Hello Everyone,
I’m in that situation where I need to make an important decision that can help me guide me through a wonderful journey to my dream grad school UAF. I just got back from UAlbany for spring break and home with my parents. This past month my friend suggested I should do chemistry and math as a double major. I’ve been considering it because when I go to grad school I want to study environmental chemistry along with math. I love math and it’s my passion too along with chemistry. I’ve been thinking of doing a double major so I can apply to both grad programs in the near future. My question is, Do I need to major in math to go to grad school? I’m currently doing a minor in math right now. What should I do? Is there a thing in grad school where you can minor? Or is that only for undergrad? I have two options
Option 1:
One Major: Chemistry with two minors: Math and economics (The only reason I added economics is because I’m not sure I will have enough credits to reach 12 once I complete the math minor in Fall 2019 since I will be at UAlbany for three years).
Option 2:
Two Majors: Chemistry and Math. I need to know if this option will be a good idea. I really also want to take math classes in grad school too while I’m doing my Chem masters.
If a minor in grad school is not a thing, then I would stick with option 1. If I need a math degree to pursue or take math classes then I would option 2.
If you need anything to take more credits, I’d suggest taking them in biostatistics as well as math.
Also, didn’t you struggle through Calculus 1&2? Or is there beyond you? What math classes at you taking?
Nope, actually did well in calculus 2. I only had to fail calc 1 once then retook it and got a better grade. I’m in calculus 3 right now. My college doesn’t offer Biostatistics.
Minors in grad school exist, but they are not common. It doesn’t look like UAF offers them, but they do have an interdisciplinary option, which would allow you to bridge Environmental chemistry with math by having two research advisors. http://www.uaf.edu/gradsch/classes/interdisciplinary-program/
The UAF chemistry website is very detailed laying out its admissions requirements. Also, the department is quite small, so in these places, it helps a lot to email professors you’re interested in working with before you apply. Let them know you’re interested in their work and potentially working in their lab. Read their recent papers, page through their websites and figure out what you’re interested in. If you get in contact with professors before applying, they can help you get admitted if they want you working in their lab.
Taking math courses in grad school (or any non-chemistry courses) will depend on your advisor. They pay your tution waiver and stipend, so if the course will help you with your research, then it’s easier to convince them to let you take it. Otherwise, any time you spend taking extra courses is time you’re not working on research. Some advisors are very learning-focused and will encourage expanding your knowledge by taking classes, others would rather you learn by working on your research project.
Some chemistry disciplines have a lot of math involved. It should be very feasible to find a research project that satisfies your love of math.
@geraniol thank you so much! I will look at the interdisciplinary option. I want to do environmental chemistry along with math. I believe math can benefit me in a lot of things. Because my long-term goal is to do a Ph.D. in meteorology.
If your goal is to do a PhD in meteorology then you can aim straight for that from undergrad. Most school have direct admission to PhD, and if not they will have MSc with option to advance to PhD if you pass the candidacy exam. And since meteorology isn’t a common undergrad degree, it’s possible that you will have the right prereqs and be competitive for meterology programs.
I can do that, but I would want to have some background on what research I want to do.