minoring in physics

[mitochondreia]

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hello everyone, i’m a biochemistry major interested in a physics minor. physics fascinates me and i feel like it would enhance/compliment my bio and chem knowledge. i want to pursue some type of research in the vet field, but i know a DVM isn’t necessarily required and a PhD is fine. i am thinking a physics minor would help with the PhD, especially since one of the programs i’m looking into is biochemistry and molecular biophysics. my school also has a biophysics sequence under the physics minor.

however, my parents are skeptical. i graduate in three years with the biochem major alone. with the physics minor, it would add a fourth year. they don’t want me to stay in college for four years because of financial reasons. but i also don’t want my college experience to be cut short. additionally, i have a job so i can help my parents pay off student loans. my parents would only be supportive if the physics minor would benefit me career wise.

so, would it be beneficial to me academically or career-ly? or even applying to vet and/or grad school?

 

[JaynaAli]

Honestly, it probably wouldn’t add much or make you all that much more competitive. There’s very little applicable physics in vet med. I mean things like radiology and respiratory phys have some aspects of physics behind them, but the knowledge you need is extremely superficial. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing if it interests you. Ultimately, you’re an adult so it’s your choice with you want to do. However, if your parents do help you financially you may need to consider their wishes too. This is really between you and them and only you can decide if it’s “worth” it.

 

[supershorty]

From a veterinary perspective, a physics minor is not going to help you. I don't know that it would from a PhD perspective either - I'm not sure that a minor brings much value at all, and if it does, whether that value would be negated by needing to do an entire extra year of schooling for it.

In today's political climate when it comes to student loans, I would heavily consider what adding another year of schooling means financially. It's not something to take lightly, especially if you're considering advanced training that may or may not pay for your doing it.