I am an incoming freshman and currently I plan to study physics but I recently have been having second thoughts concerning the marketability of the major. So I was considering changing my major to Computer Science, Minoring in CS, or (given I have the time and money) double majoring in Physics and CS. If I am concerned about securing a job, is majoring in engineering a better idea? I genuinely love math and physics and ideally, I would like to participate in some capacity of research (materials science is interesting to me right now), but I am open to other career paths (I don’t want to be naive.) What is going to best prepare me for a career in research? Will a background in CS be generally useful in every field of research? What should I expect seeking a job in science? How can my time as an undergraduate best be spent to prepare myself for graduate school? What are other fields I can work in with a degree in physics? What are the odds I will actually be able to participate in research in any field given the competition? And should I even try having a career in science or should I try to work in another field? All opinions and advice welcome.
Getting a minor or taking a number of CS classes fits fine with a Physics or Math major. Just about any research area is going to need programming skills so having those skills will only enhance your profile. If you eventually decide you just want to work and make money then if you can code you can get a job as a Software Developer or whatever the organization wants to call a coder.
My D is/was a perspective Neuro major and had planned a CS certificate but now might decide on Astrophysics and will still get the CS certificate. The Astrophysics Dept is small and they list the outcomes of most of the recent grads and while many went to Grad school I noticed quite a few are working as Software Developers.
First of all, what major is most appealing to you. With any of the majors you list, you will be able to find a good job at the BS level. The notion that physics majors cannot find work is a bit ridiculous. The American Institute of Physics has job statistics available for physics majors, which you should consult (https://www.aip.org/statistics). Most physics curricula nowadays include significant scientific computation courses but taking some extra CS courses is a good thing as well as getting some experience with 3D CAD software and design. If you look at the statistics from the AIP, you will see that with a BS, you generally will not be in an R&D job in physics. For that you need at least an MS or a PhD and then the job opportunities are even better for a physicist.
You also mention graduate school. If you want to go to graduate school in physics, then you really should get a BS in Physics and get involved in research. Taking additional courses are useful too but it is probably better to focus your electives on physics courses to be as prepared as possible. With a PhD in physics, you will have a broad range of possible careers in R&D as well as other jobs in industry. An experimental physicist has to have some practical experience in designing and making equipment which can easily translate into an engineering career. Similarly, you will certainly have to do some programming which can give you the practical experience necessary to work in the financial or software industry.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the input!