- #1
Bumpeh
- 32
- 2
I've seen a few threads discussing a topic similar to this, and I've been making some serious considerations and thinking about things.
I'm currently debating switching over from a Physics major to a Math major and minoring in Physics. There are a few various reasons to do this, one being it will save me time and money in the long run and I will be able to graduate on time. I do very much like mathematics, and I feel a solid foundation in mathematics could really help me further along the line.
I've emailed a program director at a school with a Physics Graduate program I'm interested in, and she said they have considered mathematics degrees before, and if I was accepted into the program I'd have to play some catch up. I'm okay with that.
I've started to realize that when it comes to higher education, there weren't ever any specific doors I wanted opened, but I wanted to keep the number of doors closed as low as possible. I'm still not entirely sure what I want to do, I like the looks of astronomy and planetary science, and I also like programming and some aspects of computer science, the problem solving of it all.
I'm also currently conducting some research with a professor at the University I will be attending in the Fall, so I know getting involved in research really helps on your graduate school applications.
So my few questions are, is this route a good way to accomplish my goals? I very much like the idea of saving time and money, and graduating in 4 years with my 4 year degree. What are good mathematics electives to take for Physics? I was thinking of taking all the mathematics classes that the Physics department recommends to Physics majors like Complex Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Vector Analysis and Partial Differential Equations. If it is possible to get into Physics graduate school with a mathematics degree, what are some other things I can do to make myself more appealing to Physics graduate schools?
I know this is certainly a weird situation, and I have a feeling many of you when reading this are just thinking that I should just major in Physics. But as I said, there are some problems. I feel like if I take longer to get my degree I'll be wasting valuable time, and that just getting my degree in four years and going straight into a Master's degree program would be better than spending a extra year in undergrad. Thoughts? Thank you all for your time, help and advice!
I'm currently debating switching over from a Physics major to a Math major and minoring in Physics. There are a few various reasons to do this, one being it will save me time and money in the long run and I will be able to graduate on time. I do very much like mathematics, and I feel a solid foundation in mathematics could really help me further along the line.
I've emailed a program director at a school with a Physics Graduate program I'm interested in, and she said they have considered mathematics degrees before, and if I was accepted into the program I'd have to play some catch up. I'm okay with that.
I've started to realize that when it comes to higher education, there weren't ever any specific doors I wanted opened, but I wanted to keep the number of doors closed as low as possible. I'm still not entirely sure what I want to do, I like the looks of astronomy and planetary science, and I also like programming and some aspects of computer science, the problem solving of it all.
I'm also currently conducting some research with a professor at the University I will be attending in the Fall, so I know getting involved in research really helps on your graduate school applications.
So my few questions are, is this route a good way to accomplish my goals? I very much like the idea of saving time and money, and graduating in 4 years with my 4 year degree. What are good mathematics electives to take for Physics? I was thinking of taking all the mathematics classes that the Physics department recommends to Physics majors like Complex Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Vector Analysis and Partial Differential Equations. If it is possible to get into Physics graduate school with a mathematics degree, what are some other things I can do to make myself more appealing to Physics graduate schools?
I know this is certainly a weird situation, and I have a feeling many of you when reading this are just thinking that I should just major in Physics. But as I said, there are some problems. I feel like if I take longer to get my degree I'll be wasting valuable time, and that just getting my degree in four years and going straight into a Master's degree program would be better than spending a extra year in undergrad. Thoughts? Thank you all for your time, help and advice!