<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm a current physics major too much in love with my field of study to change it. I am on the professional physics route geared towards attending graduate school for engineering physics. I was required to take a course in computer programming and I've done so well and truly had a blast learning it. I am considering taking comp sci II even though it wouldn't count towards my major. It would, however, count towards a minor in computer science. I am looking for opinions on whether or not you think minoring in Computer Science would be of any benefit to me in the working world. Or if I would simply be spending money on 13 extra credit hours for a minor I enjoy but gives me no greater edge. </p>
<p>I'd like to hear responses for that theory and also an opinion on the same scenario with the addition of becoming certified in two languages (thinking java and C++/# right now). Would the minor be redundant if I became certified or would it stack?</p>
<p>I understand that the skills computer programming would teach me will benefit me in my field either way, essentially. I am trying to weigh opportunity cost of my time and finances against potential employers with said credentials. </p>
<p>Thank you all so much for your time!</p>
<p>Hillary G. </p>
<p>Computer programming is a very important aspect of a great deal of physics and engineering. Having programming experience is going to make you a lot more appealing to future employers. A lot of physics and engineering today is done on computers. Especially given that it’s something you enjoy doing, I think it would absolutely be worth it. </p>
<p>A CS minor is a very good match for a physics major. You might also find some computational physics courses in your program. At my university, Illinois Tech, we have two required computational physics courses beyond the beginning CS course that all students take.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you for such bright responses! I am looking into minoring in CS now. Out of curiosity, if I were to go the medical physics route would it have the same impact? </p>
<p>Thanks again,</p>
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<li>H</li>
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<p>This may change the weight of the impact as well - I plan on attending grad school. I am no sure yet if it’s medical physics I want to pursue or engineering physics. </p>
<p>I appreciate any advice given!</p>
<p>A general physics degree for undergraduate should suffice for any type of physics subfield you choose in grad school. Are you leaning towards a PhD or a master’s at this point? In either case, specialization in certain physics fields usually waits until grad school - undergraduate physics programs will give you a great physics foundation that will let you go whichever way you choose later on.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>For medical physics, you should take some general biology courses as well, particularly one that discusses human biology. If your university has some radiation physics courses, then it might also be valuable to take those. CS is probably not as important for Medical Physics.</p>