<p>I plan on going to med school but would like in the future to go to graduate school in engineering. What would be a better undergrad major mathematics or physics (remember that i am doing premed as well).</p>
<p>Either would be fine, though a physics major would probably make for an easier transition into engineering. Physics majors actually know lower-level math much better than most math majors because they use it every day, while math majors learn it once and then forget it.</p>
<p>Whichever you choose, make sure to take at least linear algebra, multivariable calculus and differential equations on the math side and calculus-based physics courses in mechanics and electricity & magnetism. </p>
<p>Oh and don’t forget a programming class.</p>
<p>^I disagree with the idea that math majors would forget lower math after they learn it. Math is cumulative. You need to have a solid foundation to move on.</p>
<p>And I speak from experience as a math major.</p>
<p>The lower-level math courses, those that are also taken by physics majors and engineers, are cumulative indeed. But the focus of a math major shifts quite dramatically once you hit the “core courses.” By the end of abstract algebra and point-set topology, most math majors have forgotten how to solve multi-dimensional optimization problems or use the spectral theorem in linear algebra. Physics majors can do that in their sleep.</p>
<p>Eventually the advanced material will connect back to freshman and sophomore-level mathematics, but this doesn’t usually happen until graduate school. If the OP will only complete the minimum requirements for one major, he would be better off with a physics major than a math major because the physics major will give him much more exposure to applied mathematics.</p>