<p>I'm considering double major in physics and mathematics, or double major in physics and aerospace engineering and minor in mathematics, i want to be a physicist and eventually a professor maybe, i'm considering transferring to MIT, Princeton Chicago state, UCLA, Columbus, Virgina tech, Texas state or NC state, in the end i want to go to Oxford for my PHD is i get in. But i would like to know the Pros and Cons of doing a double major in Physics and Mathematics, the course load is not might biggest concern i sure i can handle it, i mostly would like to know what it like to major in both. </p>
<p>Physics + maths is usually no big deal- physics majors take so much math that it is often just a couple of extra classes to turn it into part of the major. Engineering + physics is harder, not least b/c both are lab heavy. The concepts overlap a lot, but the sheer volume of work is another thing. And, engineering & physics tend to be separate schools within a university, so coordinating is not always easy. Not to mention that the buildings may be far apart (sound silly to say that? just wait til winter…). There is such a thing as engineering physics as well.</p>
<p>Are you at university now, or applying? If you are applying, don’t tie yourself up in knots trying to make a plan just yet- get to college and see. A lot of swapping goes on, especially in the first year. I know a very happy math major who came to college fully intended to major in chemistry. And one of my Ds is a physics/astronomy double major with a minor in math. It wasn’t her original plan, but as you got into the courses she realized that it was only a couple of extra courses, and they seemed like interesting ones (to her, anyway!). </p>
<p>It is certainly possible but there is likely limited utility in doing a mathematics degree if your intention is to go to graduate school in physics. You will get the mathematics you need in a physics program and it is never worth it to take an extra year to complete the second degree. The same goes double for engineering. You are probably going to have to take an extra year because the requirements are significantly different.</p>
<p>If you want to go to graduate school in physics and you have extra room in your schedule, then take some physics graduate courses. These will be the best preparation for a graduate program. Many of our physics majors at Illinois Tech have had great success in doing this and then going to selective graduate programs. Don’t forget to get as much research experience as possible as well. Taking extra courses is never as valuable as serious research experience.</p>
<p>Im in my first year o college, I took 2 years off from high school to work, and I am at community college right now getting some college credits before I transfer to a university </p>
<p>Then focus on taking Calculus 1-3 and Differential Equations and as much university physics as your CC has available. You will likely have Mechanics, E&M and Thermo/Optics available. If you can take a modern Physics course too, you will be in a good position when you transfer to a 4-year college.</p>