<p>Physics is a pretty common half of a double-major, since the degree only requires seven classes outside the GIRs (General Institute Requirements). Major requirements for physics are [url=<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.ch8b.shtml]here[/url”>http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.ch8b.shtml]here[/url</a>].</p>
<p>Ironically, philosophy looks a little more logistically challenging to complete: degree requirements [url=<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.human.ch24a.shtml]here[/url”>http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.human.ch24a.shtml]here[/url</a>] indicate that six subjects must be taken from the lists given, plus five additional subjects that must form a “coherent unit”. (I really don’t know what that means, or what some examples of “coherent units” would be. My guess is that they’re not too picky about the classes being strictly coherent.)</p>
<p>So that major combination, 8-B (physics) and 24-1 (philosophy) is definitely feasible. The question is whether you want to do 8-B with a minor in astronomy (requirements [url=<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.physi.shtml#under]here[/url”>http://web.mit.edu/catalogue/degre.scien.physi.shtml#under]here[/url</a>] under “minor programs”), or just get the degree in physics and take your electives in astrophysics without getting a specific notation on your degree. Although I do think the physics/philosophy/minor in astronomy combo would still be possible, doing a double-major/minor starts to put you in a situation where you’re a slave to departmental schedules (if they don’t offer X class during a particular semester, you might not be able to complete the program). </p>
<p>So I would vote for the double in physics and philosophy (with your electives in physics being astrophysics electives), but not for the minor in astronomy.</p>