CS, Math, Statistics where to go from here?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a student's dilemma regarding their academic path in Computer Science (CS), Mathematics, and Statistics. The student has completed lower division math requirements and is considering a BA in CS due to its quicker completion time and lower debt. Despite enjoying introductory CS courses, the student expresses uncertainty about pursuing upper division mathematics and finds their statistics class unengaging. The conversation highlights the importance of personal interest in choosing a major, as external opinions on job satisfaction in CS are deemed subjective.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lower division math concepts
  • Familiarity with programming languages, specifically Python and C
  • Basic knowledge of statistics and probability
  • Awareness of academic pathways in CS and applied mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum and career prospects of a BA in Computer Science
  • Explore applied mathematics programs and their business applications
  • Investigate the differences between a BS and BA in CS
  • Learn about the job market and career satisfaction in various CS roles
USEFUL FOR

Students contemplating their major in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics, as well as academic advisors and career counselors guiding students through their educational choices.

Intervenient
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I'm about to finish my lower division math requirements, which will cover everything for all my lower division coursework for all three subjects, bar 3 programing coures, one that can be taken next quarter, and the other 2 which can be taken concurrently in the beginning of next quarter. If I do the degree in CS, it'd be the BA because I can finish up the degree requirements in 2 years, and take extra courses if necessary after that. Worse comes to worse, I have very little debt, and could just do the BS.

However, in terms of interest, I'm very confused. I'm not very sure I'd like upper division mathematics. I enjoy doing the proofs in my statistics class, but they are very hand-wavy and more equations manipulation, rather than the more rigorous ones seen in mathematics courses. The math department does offer an applied math degree, which has business applications and the like so I'd be able to get a job.

I thought that I'd enjoy being a statistics major, but my first class is not only killing me, but also pretty dull and boring. It's probability, and from what I gather, it's only a portion of what a statistician deals with, but thus far it hasn't left the impression on me and it being my passion. Even then if I slogged through the program, to get a job, I'd have to go to grad school for sure and get at least a masters, which is extremely competitive, even for 2nd tier schools it seems.

And then there's CS. I really enjoyed the two intro classes I took (A- in intro with Python, B in problem solving with C), but I became turned off after the subject after I took a particularly tough quarter in which I took Calc II, Physics 1, CS and Philosophy all at once (I had no prior physics work, a poor quarter in Calc, missed a week to kidney stones...and I was a terrible, lazy student). However, it was the only time in my college experience where I felt compelled to work hard and solve problems, and that I was learning something new and useful. Now that my math is completed, at worst I'd have to take physics alongside a CS course, but never the 3-peat and bad study skills.

Does anyone have any sort of advise, know of any similar situations, etc etc? Any help would be very much appreciated.
 
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Also, I hear that most jobs in CS suck. So what's the point in doing anything? :/
 
Intervenient said:
Also, I hear that most jobs in CS suck. So what's the point in doing anything? :/

I'm not sure what you or "they" mean by "suck," but if you're enjoying something, the degree to which someone else finds it interesting is irrelevant. I dare say that you should ignore statements along of the lines of "such-and-such jobs suck." Those phrases are completely subjective and should be taken lightly, if you even choose to consider them at all.
 

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