Double major in math/physics + minor in political science -- viable?

Student Lounge College Life
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Hi all,

I am currently a sophomore in high school and am extremely interested in mathematics and science. I am currently enrolled in Calculus 1, but plan on completing Multivariable or even Linear Algebra/Differential Equations before I graduate high school at a local community college. As for physics, while I do not enjoy Newtonian physics I am extremely interested in quantum mechanics, string theory, particle physics, and really just theoretical physics in general. After undergrad, I would probably pursue a graduate degree in either theoretical physics or mathematics (most likely complex analysis or topology).

In addition, I love political science/political theory. I have already read works by Locke, Marx, as well as many other philosophers. I also have written about these theories in various political journals/websites.

Because of these interests, I have thought about double majoring in math and physics with a minor in political science. Is this viable at high-caliber universities, or even at all possible? If so, what are the best universities to pursue this path in? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you!

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This is certainly possiable. It is also possiable to complete such a program in four years with good planning. My DD will be double majoring at UCF in MechE and Bio Medical sciences with minor. She has worked out a four tear plan. It worked because coming in she has 30 to 40 hours of hugh school dual enrollment credit.

  1. Public schools are much more accomidating for high school college credit. My suggestion would be to look at publics that meet your budget thresholds for your expected family contribution. Alternatively some privates make a point to advertise how easy it is to double major (I have less experience).

  2. check out the transfer credit policy and AP policies. If it is an easy school to transfer credit they will usually have some classes pre evaluated on a list. AP requirements and credit vary wildly.

  3. Make sure the Minor matched what you are looking for. Requirements for minor very greatly. Music minors for schools evaluated were 12 to 28 credits. Some schools it wasnt offered.

  4. run your likly schedule. All schools publish course tracks where you can get a list of required classes for each major. Put these into excel and plot your four years given your likely credits coming in looking for overlap.

  5. dont forget school is more then classes. Even with all these classes you’ll want summers and/or a summester for an internship or research.

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My S double majored in physics and math with a minor in philosophy. It is definitely do able if you schedule yourself right. But beware that part of college is exploring new areas. In many ways I wish my S had had time to take classes in Econ, politics sci, English etc too

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  1. Physics/math double major: at many colleges you pretty much get a math minor as part of a physics major; bumping it to a double major doesn’t necessarily take that much extra- but obviously it is a heavy course load. Look at the specifics for the colleges that you are interested in.

  2. Minors: one of the things about minors that students often don’t realize is how rarely they matter to anybody bur the student- and how much you might give up to get it. As you say your purpose is the love of the material, imo you are better off structuring your double major (which will be intense), and then cherry pick specific classes that are interesting to you, rather than having to take set classes to meet an artificial designation. Given your reading list so far, I would expect you to find really interesting classes in the philosophy / english / history / econ departments, as well as polisci. You also want to leave room for that random class that has the amazing don’t-miss professor.

  3. Grad schools: start looking for summer internships in the autumn of your first year (deadlines are often as early as Dec / Jan. Start in the math & physics departments at your college, and the REU and (on the math side) NSA websites.