<p>I am going to be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I (for-sure) plan on majoring in astrophysics as it is my foremost passion. I also happen to have a liking for the computer related fields and having those skills makes myself more marketable for jobs. I plan on adding computer science or computer engineering (or something similar if anyone has better ideas) to make a double major. Can anyone advise as to which might be better between the two computer fields or if there is a better field to accompany astrophysics. Also, if there are any people out there with astrophysics degrees/majors, what applications are there of the computer sciences/engineering in that field?</p>
<p>What are your plans for after the B.S.? Double majors generally are not terribly useful if you plan to go to graduate school. it is far more important to take electives in your major of choice and at most a minor in another discipline. Graduate programs want to see applicants who have focus and research experience. A second major is just not a good reason to spend an extra year in college. if, however, you can do both in 4 years, there might be a justification for it as you might not want to start a graduate program only 3 years after starting college.</p>
<p>As for which program goes best with astrophysics, then I would suggest applied mathematics or computer science rather than computer engineering. A practicing astrophysicist will undoubtedly do a lot of programming and computer engineering is more focused toward computer hardware.</p>
<p>Dude, that major will kill you lol. That said, I think computer science would be more relevant to your wanted career.</p>