Is there such a major "Theoretical Physics"?

College Majors
1

<p>Is there such a major “Theoretical Physics” in the US? because i know there is such a major in the UK and Australia and such… just wondering if they have it in the US.</p>

<p>Also, for the major “Physics”, does it put more emphasis on theoretical physics or applied physics?</p>

2

<p>I think that most schools give an option to the student to pursue more applied tracks or theoretical tracks.</p>

3

<p>is this the kind of option u choose in the senior year? or is it earlier?</p>

4

<p>At Penn, there’s a separate “theory” concentration for physics that looks like it starts sophmore year:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.physics.upenn.edu/undergraduate/physmajor.html#physt[/url]”>http://www.physics.upenn.edu/undergraduate/physmajor.html#physt&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>That page covers pretty much the whole major BTW.</p>

5

<p>I think there’s some general confusion of how the terms “theoretical physics” and “applied physics” relate. Theoretical physics refers to studying the world through math and computation. This is contrasted to experimental physics (and not applied physics) where physicists study the world through collecting and analyzing experiments. </p>

<p>Applied physics refers to the studying somewhat different subject matter than regular physics (sometimes called basic physics). (basic) Physics studies things like astrophysics, high energy, nuclear, and condensed matter physics. Applied physics studies things like optical, plasma, device, and bio physics. The distinction between the two is a little fuzzy of course.</p>

<p>I mention this not to just nitpick, but to help anonamous be aware of the different directions you can go in physics. For example, there are definitely applied theoretical physicists in the world, and their work is quite fascinating. </p>

<p>Also, that Penn concentration is misleading as it’s called “Concentration in Physical Theory and Experimental Technique”, and so now you understand that it’s not a focus on theory at all; rather, it’s just a general degree that allows you to pursue either experimental and theoretical graduate studies.</p>