Applied Math Degree: Honors or Minor in EE?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision between pursuing an honors degree in applied mathematics or obtaining a minor in electrical engineering (EE) while preparing for potential graduate studies in EE. Participants explore the implications of each choice on graduate school applications and the perceived value of honors versus a minor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that an honors degree may be required for many graduate programs, although this claim is challenged by others who question the prevalence of honors programs across universities.
  • One participant argues in favor of the minor, stating it explicitly reflects coursework in EE, which may be beneficial for graduate applications.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the nature of honors programs, particularly whether they involve a thesis, with some suggesting that this could influence the decision to pursue honors.
  • Concerns are raised about the workload associated with honors degrees compared to minors, with one participant expressing regret over choosing minors instead of honors.
  • There is a perspective that the relevance of the minor to the major may determine its value, with some suggesting that a minor in a less relevant field may not be as beneficial.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of choosing the most challenging option available, implying that honors may provide a more rigorous academic experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether an honors degree or a minor is the better choice for graduate school applications, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note variations in the definition and requirements of honors degrees across different educational systems, which may affect their relevance to graduate school applications.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies in engineering or mathematics, particularly those weighing the merits of honors programs versus minors in their undergraduate studies.

1230wc
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I'm doing applied math w/ many EE courses. I can count them either toward an honors or minor. So my options are:

1) BS applied math w/ honors

2) BS applied math
Minor EE

Which looks better if I might apply to EE grad school? Thanks all!
 
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An honors degree is required for many grad programs. I would go with that.
 
VeeEight said:
An honors degree is required for many grad programs.

Which ones? I find this hard to believe, as many universities don't even have honors programs.
 
Go with the minor for sure.
 
Just to clarify, where are you located (as in which country)? Cause there is a difference between honors in different places (some places honors involve an extra 'honors year', which is different then an honors degree in somewhere like the US, I think. In the first type it might actually be required for grad school, in the second type not so much)
 
I'm american. This is a purely administrative issue, only about how my degree looks. I was also leaning toward the minor bc it explicitly states my EE coursework. thanks.
 
Does honors involve a thesis? If so, take honors.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Which ones? I find this hard to believe, as many universities don't even have honors programs.

Waterloo required an honours degree for a masters in math. Many schools list the requirements as "an honours degree or equivalent", which may take care of the schools that don't have honours programs.
 
I am getting two minors, but I wish I had just gotten honors. There is way more work, however, and usually a GPA stipulation.

A minor is fun to get, but even majoring in something doesn't mean you know that much about the subject, so a minor in something means you know even less. Just depends I guess.

If it is an especially relevant minor to your major, then it is probably the better route than honors. If it is like physics and then a minor in philosophy... probably not a very worthwhile minor, unless you REALLY want to take classes you enjoy or something.
 
  • #10
Go for the ones that provide the most difficult challenge you can barely manage. A honors program is probably the closest thing to this.
 

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