Double Major

<p>Is it possible to have two majors at the Academy? mainly Math and Chemistry together?</p>

<p>Possible, but very difficult. Usually when it does happen, there are courses that overlap. Math and Chem would be very, very hard to pull off.</p>

<p>Thanks! I’m really torn between the two cuz I want to study and love them both equally so thanks for the info!</p>

<p>Wait until you get here to decide. I would say the three most hated academic departments are math, physics, and chem.</p>

<p>As a graduated chemistry major, you could only pull off a double major with math if you are:
truly brilliant and a gifted academic/athlete (like truly exceptional, nearly superhuman)
100% dedicated to the majors which will likely mean the sacrifice of any social life or hobbies
ready to be tortured by two brutal departments.</p>

<p>While I’ll let you decide for yourself, I would not encourage attempting the double of chemistry and math. Physics and Math is completely achievable and quite common, but never heard of a chem/math double major in my time. </p>

<p>As another caveat, not meant to be an ego booster at all, but my squadron-mate and friend was the top math major in 2010 while I was the top chem major in 2010. Knowing the many nights we each lost to our respective majors, I cannot see it being remotely practical to do both together at USAFA.</p>

<p>Thanks! one question if you could do really well on the placement exams could I place out of some of the requirements making it easier?</p>

<p>You could potentially validate two required calculus classes and two required chemistry classes. To pull off that double, you would almost have to eliminate those courses from your schedule.</p>

<p>Things have changed. Whereas I could validate out of two chem classes, only one is allowed now. Even with all the validation (I validated 27 hours), still no way I would have been able to double major had I wanted to! That’s including 12 hours from validating calc 1 + 2 and the first two chem classes (only one allowed now). Like I said, unless you are truly astonishing, its a very very long shot IMO.</p>

<p>There is a math/chemistry major in my class, he is very smart</p>

<p>Holy crap, who is it? Insane. Then again, hasn’t hit orgo yet. </p>

<p>I might also caveat, Biochemistry has more classes that will require large time investments. Mat Sci has a bit less and straight chem much less. Still don’t feel its feasible unless you’re brilliant though (go for it if you can!)</p>

<p>Thanks yeah I wanted to just do straight chem so I’ll see if I get in then go from there THanks!</p>

<p>It does seem like getting the nomination and appointment might be a better goal for now! :)</p>

<p>One other thing to consider: you MUST be done with your academics in four years. It’s not like going to Flagship U where lots of students take five or more years go get through, especially if they have “difficult” majors.</p>

<p>I have two Physics-major cadets and they don’t have a lot of extra time and I don’t think either would consider adding even a math double major, though I believe both have minors (one in Portuguese; don’t remember the other).</p>

<p>Perhaps you might consider taking a minor in Math (or vice versa), if you really just can’t get enough.</p>

<p>You can’t actually minor in math. The only available minors are foreign languages and philosophy.</p>

<p>Thanks for the info!</p>