Double..or Triple major at Cornell Arts and Sciences

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

I wanted to know whether it is possible to double major in Physics and Mathematics in CAS. Is it doable? Is it really challenging for a student who has deep passion and high competence in both?

Also, if one does a double major in say Math and Physics from Cornell, will it look good on my resume? Will it look good while applying to graduate schools provided a still maintain a high GPA while double majoring?

What are the possible pros and cons in doing a double major in CAS in math and physics?

This may seem hypothetical or INSANE, but just out of curiosity, is it possible to triple major in CAS in math, physics and astronomy? Is it looked down upon by people or is it respected? Ans also is it really really really… hard to do a triple major in math, physics and astronomy in Cornell Arts and Sciences? X_X

2

I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself. When you apply, you can list multiple interests, and you don’t need to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. Take the introductory required classes in both when you first get to Cornell and see if you like them. You can always decide against double majoring later on, or you can major in one and minor in another, or you might end up finding a different major that you like. The best part about Arts & Sciences is that it gives you a lot of opportunities to explore different fields.

As for whether it’s doable, yeah I would say so, although I don’t know much about either major specifically. My guess is that they’ll have some overlapping courses, and according to the physics department, overlapping courses can count towards your physics major as long as you concentrate within physics.

While I know people who triple major at Cornell, I don’t know how plausible those three would be (although there could be some overlap). I would recommend against it/maybe pursuing a minor in one. Within the astronomy department, you can concentrate in astrophysics, so that might be another option altogether. Basically there are a ton of combinations and options you can choose from, but I would advise against making a rigid plan beforehand because I can almost guarantee you’ll change your mind about something once you get here. I changed my mind about 5,000 times and ended up minoring in a department I didn’t even know existed before I came here.

3

Is it doable?
-If you’re willing to work hard for it then yes, it’s doable.

Is it really challenging for a student who has deep passion and high competence in both?
-College is meant to be challenging, so I wouldn’t think this would be an exception. That being said, if you have an interest in both these subjects you’ll find the challenge enjoyable and rewarding.

Also, if one does a double major in say Math and Physics from Cornell, will it look good on my resume?
-Most likely, although it’s just one part of your resume. Internships, COOPs, work experience, etc. can help enhance a resume as well.

Will it look good while applying to graduate schools provided a still maintain a high GPA while double majoring?
-Yes, although I think most graduate schools expect for your GPA to be high.

What are the possible pros and cons in doing a double major in CAS in math and physics?
-Pros are rather obvious. You get two majors, and a lot of job opportunities and career fields open up. The only cons may be the enhanced workload.

This may seem hypothetical or INSANE, but just out of curiosity, is it possible to triple major in CAS in math, physics and astronomy?
-Why would you do this ;-; I don’t think any advisor would recommend you do this. Even if it’s allowed, double majoring requires you to carefully select your courses so that you can graduate on time. Sliding in an additional major on top of all that gives you a whole new slew of courses to take. You’d need a ton of AP credit (honestly, 2 semesters worth probably) to graduate by the skin of your teeth at the end of 4 years.

Is it looked down upon by people or is it respected?
-No one really looks down on anyone here. Every major is respected. If you enjoy it that’s all that matters.

Ans also is it really really really… hard to do a triple major in math, physics and astronomy in Cornell Arts and Sciences?
-I think it would be really really really hard to do anywhere.

4

My older kid double majored in Math and Econ and minored in Gender Studies. It wasn’t that difficult because some classes fulfilled both math and econ requirements, and her gender studies courses fulfilled humanities requirements for A&S. I would imagine many courses can be counted for both math and physics.

5

My daughter’s graduate student TA made a comment that one of the reasons Cornell undergrad students are stressed because a lot of them are doing double major with a minor and then double or triple concentration on their major. My daughter (Junior) is not double majoring but she has a STEM major (with triple concentration, I know) and then a Business minor. She has a lot of AP credits though, but still most semesters, she has 5 or 6 classes.

6

Both of my kids never took more than 5 classes a semester, but most of the time only 4 classes.

7

Would not recommend a triple major. A&S is known for having some of the most rigorous core requirements, so a double major is more than enough courses.

You also may want to consider if you want to study abroad - many classes are only offered certain semesters, so you have to be diligent about the timing to meet all the requirements AND study abroad. I know people who did it with 2 majors, but they had to take 5-6 classes per semester to do so.

8

For study abroad, depending on your major, core requirements and required courses are needed to be taken at Cornell.

9

I was a physics major and math would have been the easiest (so to speak) double major for me, as there was a lot of crossover. I ended up one math class shy (abstract algebra, one that didn’t fit with my major). Astronomy, maybe not so much.