Anthropology vs. Physics

<p>Hello! I'm a freshman undergrad currently trying to figure out what I want to major in so that I can start taking degree-specific classes next semester. I'm quickly running out of general education classes! I've been talking to my friends and family about this, but I figured I'd see if anyone here had a different perspective that might be helpful to me. </p>

<p>Here's what I'm considering:</p>

<p>Anthropology - This is the major I've been leaning toward for a while. I love that it's an incredibly broad field and I could study so many different things within it. Culture, ancient history, language, and evolution all interest me. I've taken several anthro courses and, while I enjoyed them and found them interesting, I haven't felt challenged in them. I feel like the scientific, analytical side of my mind in being neglected in my current humanities-heavy course load... and I'm afraid they're starting to bore me. Lately I've found myself avoiding doing my anthropology homework and doing independent study for my astronomy class instead because I find it so much more exciting.</p>

<p>Physics - I've always found the universe beautiful and fascinating. I enjoy reading books and watching programs about how the universe works in my free time, but I don't always understand it as much as I would like to because I never took physics or higher level maths. I've avoided them because math was never my greatest strength. I'm fairly good at it, it's just not what I'm best at. On the other hand, it's the only thing that's ever really challenged me and part of me wants to try to improve at it and master it. </p>

<p>Outliers - Whenever I talk to family and friends about my search for a major they almost always mention English or art. While I love reading, writing, and drawing as hobbies, I have no wish to pursue a degree or career in them (it would be so much easier if I did!). I was planning on doing a minor in art history if I major in anthropology. I took an art history course last semester and absolutely adored it, so I've been tentatively entertaining the idea of doing my major in it instead of a minor. Except then I'll have even fewer science classes than I would with anthropology... Classics is also in consideration for a minor to anthropology. If I go for physics I'll minor in astronomy. I would major in astronomy, but 1) my university doesn't offer it as a major and 2) I realise I'd be better off with a broader degree in physics anyway.</p>

<p>I would be a little behind if I decided to do physics, but not by too much. I could easily take a summer class or two to get back on track to a BS instead of a BA. Another consideration is that I have to maintain a 3.5 GPA in order to keep my scholarship. I really don't want to base my decision on the fact that anthropology is easier, but I do need that scholarship. I also have no idea what I want to do as a career. The only idea I've had so far is museum/archive work. I'm planning on definitely going to graduate school, but I'm not sure at this point if I want to go as far as a PhD.</p>

<p>Any input would be appreciated! Thanks.</p>

<p>Even tho many have cataloging envy, most end up dreading it. Dont bother with art history if going to do anthro. Minor in gis with strong bio instead.
I love anthro but if more modern thinking then physics with astro, optics or technology is cooler.</p>

<p>Sent from my LG-VM701 using CC</p>

<p>From your post, it sounds more or less like you have already moved away from anthro and into physics since you no longer enjoy the anthro. I would suggest that, if you still wish to try out anthro but feel it is not challenging you enough, perhaps look into anthropological theory related to the topics you study in class; there is FAR more to anthropology than simple descriptions of cultures. One of the things that makes many sciences challenging, besides the ridiculous amount of memorization, is the theoretical/conceptual ideas one needs to understand. In most intro anthro courses, theory is glossed over and presented more on a term-definition basis, rather then exploring the concepts truly involved in it. You may find things more interesting if you explore the theory side. If you still do not find it interesting, then I would say to go with physics, but beware that physics is very heavy on the math and is certainly a very challenging field! Sadly, intro courses in math and physics belie the theoretical sophistication required for higher level studies, and most undergraduate anthro courses(not just the intro ones) do the same.</p>