- #1
Niflheim
- 146
- 19
Hi everyone, I have a question about the intricacies of Majors and Minors. Not sure if the topic/prefix is correct, any mod that thinks it should be under something else please go ahead and change it.
But my question is regarding the specifics and impacts of majors and minors. I plan on pursuing a PhD in Theoretical Physics (most interested in Quantum Gravity and Particle Physics currently), and up until now I have always intended to do a double major in Pure Math and Physics. But more recently I have been realizing that I am interested in Theoretical Computer Science a lot more than I had thought (still not nearly as much as physics or math) and I am now thinking about a minor in CS or Theoretical CS if whatever University I attend offers it. I also have a little interest in Quantum Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biophysics, but for the most part that would most likely be studied as a hobby since those areas only hold my interest in very specific topics and not to the degree of math, physics, or CS.
That's where my question comes in. Should I do a double major in Physics and Pure Math as I had originally intended and focus on research instead of CS, or would a minor make a considerable impact in grad school or, if it comes to it, in employability? Another thing I have begun thinking about is taking 5 years instead of 4 in undergrad to do the double major, a minor in CS and maybe even Biochem/Quantum chem, and still be able to conduct respectable research.
I had originally thought that minors weren't really worth it, and I still lean towards that opinion. Is is best to go on with the physics/pure math double major and take classes in my other interests just on the side? Would I be satisfied with the programming/CS already involved in Theoretical Physics? Any input is appreciated. Sorry the OP is so long.
But my question is regarding the specifics and impacts of majors and minors. I plan on pursuing a PhD in Theoretical Physics (most interested in Quantum Gravity and Particle Physics currently), and up until now I have always intended to do a double major in Pure Math and Physics. But more recently I have been realizing that I am interested in Theoretical Computer Science a lot more than I had thought (still not nearly as much as physics or math) and I am now thinking about a minor in CS or Theoretical CS if whatever University I attend offers it. I also have a little interest in Quantum Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biophysics, but for the most part that would most likely be studied as a hobby since those areas only hold my interest in very specific topics and not to the degree of math, physics, or CS.
That's where my question comes in. Should I do a double major in Physics and Pure Math as I had originally intended and focus on research instead of CS, or would a minor make a considerable impact in grad school or, if it comes to it, in employability? Another thing I have begun thinking about is taking 5 years instead of 4 in undergrad to do the double major, a minor in CS and maybe even Biochem/Quantum chem, and still be able to conduct respectable research.
I had originally thought that minors weren't really worth it, and I still lean towards that opinion. Is is best to go on with the physics/pure math double major and take classes in my other interests just on the side? Would I be satisfied with the programming/CS already involved in Theoretical Physics? Any input is appreciated. Sorry the OP is so long.