Math major Definition and 146 Threads

Okay, I need some opinions here. I'm a physics major (computational) at a state university, currently a sophomore. I'm also double majoring in math, but due to course conflicts, I am considering dropping it. If I drop it, I can graduate in one more year. I plan to go to graduate school. My...

Hello, fellow PFers! My university came out with their Fall '14 class offerings today, and I was rather disappointed, as it seems I won't be able to get my second major in math after all. I'm currently a junior, double majoring in physics and math, and really involved in both majors...

Backstory. Graduated March of this year. Typical "jack of all trades" Mathematics major: I know basic probability, programming fundamentals, good logical-analytical skills, did data analysis for an esoteric research project for the Computational Neuroscience Grad Dept, but of course I'm not...

I've recently stumbled upon this thread and one of the replies says that physicist tend to be more smarter/well rounded then mathematicians. In your opinion, who's more well rounded?

Hi all, I'm writing this post feeling very embarrassed because of the situation. So, here goes: I'm a math major at a well known school, and it is my last year (graduating early). I decided, to take introduction to physics because I wanted to see what else is out there. I'm currently in...

A lot of places like national labs list that they're interested in hiring math majors as interns, but I'm having some trouble finding what sort of things they would do. I can think of really vague ideas like modelling things using computers, but otherwise I'm pretty confused. Does anyone know...

Short and sweet I am an undergraduate math major attempting to transfer. I am looking for help composing a list of schools to visit. Some Information about Myself I'm not a terribly academically driven guy. While I've come across some success academically, it's mostly been the result of...

Hello, I am a prospective mathematics major and I have a couple of questions. 1) Will I most likely use math software like Matlab or Mathematica in my studies? 2) What supplies would a mathematics major need (any recommendations on a calculator, etc.)? 3) I am looking into buying a new laptop...

I'm about to take vector analysis and abstract algebra, so I'm pretty far along in my undergrad math program (passed Calc III, DE II, LA, and Transition to Higher Math). Realistically I could finish off the core math requirements in one year for my B.A. However, I want to expand and take some...

How much overlap is there usually between a physics and math degree? Is it 50%+? And does being good or interested in one usually translate into being good at or interested in the other?

Hi, I am currently a junior working on a math major and a computer minor. I just found out that if I take four more classes in comp. sci, I can earn a 2nd BA (not a dual major - a second degree). This would mean at least one more semester full time or another year part time. I am...

Hello, I got accepted into UIUC math programme (I will major most likely in applied math) and I wonder in what order I should take courses. My background is Math IB HL (7), so it is about calculus II. Additionally, as a preparation I decided to work with Spivak's Calculus to get more...

I'm a sophomore studying physics and have been doing some academic planning over the break. I'm beginning to realize just how much open space I am going to have in my schedule. My scholarship requires me to take a minimum number of credits each semester, so only taking a few classes isn't an...

I'm just wrapping up my last semester at community college before heading to university, and while I'm likely to get A's in Calc 3, O.D.E. and Prob/Stats, this will not be the case in Physics II. I had the same instructor for both courses, each time was his first time teaching that course (he...

I'm just wondering, but what math classes are the ones that all math majors ought to take?

Hey I'm a mathematics major and I am going to be applying to nuclear and aerospace engineering, astronomy, and physics REU's this summer. Most of the programs ask specifically for physics, chemistry, engineering, and computer science majors but make no mention of math majors. One of the main...

Hey all, So I took the General GRE, and I did rather poorly in the GRE Quant score (161). However, most of my resume and the likes would point otherwise (typical stuff like graduate coursework, two REUs, 3.9 GPA, etc.) How concerned should I be about this? Should I retake it? I'm taking...

Hi I've recently decided to become a math major, as it's the subject that I've enjoyed the most and had the most exposure to during high school. During high school, the AP Calc classes and a Calc III course I took at a local CC came to me quite naturally. I just followed along to the...

I'll try to give you guys the short of it. I am usually quite critical of myself and focus on the negatives, but right now I think I need to list some positive things, to be more optimistic. Forgive me if I sound "immodest" since I have absolutely no intention or reason to "brag." I like...

I always see people on this forum encouraging math majors to learn to program so I was wondering what language is best to learn? Also, what is the best way to learn the language besides taking a class? I have only taken 2 math classes so far so I definitely can't tell you what areas I'm...

Hi. I am thinking about majoring in mathematics. I'm interested more in statistics and applied math. I only started prerequisites during my sophomore year so I don't have a lot of choices. I am not planning on going into research. I probably will get a master's degree in statistics or applied...

Hi all, I'm almost positive this comes up frequently but I feel like I need some sort of confirmation from other math majors who have gone through undergraduate and then graduate programs. First and foremost, I am having trouble confirming if I'm really cut out to be a math major. I'm...

Good afternoon! I will begin taking upper division mathematics in the fall, and I definitely wish to obtain a Master's right after undergrad, and as for PhD, I'm a bit iffy if I want one (I'll save that for another post in a couple years ^.^) Anyway, I have 4 electives where I get to choose what...

I have to take any 3 CS electives for my Computational Mathematics major. I'm thinking about Algorithms, AI, and Database Systems. I can take more if I want to. Are there any particularly useful CS classes? I don't really have a career in mind right now.

Hello everybody, I started school in 2006 and studied like crazy to get out. I could have graduated in 3.5 years but became burned out after countless hours for studying of useless economcis classes. The economy hit the skids my junior year which threw me into a bit of depression since I...

I am thinking of doing a math inclined major but I don't know if I can handle it. I got a b- in algebra and now I have precalculus. In my precalc class I had 4 test and I got a 71,74,77, and an 82 on them and all I have left is a final. Do I have the chance to be a math major or will it...

I scheduled to take this April 28. Other than the following links, do any good study guides exist for it? For abstract algebra, I was thinking about skimming through my textbook and making note of the important theorems. Any recommendations would be appreciated...

I am taking abstract algebra this semester, it's my first semester taking upper level math courses, and although I am not doing bad in the class, I feel like I really slacked off and could have done much better. i didn't put in enough time, and my proof-writing skills were not really improved. I...

Right now I'm a sophomore at a state uni with hopes of getting into graduate school in pure mathematics. When I was a freshman, I surveyed the three major areas of math - analysis, algebra, and topology - and I decided that analysis was for me. Although I did very well in Algebra, I found it...

Tell me if I am being unreasonable. I have all the required math courses more than fulfilled and I have a 3.68 GPA. Not a stellar number, but decent IMO. I can't graduate until next spring becuase of a required seminar offered only once a year. Besides the one seminar, I have all next year...

I think I want to be math major I have taken Algebra and I am in precalc and in my first year of college. Can anyone give me advice I admit I am not good in math I got a b- in Algebra but on my spare time I've studied calc all the way up the substitute integration.

Hey I'm currently a freshman math major and just registered for my spring classes. When I went to my adviser, she thought I was insane for taking three math classes at one time. Am I insane? Schedule: -College Calculus 3 -Introduction to Differential Equations -Introduction to Linear...

Hi Do I really need to take economics/statistics/finance course in my undergraduate years if I am considering the possibility of landing on a finance job? I really do not want to worry about getting job in my undergraduate years but would like to put some serious thoughts after my graduate...

I'm starting my fourth semester at the local community college soon and I plan to transfer to a university next fall. At our community college, the advisers have you take precalculus algebra immediately if you place out of all remedial math. We aren't given the option to take calculus...

I'm majoring in math (2nd year) right now at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I'm considering switching to a bigger/more well known school that has more credit in the real world. I want to be employable immediately when I graduate, and having an Honours in math from Lakehead to me...

Hey I'm currently headed off to University at Buffalo this fall for math and I'm stuck on scheduling. So far I know I'm talking Calculus II, but I'm not sure what else to take. What classes should I take as a freshman math major?

Well didn't even start my degree yet but I'm trying to figure out what a math major does in co-op. What kind of gigs can he land? On another note, if you want to do research while you're in undergraduate, how can you even help? With sciences you can atleast help set up the lab but with math...

First of all, I used to be the kid that hated math back in high school. But did okay, besides in PreCalc. I go to UCSD now, it's my junior year, and I'm now a Math-Computer Science major. I only declared CSE recently. I got a D in my modern algebra class. I studied super hard too, but didn't...

Hi all. First, I'm pretty new here, so I apologize for any faux pauxs I might make. Anyway, I'm a freshman in college right now, and my current major is chemistry. I don't really know if I want to stay in chemistry though, because I only ever want to work on my math class and german class...

I am currently a B.S math major at a top 50 university. I wanted to know the advantages adding a B.A Physics major would have on my marketability job-wise and admission to a top engineering graduate school once I graduate. I am thinking of adding the Physics major, but I'm not sure if taking...

I am an undergraduate math major with a focus on pure math and statistics. I am looking to take the following in one semester: Intro to Real analysis II Advanced Calculus (more computational not as much analysis based) Advanced Linear Algebra (the second undergrad course, proof based) Math...

When someone says "I'm a Math Major", does that mean she is a student or... When someone says "I'm a Math Major" does that mean she is a student or does it mean that she has already graduated? Is there a way to tell or is this an ambiguous term?

I want to know what would you say is the main difference between a Math Major and a Mathematician. I keep listening people using the terms as synonyms but I think that is not correct, or is it?

hey all, i'm currently in australia about to go into my second year of uni. last year i did the standard first year physics and maths courses, astro II and a couple of philosophy electives. i'd always wanted to do physics but after taking the e&m course, i think i am a bit offput. i enjoy...

I see for math majors that there are A Lot of classes to choose from! How do you know what you want to take or should take? I guess it depends on what you are preparing for. Just how do you decide what math courses you are going to take because you can only take so much at school. Thanks, sorry...

Hi guys, I'm a second-year math major planning on grad school. Last year I got nearly perfect grades; my only B was in English. This year I've done much worse, getting two Bs in computer science, a C in physics, and (probably) a B in Chinese language (a class I am just taking for fun -- I don't...

So I'm a math major and I got a C+ in my Linear Alg/Diff Eq. class over the summer. I'm not sure how legit of an excuse this is but I had an A/A+ up to the final when I got a 30/74 on it. And the reason I bombed the final was that moments earlier, I got a call from my mom that my grandma was in...

So one of my undergrad university choices is UC San Diego, and as some of you may [ or may not ] know, each of its 6 colleges has its own General Education requirements. The requirements range from the minimal amount of courses to heavy requirements in fields such as social sciences and writing...

Math has pretty much always come easy to me, but I find Calc III very hard. I just can't visualize things. It has me really worried that perhaps a math major might be too difficult for me. I just want to know if there is any part of math where I wouldn't have to deal so much with visualizing...

Hi, I will be a senior next year, and I am thinking of taking a physics class that deals with quantum mechanics. I am a math major, and have taken variety of math courses (e.g. real analysis, abstract algebra, complex variables, advanced linear algebra, and etc.) as well as first-year physics...