Choosing a Maths Major: 3 Options & 4 Emphasis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing a mathematics major, specifically focusing on the options and emphases available within the participant's department. The conversation touches on considerations for job opportunities and graduate studies, while personal interests are noted as secondary.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the available options: pure Maths, applied Maths, and Statistics, along with emphases in Actuarial Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Management.
  • Another participant questions the idea of pursuing a graduate degree in a field that does not align with personal interests.
  • A participant expresses a preference for Statistics with an emphasis on Computer Science, suggesting that this combination could provide numerous career opportunities, including in Actuarial Science.
  • There is a mention of the utility of programming skills for mathematicians, despite a lack of personal interest in Computer Science.
  • One participant shares their negative view of their current school’s math program and recommends the University of Waterloo as a strong option for mathematics in Canada.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of personal interest versus job opportunities in selecting a major. There is no consensus on which option or emphasis is definitively better, and multiple viewpoints on the value of different paths remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of choosing a major based on job prospects without fully resolving the impact of personal interest on long-term satisfaction and success.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a mathematics major, particularly those weighing options for career paths and graduate studies, may find this discussion relevant.

leon1127
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It is about time to take my major classes now.
And I can choose different path for my major.

My Maths department offer 3 options and 4 emphasis

options are
pure Maths
applied Maths
Statistics

emphasis are
Actuarial science (only with stat)
Electrical Engineering (applied maths or stat)
Computer Science (definitely not going) (stat or applied maths)
Management (maths, applied maths or stat)

assume double option or double emphasis is improbable.

What option and emphasis should I choose. Any path shall be for job opportunity and graduate study, and personal interest shall be neglect.

Any advise will be appriciated.
 
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leon1127 said:
It is about time to take my major classes now.
And I can choose different path for my major.
My Maths department offer 3 options and 4 emphasis
options are
pure Maths
applied Maths
Statistics
emphasis are
Actuarial science
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science (definitely not going)
Management
assume double option or double emphasis is improbable.
What option and emphasis should I choose. Any path shall be for job opportunity and graduate study, and personal interest shall be neglect.
Any advise will be appriciated.

So you'll go into Graduate School studying in an area you don't personally enjoy?
 
JasonRox said:
So you'll go into Graduate School studying in an area you don't personally enjoy?

well what i personally don't like is computer science, which is eliminated from the list and i personally enjoy Maths... So I want to know what direction should i go to feed my family.
 
leon1127 said:
well what i personally don't like is computer science, which is eliminated from the list and i personally enjoy Maths... So I want to know what direction should i go to feed my family.

Personally, your best bet is in fact, in my opinion.

Option - Statistics
Emphasis - Computer Science

Statistics will open plenty of doors, even those of Actuarial Science. Also, Computer Science will open plenty of doors as well.

If I had to pick, neglecting personal interest, that's what I would choose.

Note: I'm not into Computer Science either, but I am taking some programming classes. It's probably one of the most useful things ever, especially for mathematicians.
 
JasonRox said:
Personally, your best bet is in fact, in my opinion.
Option - Statistics
Emphasis - Computer Science
Statistics will open plenty of doors, even those of Actuarial Science. Also, Computer Science will open plenty of doors as well.
If I had to pick, neglecting personal interest, that's what I would choose.
Note: I'm not into Computer Science either, but I am taking some programming classes. It's probably one of the most useful things ever, especially for mathematicians.
Thank you!
how is the school in Canada for math major?
i have always wanted to go to Canada, but i don't know if i i should get my ultimate degree in US or in Canada's university.
 
leon1127 said:
Thank you!
how is the school in Canada for math major?
i have always wanted to go to Canada, but i don't know if i i should get my ultimate degree in US or in Canada's university.

My school isn't good for math majors, or probably for any degree. I usually tell people to runaway from my school.

I'd recommend the University of Waterloo, since they are the strongest in the country in mathematics, and they also have the largest math faculty in the world.
 

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