Computer science if you love math

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of pursuing a master's degree in computer science versus engineering, particularly in the context of the participant's strong interest in mathematics and concerns about the applicability of math skills in computer science careers. The scope includes considerations of academic pathways, job market demands, and the integration of mathematics in various fields within computer science and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to pursue a master's in computer science or engineering, highlighting a preference for mathematics and concerns about its application in future jobs.
  • Another participant notes that software engineering and scientific programming require mathematical skills, mentioning the importance of algorithm correctness.
  • A suggestion is made that Operations Research could be a suitable field that combines math and computer science, often found within Industrial Engineering departments in the US.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of a general computer science background when considering a master's in electrical engineering with courses in machine learning, signal processing, and network security.
  • One participant reassures that working in fields like machine learning and signal processing is feasible with an electrical engineering background, provided that relevant courses are taken.
  • Another participant emphasizes the diversity of computer science and suggests that a degree in electrical engineering, supplemented with specific courses, can adequately prepare someone for these fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of a general computer science background for specific fields, with some suggesting that it is not essential while others emphasize its importance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best academic path to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to retake bachelor courses for a master's in computer science, indicating potential gaps in foundational knowledge that may affect career readiness in certain fields.

louisnach
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Hello everyone,

I am currently hesitating, should i do a master in computer science or engineering? (i have currently a bachelor in elec eng which was very hard to pass because of the physics) I like computer science and like programming but i love math a lot too and even more than comp science, should i do computer science or engineering ?
I am afraid to not really use my math skills later after studies, is there jobs in comp sc with high math and abstract skills required which are in demand?
(i cannot do comp eng because i am in europe where it doesn't exist as a master, and sorry for my english mistakes btw)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Software engineering and scientific programming both require the use of math - example: proof of correctness of your algorithm is required in many software shops. I do not know what the 'software engineering' discipline is called in Europe. We have software engineers who are frequent posters here a PF, maybe one of them could help.

But any computing field that requires some mathematical rigor sounds like what you want to check out.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: QuantumQuest
I found the field of Operations Research to have a good mixture of math and computer science. In the US, it is often within the Industrial Engineering department. You might want to take a look at it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: QuantumQuest
Thanks for the anserwrs, and studying master electrical (i have to retake bachelor courses if i do comp sc master) with some courses in machine learning and signal processing and a bit security of networks, is it a good idea to work in that fields? I am afraid to miss the general comp sc background
 
louisnach said:
Thanks for the anserwrs, and studying master electrical (i have to retake bachelor courses if i do comp sc master) with some courses in machine learning and signal processing and a bit security of networks, is it a good idea to work in that fields? I am afraid to miss the general comp sc background
Those are excellent fields to be in. There will be a lot of interesting developments and opportunities in all three areas.
 
Is it ok to work in those fields with electrical engineering master and just some courses of this field? They ask me to catch up a lot of bachelor courses if i do master in computer science, but i am afraid to not have the needed general background of comp sc for this fields
 
Computer science is very diverse and a degree in it would have few special courses in these areas. With a EE degree, taking courses specifically for these areas, and your own interest in them, it is very doable.
 

Similar threads

Courses Advanced Math for Computational Material Science Engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Sources to study computational materials science
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Is a Physics BA a good route for exciting CS/Engineering Work?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Moving from Computer Science to a PhD in Computational Astrophysics
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Which MSc to do after BSc physics if you love to code?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Considering everything, is computer science a good or bad major?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Programs Computational neurosciences: what to expect contentwise?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Programs Engineering Triple Major (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
Studying Should I take up electrical engineering or computer science?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Admissions BS Physics to Ph.D. in Computer Science
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K