Can't Decide on Major for Computational Linguistics & AI

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tony11235
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mind
Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around the challenge of selecting a major with a focus on computational linguistics and AI. The individual is considering linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and cognitive science, expressing a strong inclination towards cognitive science with a concentration in computation and AI. Concerns arise regarding the adequacy of a cognitive science degree for admission into computational linguistics programs. The individual is close to completing a mathematics degree but has average grades, which may impact their appeal to graduate programs. They are also pursuing a BS in computer science but find some required courses unenjoyable. Linguistics appears to be the easiest option, with only five courses needed. The consensus suggests that a strong foundation in mathematics, particularly discrete mathematics and probability theory, is crucial for a career in AI. There is also a discussion about the value of programming skills and the potential benefits of taking courses in graph theory and logic programming. The importance of a solid understanding of formal language theory and computability is highlighted as beneficial for future studies in AI.
Tony11235
Messages
254
Reaction score
0
I am struggling to decide on a major, and I have two years left. I want to go into computational linguistics and AI. I cannot decide between linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and cognitive science. I'm sure about cognitive science, with a concentration in computation and AI, but I don't think that's enough to get into a computational linguistics program. I'm three courses away from a mathematics degree, but I have only B's and C's in all my math courses, which I am guessing would not look good. I am 7 courses away from a BS in computer science, but I don't enjoy every class which I'm required to take. As for linguistics, 5 easy courses. What do I do?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you want to seriously get into AI as a career choice, I'd go for Maths - with emphasis on Discrete Maths.

I think it's best not to specilise too early and the Maths will give you a more solid foundation than CS with a bit of discrete maths taught on top - plus you can teach yourself the programming language/architecture side.
 
Math I think I'll defintely go with. As for programming, I know java, C, along with lisp/scheme, and I already have a minor in CS. But I love linguistics too and that's pretty easy for me I think. BTW, there's not many descrete math courses in our Math department. The only courses that come close to qualifying are modern algebra and probability theory.
 
Certainly probability would be helpful - Bayesian statistics and all that...

Can you do any graph theory courses, or logic programming?

And they must teach basic set theory in the core Math degree...
 
Logic programming and basic descrete maths are all taught in the CS department, I've had them. However there is also a course I'll be taking, Fundamentals of Computing Theory:
Fundamentals of formal language theory, computation models and computability, the limits of computability and feasibility, and program verification.
 
TL;DR: Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? Hi, I want to learn ultrafast optics and I am interested in condensed matter physics, ie using ultrafast optics in condensed matter systems. However, before I get onto ultrafast optics I need to improve my electrodynamics knowledge. Should I study Jackson or Zangwill for Electrodynamics? My level at the moment is Griffiths. Given my interest in ultrafast optics in condensed matter, I am not sure which book is better suited for me. If...

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
809