<p>I am a sophomore at Cal right now. I have realized as of late that I could easily pull off a double major: physics and a related subject. </p>
<p>That being said, I am not sure if it is CS, Math, or Astronomy that I should have as a double major in relation to my interests. I am definitely most interested in theoretical physics, and I hope to be able to do some research in this area while at grad school. However, I am still undecided in what aspect of physics I want to concentrate on (particle, astro, high energy, plasma, etc). I do hear that theory-based physics is very math heavy, but I also hear that programming is becoming more and more prevalent in physical simulations. Currently I am involved in astronomy research, and its very interesting and engaging. It pulls me towards astrophysics ever so slightly.</p>
<p>Maybe someone can try to argue for each of these majors paired up with a physics major and a thirst for theory?</p>
<p>Math is beginning to incorporate a great deal of CS applications, so this may be something you would like to consider…particularly as you may have opportunities to delve more into this area (CS) in a math major, while also getting more of the theory that you’ll want for theoretical physics.</p>
<p>Just a thought. You can always specialize in astrophysics in grad school, especially with a double major of math/phyiscs!</p>
<p>Personally I decided to do Physics and Mathematics, but I think if I did it again I would do Physics and Computer Science, but I am more interested in Physics application. I don’t regret Physics and Math at all, mathematics will really help with graduate school applications I think, but I believe Computer science is more useful in general because of the prevalence of programming in all of the sciences.</p>
<p>I would say that math is most relevant to a research career in theoretical physics; however, CS would offer you more opportunities in the job market if you change your mind.</p>
<p>Is it actually true that there are more job opportunities for CS majors than for Math majors? I have recently been lead to believe that there are a good amount of positions in IBanking for Math grads from top universities.</p>
<p>I’ll agree with noimagination here: if you’re sure you want to go into theoretical physics, math is more useful (you can easily pick up the programming you need to know with a few classes), but if you think you might end up working after getting a Bachelors, CS is a better degree to have.</p>
<p>Hmph. Yeah I think I am definitely looking more towards the Math major. But if there is anyone out there that wants to support some astronomy or CS, don’t be afraid to speak up!</p>
<p>If you are more interested in theoretical physics then any extra math you can get in your undergraduate degree will be invaluable. If you were thinking more experimentalist or possibly moving more towards an engineering type discipline, I would say comp sci. but with a few extra math courses if you can possibly fit them.</p>
<p>Well, it’s strange. My physics professor I had this past spring double majored in Math and Physics, but he ended up getting a PhD in Astronomy at UCLA. So, I would not say it’d be too difficult to get into an Astronomy program if you’re still interested in that. </p>
<p>To me, the pairing of a Physics and CS major doesn’t make much sense. I think most people in their line of work would not really use any of their knowledge of physics if they go straight into the workforce after graduation. It’d just be CS. </p>
<p>So, I’m going to assume you want to go to graduate school and if you’re bent on theoretical physics, add a math major. If you are more interested in the application, then I would specifically add an “Applied Math” major.</p>
<p>If it was a question of which second major to add to Physics that would provide the most enjoyment and satisfaction of intellectual curiosity there is no question my choice would be Astronomy. Unfortunately, an Astronomy degree would be the one least likely to increase your employability.</p>
<p>If one is majoring in physics with the intentions of going to graduate school, then I would think that the best approach would be to think in terms of individual elective courses that provide the most benefit rather than adding another major (or minor for that matter). There will be some math courses that are not required in the physics program that will be of great use later on. If a minor comes out of taking a few extra math courses then that is just an extra benefit. Also, it is worth remembering that during your undergraduate studies/research you may find that the area of research you most enjoy could be supplemented by classes in other scientific fields like chemistry and biology. Leaving some room in your schedule to account for these realizations will also be invaluable. At least this has been my experience as a physics major.</p>
<p>I think if you are just dead set on double majoring, then Math is the way to go. It will probably not be the most enjoyable of all options, but it will be by far more useful in your future education. After I really thought about it, I retract my previous post that recommended CS for any situation. The only reasons I would do the CS double major is if I was sure my future was moving directly towards industry after undergrad or if my research interests were more lined up towards CS.</p>