Triple Major + MS: Is it Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility and value of pursuing a triple major in physics, engineering, and mathematics, alongside a master's degree in engineering. Participants explore the implications of such an academic path, considering course load, personal interest in mathematics, and the perceived value of multiple majors in the job market and graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing a mathematics major in addition to a dual degree in physics and engineering, questioning the worth of this additional major.
  • Another participant suggests that the general consensus is that employers and graduate schools prioritize coursework over the number of majors held by a candidate.
  • It is proposed that the participant should evaluate the mathematics courses available to determine if they find them engaging enough to justify the major.
  • A different participant shares their experience of struggling to fit a double major into their schedule, suggesting that a triple major could be quite challenging given the additional general education and college requirements.
  • This participant also recommends consulting with an academic counselor to assess the feasibility of fitting all required courses into the participant's schedule.
  • There is a suggestion that taking courses for personal interest or pursuing a minor might be a viable alternative to a triple major.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the value of multiple majors, with some emphasizing the importance of coursework over the number of degrees, while others highlight the potential challenges of managing a triple major. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall worth of pursuing a mathematics major in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential difficulty in managing course loads and the importance of personal interest in course selection. There is also mention of general education and college requirements that could complicate the pursuit of a triple major.

D3m0nic
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Triple Major with MS??

My university offers a dual degree program in physics and engineering meaning in 5 years time I can have BS in physics & engineering on top off MS in Engineering. As i transferred credits I can do this program just for 4 years as normal undergrad student.
Now if I want I can do another BS in Math. I am wondering whether it is a good idea for me to pursue Math. I enjoy math and before joining the dual degree program I was considering double major in math and physics. My major question now is: will it be worth to do a Math major as well? Do you think I will have an added advantage?
I know triple major can be hard with lots of course load. This would be mean I won't be able to take any other 'interesting' classes. If I do not do Math as a major I am still minoring in it and i can pick up another minor or two.

I just want advice!

Thanks!
 
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hmm... no one know what to say! =(
 


a) General consensus on this forum is that nobody (neither jobs nor grad schools) really cares about second/third majors-it's all about the coursework
b) look at the math courses and see how many of them actually interest you-enough to bother with the major?
 


Well I had a hard time fitting a double major in Astrophysics and Economics into my course load limits. Econ is not a very large major. I would think that a triple major in Physics, engineering, AND math on top of GE requirements and College requirements would be a doozy. All I can say, is maybe meet with a counselor and see if you can fit all those courses. Otherwise...you can always take courses for interest, or you can consider a minor.
 

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