Should I Pursue a Double Major in Math and Physics?

[Alec Hewitt]

Hello everyone,
I am currently attending a community college and at the end of spring, I will graduate with associates in mathematics and physics with roughly a 3.90(depending on the what GPA you're talking about). Physics and math are my life and I dedicate virtually all of my free time understanding theorems and derivations and I want to be the best theoretical physicist that I am capable of becoming.

That being said, should I keep pursuing a double major or should I dedicate all of my time solely to physics? Will learning advanced mathematics allow me to essentially "cutout the middle man" when developing theorems or will an extra degree simply restrict my full potential? If I should continue a major in math, how far should I go? I plan on getting a Ph.D. in some branch of physics as a bare minimum but I am willing to double up on math if that would make me better.

Also, I may get accepted into UC Berkeley, but I am thinking about sticking around locally, (University of Utah) because of costs, how should this factor into my decision? I am willing to put in any amount of effort necessary. Sorry for the long post.

Thank you!

 

[Choppy]

Well, as a general rule of thumb in physics, the more math you know the better. But that doesn't mean you have to double major in it.

I think one of the main advantages of the double major is that it's going to qualify you go to graduate school in mathematics if for some reason you decide that's what you want to do. Without it, that door probably closes. The disadvantage is that it's likely going to be more restrictive in the freedom you have to study other subjects, either electives or even some introductory courses to the different branches of physics.

One thing you could do is look at the online course catalogues at the schools you're interested in attending. Read up on the available courses, and note the ones that you really want to take. If things line up so that you're pretty much doing the double major anyway then that's the way to go. If most of the double major is stuff you 'd rather not do, just go with physics and take the extra math courses you want.

 

[Alec Hewitt]

Well, as a general rule of thumb in physics, the more math you know the better. But that doesn't mean you have to double major in it.

I think one of the main advantages of the double major is that it's going to qualify you go to graduate school in mathematics if for some reason you decide that's what you want to do. Without it, that door probably closes. The disadvantage is that it's likely going to be more restrictive in the freedom you have to study other subjects, either electives or even some introductory courses to the different branches of physics.

One thing you could do is look at the online course catalogues at the schools you're interested in attending. Read up on the available courses, and note the ones that you really want to take. If things line up so that you're pretty much doing the double major anyway then that's the way to go. If most of the double major is stuff you 'd rather not do, just go with physics and take the extra math courses you want.

Very helpful, thank you!

 

[Vanadium 50]

I think one of the main advantages of the double major is that it's going to qualify you go to graduate school in mathematics if for some reason you decide that's what you want to do. Without it, that door probably closes

That door may not be all that open. At many - probably most - places, the minimum requirements for a degree are intended for people who end up going on to be high school math teachers, not PhD mathematicians. Usually math graduate schools are looking for more classes, and often more "proofy" classes. Depending on the program, a double major may or may not be good preparation - I would talk to an advisor in math before drawing conclusions on what is and is not open.

 

[Scrumhalf]

My son is a senior in high school and we went through this discussion with faculty in the various schools that he visited over the summer. It depends a lot on the school, but generally, a double major requires a lot of coursework that satisfies both departments, as opposed to a major/minor which may be a bit less stringent on the requirements for the minor. You should really talk to the head of undergraduate studies in the school(s) you are looking at. They had no problems taking time to meet with my son and me when we visited, so I am sure they will be happy to talk to you.

 

[Alec Hewitt]

That door may not be all that open. At many - probably most - places, the minimum requirements for a degree are intended for people who end up going on to be high school math teachers, not PhD mathematicians. Usually math graduate schools are looking for more classes, and often more "proofy" classes. Depending on the program, a double major may or may not be good preparation - I would talk to an advisor in math before drawing conclusions on what is and is not open.

So they will likely not even let me attempt a double major in math and physics. I also have no problems with doing proofs and I noticed that more advanced physics has more "proofy" material so I think that would be a good tool for me to have. I will talk to an advisor as soon as possible, thanks!