Can't Decide on Major for Computational Linguistics & AI

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process regarding selecting a major for a career in computational linguistics and AI. Participants explore various academic paths, including linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and cognitive science, while considering their relevance and personal interests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about choosing between linguistics, mathematics, computer science, and cognitive science, noting a preference for cognitive science with a focus on computation and AI.
  • Another participant suggests that pursuing mathematics, particularly with an emphasis on discrete mathematics, would provide a solid foundation for a career in AI.
  • A different participant agrees with the value of mathematics but also expresses a love for linguistics, indicating that they find it easier compared to other subjects.
  • There is a suggestion that courses in probability, graph theory, and logic programming would be beneficial for a career in AI.
  • One participant mentions their experience with logic programming and basic discrete mathematics, highlighting a course on computing theory that covers formal language theory and computability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which major to pursue, with some advocating for mathematics while others emphasize the importance of linguistics or cognitive science. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying levels of comfort and performance in their respective courses, which may influence their decisions. There is also a noted limitation in the availability of discrete math courses in the mathematics department.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering majors related to computational linguistics, AI, or interdisciplinary studies involving mathematics, computer science, and linguistics may find this discussion relevant.

Tony11235
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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?
 
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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 discrete 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 discrete 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.
 

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