<p>I know it varies from University to University, but the one I contacted won't get me the information for a bit of time because the person who could answer the inquiry won't be back until tommorow and was gone for 10 days already.</p>
<p>My question is, would there likely be enough course overlap to be able to triple major in physics, astronomy and mathematics?</p>
<p>My college would not allow you to major in both physics and astronomy because there is too much overlap. You would be welcome to take 6 astronomy classes in addition to your physics major, but that would not give you an astronomy double major here. </p>
<p>The only overlap between math and physics at my college is calculus and linear algebra. Beyond that, the physics department offers its own “math methods” courses which do not count towards a math major, and upper-level math courses would not count towards physics either.</p>
<p>I just counted and the “triple” major would require 29 courses at my college. Add 9 courses for gen ed requirements and you are at a total of 38 courses. My college requires 32 courses for graduation. Doable, but it would require a course overload in most semesters, which might be tricky when you are taking lab classes. It also assumes that you would not run into scheduling issues. Chances are some of the classes you would have to take would meet at the same time, and you might not have the time to postpone a class for a year because your schedule would be so tight.</p>
<p>Why in the Hell would they not give you a double major if you’re equally capable going to grad school to be an astrophyicist or particle physicist?</p>
<p>Anyhow, I contacted the college I’m probably going to attend and am figuring it out. I’ll probably take the math part out, but keep the physics and astronomy.</p>
<p>Glad you got the answers you were looking for.</p>
<p>My college would not give you a double major because there is too much overlap. We have a policy that no more than two courses may double-count towards two different programs. Since physics and astronomy overlap in 8 courses, you would have to take 6 extra math and physics courses on top of the required courses for each major to get the double-major. If there was no cap, you could take 6 astronomy courses on top of the physics major and have a triple-major in physics, astrophysics and astronomy. </p>
<p>Here’s another example: a major in international relations requires 6 language courses, along with ~10 courses in economics and political science. If there was no cap on the number of courses that could double-count, an international relations major could declare three minors (a language, polisci and econ) without additional coursework. That’s not exactly what the university has in mind when they encourage students to complete a minor.</p>
<p>@ Physics.
I totally agree with you. But colleges consider that Physic is the toughest major around. Its very good to double major…as I am trying. You can try Earlham though they have a major “Physics and Astronomy”. I’m interested in it. So I have applied there.
Particle Physicist is a great career, and am also looking forward to it. Glad to find someone interested in Physics!</p>
<p>All the best.</p>
<p>To b@r!um:</p>
<p>If the school I go to has a degree program labeled astrophysics that comprises astronomy, physics and astrophysics adequately enough to prepare me for grad school in physics, astrophysics or astronomy, I’d take it.</p>
<p>You know that you can go to graduate school in fields other than your major? There’s a difference between “being prepared for graduate programs in a field” and “having a major in that field”. I could go to graduate school in computer science if I wanted to, but I do not even have a CS minor let alone a major on my transcript. </p>
<p>Many ambitious high school students are planning to double-major and triple-minor in something in college. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just keep an open mind that things may not work out that way. It might help to know that you don’t need an astronomy double-major to study astrophysics or astronomy in graduate school. A couple of astronomy and astrophysics courses might help, but it does not have to be a complete major.</p>
<p>Well, I just WANT to know it all. I also want to get credit for learning it all when I do. That’s the bottom line essentially.</p>
<p>College is a little harder than high school. Keep that in mind. I’d first see if you can handle one of those majors before adding more onto your plate.</p>
<p>College is MUCH harder than high school in regards to physics, astronomy, and astrophysics. Try it out before you jump into anything to ensure that it’s what you want to do.</p>
<p>I have a few questions though. I want to go to graduate school to pursue a masters in astrophysics and I’m majoring in astronomy. What kind of courses outside of the requirements for astronomy should I take to better prepare me for this path?</p>
<p>I realize that astrophysics is a subfield of astronomy, so would it be necessary to double major in physics/astronomy?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>