Hypothetical

Colleges & Universities University of Chicago
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<p>So I’ve recently hit on a mid-youth crisis of sorts, in that I seriously have little to no idea what I’m going to pursue career-wise in the future–even at Chicago, where it seems theory overrides practice (whoohoo!). Anyway, the parentals have been [strongly] suggesting Econ as a major, which I suppose I wouldn’t mind and have nothing against, especially considering Chicago’s clout in the field. </p>

<p>On the other hand, I’d also really love to continue studying (theoretical) physics here. So here’s the question: How “do-able” would a double major (or a major/minor, respectively) in Economics and Physics be at Chicago, with respect to the Core, courseload, etc? Is it relatively uncommon, given that the more popular pairing seems to be econ/math?</p>

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<p>You are not yet at U of C, right? If you are sure to attend, I think you will find that this will sort itself out naturally. Double majoring is tough to do and limits you to getting through the core and courses you need for the majors. Not much time to explore courses within each major. But, remember that your undergrad major will not necessarily determine or limit postgrad academic or employment opportunities. I have a good and much younger friend who is a high flying international financier and she graduated with a degree in French. No joke. She loves to hire U of C grads no matter the major because they are “so quantitative”.
I hope your experience with your adviser is a stellar as my son’s. His adviser has come up with brilliant course ideas that let him do what he feels he needs.</p>

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<p>As far as scheduling goes, you just need to realize that with a econ/physics major and the core, you won’t have much time for electives. But is it do-able? Absolutely.</p>

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<p>But why would you limit yourself that way?</p>

<p>A young-ish relative of mine was a physics major at Chicago, got a graduate degree in math, and is raking in bucks at an investment bank. “Economics” is not any more marketable a skill than many other courses of study provide. (I love economics as a discipline, by the way – nothing against it here. But you don’t need to major in it to have a productive life.)</p>

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<p>Thanks all.</p>

<p>You’re right, I certainly don’t want to be limited so that I couldn’t truly absorb everything else Chicago has to offer. To be honest I’d be more than happy to just fulfill the Core and take on as many other classes I’m interested in without worrying about majors or grad school or The Future. Right now I’m thinking I might major in econ (in theory, ha) but still take physics courses as “electives” (would they be counted as so, assuming I take more than is required by the Core?)</p>

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<p>From Andrew Abbott:</p>

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<p>[The</a> University of Chicago Magazine: October 2003](<a href=“http://magazine.uchicago.edu/0310/features/zen.shtml]The”>The University of Chicago Magazine: October 2003)</p>

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<p><em>high-fives idad for quoting The Speech</em></p>

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<p>Ah I love that speech :O)</p>

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<p>It’s my second favorite U of C speech. Here is my first:
<a href=“http://iotu.uchicago.edu/levine.html[/url]”>http://iotu.uchicago.edu/levine.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>DS loved The Speech, too. I think he has it on his Facebook (or at least did at one point).</p>