A general physics major or a specific physics major?

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>I am curious as to your opinions on whether to get a physics major or an astrophysics major as an undergrad. I enjoy astronomy the most, but should I keep my options open in college (generally speaking)? What would be the benefits of getting a physics major over a specific physics major, and what would be the benefits of chosing a SPECIFIC physics major such as astrophysics? If I chose to major in physics, will that leave more career opportunities?</p>

<p>Is it beneficial to major in physics and then chose a specific branch of physics for graduate school?</p>

<p>What are your opinions?</p>

2

<p>Get a physics degree as an undergraduate and take as many astronomy or astrophysics courses as you can. There are no astrophysics B.S. degrees and your only other option is astronomy as a B.S. A physics degree is more general and will offer you more opportunities for careers after you graduate. If you decide that your path is to get a graduate degree in astronomy or astrophysics, a B.S. in physics is perfectly fine as a starting point.</p>

3

<p>Thank you, xraymancs. I see your point. Does anyone else have an opinion?</p>

<p>And pardon my ignorance, but cam someone explain the difference between an M.S in astrophysics and an M.S. in astronomy? Thank you!</p>

4

<p>There exist undergraduate majors in astrophysics:
[General</a> Catalog - Astronomy](<a href=“http://general-catalog.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=ASTRON]General”>http://general-catalog.berkeley.edu/catalog/gcc_view_req?p_dept_cd=ASTRON)
[Undergraduate</a> Goals, Berkeley Astronomy Department](<a href=“http://astro.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate/goals.html]Undergraduate”>http://astro.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate/goals.html)
Note that double majoring with physics, or at least taking several advanced physics courses, is encouraged for those intending astrophysics graduate work.</p>

<p>However, majoring in physics with astronomy electives as available should be just fine for the same purpose.</p>

5

<p>@ucbalumnus thanks for correcting me.</p>

6

<p>If you’re interested in astronomy or astrophysics as a career, you’re almost certainly going to have to go to grad school. I’ve heard over and over again that astronomy graduate students with weak physics backgrounds are the ones who struggle most in grad school. If you do choose to major in astronomy, make sure your knowledge of physics is solid.</p>