<p>As the title says I'll be heading to college, in about two weeks in fact. I will be majoring in physics and, eventually, I will focus on Astronomy.</p>
<p>I'm trying to figure out whether I should go the theoretical or experimental route. I'm really interested in the theoretical side so I'm kind of leaning more towards that. I'm not quite as into building the tech and testing it out, although that would still be pretty killer. I'm just more into the idea of building computer models and theorizing in general. </p>
<p>The big question I have though is what's the most viable for a career? I understand physics in general is a hard field to get into but I just want to know which would be easier to get into? Is the competition not quite as fierce in one field compared to another? I'm going to be going for PhD if that changes anything, which I kinda doubt. I figure I may as well mention it.</p>
<p>I know some people will probably say to follow what you have a passion for which is definitely theoretical astrophysics, I have had an interest in it since I was about 12 but if I can actually make a living off of experimental compared to theoretical then I'de rather do that. I figure I would rather live comfortably doing something I'm just not quite as interested in. I mean, as I said experimental physics would still be really cool, it just wouldn't be my first pick.</p>
<p>TL;DR version -
What are the exact differences between experimental astrophysics and theoretical astrophysics? Also is one much easier to get a job in than the other? If they're not that much different than I'm definitely going to go for theoretical over experimental. I don't want anything about go for the one you have a passion for, I'm looking for facts.</p>
<p>You won’t have to decide immediately. If I were you I would spend my freshman year (and summer after it) exploring both paths. Discuss with your professors, try to get a flavor for both via research options through your university if possible. Talk to them about where students on both paths have gone post-undergrad.</p>
<p>Physics major degree programs include a large core of physics and math courses covering both theoretical and experimental areas. You won’t really have to decide your emphasis until relatively late (probably senior year) when you take some in-major electives and start considering which physics PhD programs to apply to. You will have plenty of time to talk to faculty (and grad students if applicable), take physics courses, and do undergraduate research before deciding.</p>
<p>As far as getting a job goes, note that many physics graduates at the bachelor’s and PhD level end up working in non-physics jobs. However, their strong math and analytical skills often get them into better jobs (like in computers or finance) than biology and chemistry graduates.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks for the help Intparent and Ucbalumnus.</p>
<p>I get kind of anxious and want to plan stuff ahead but hearing from people that it would be best to take my time and talk to faculty and such is really comforting to hear.</p>
<p>Also @Ucbalumnus I do understand that most physics majors don’t end up working in physics related jobs, but that is kind of the goal is it not? It is for me at least.</p>
<p>The curriculum of most undergraduate physics programs all over the U.S. is nearly identical. It is a broad, general curriculum and does not really direct you toward theory or experiment. Even in undergraduate research it is a good idea to try a wide variety of projects to get a good perspective. A good theoretician needs to know enough about experiment to come up with computations which yield a result which is experimentally verifiable.</p>
<p>You won’t really begin to specialize until you are in graduate school and then maybe not until your second year, when your coursework is complete.</p>
<p>As a physics undergrad, you aren’t really going to have different paths to choose from. Whether you go into experimental physics or theoretical physics, you will still be taking the same basic core classes. Introductory/University Physics alongside the calculus sequence and differential equations and linear algebra as your lower level courses. In the upper level you’ll take more advanced courses in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum, as well as courses in thermodynamics and relativity at many schools. There is always going to be a little bit of room for a few electives that are geared more toward ones personal preference, but the core curriculum is virtually standard across the country. There aren’t different versions of these classes for theorists vs. experimentalists. </p>