioned cosmology and nuclear physics. I'm aspiring to work in nuclear astrophysics and am double majoring in astrophysics and materials chemistry for undergrad (no nuclear engineering at my school). I asked a nuclear astrophysicist who came to my school what he would recommend students to major in if they would like to work in his field. He asked me what I'm majoring in and told me my current path is a good one.

You may also want to check Zapper Z's thread "So you want to be a physicist." I see that Lavabug mentioned programming. The astrophysics professor at my school said that an object oriented language such as C++ is good and she also recommends visual basic and FORTRAN.

Good luck with everything!

Oh and double major for materials chem is only 10 extra classes for me. Are you on a strict time limit for graduation?
 
Are you on a strict time limit for graduation?

Not really.

The physics chairman at my university highly encourages a minor in mathematics along with a physics major for students looking to do research in physics.

At the school I'll be attending, they don't allow physics majors to minor in mathematics. If I want to do extra work in math, I'll have to do a double major. I assumed pretty much all universities were the same.Good luck with everything!

Thanks!
 
how about getting a minor in CS?
 
chill_factor said:
how about getting a minor in CS?

Not really my cup of tea. The subjects I'm most interested in besides physics are chemistry and mathematics. Never really been much interested in CS.
 

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