CS Minor vs Math Minor: Which is Best for Graduate Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process of a physics major contemplating whether to pursue a minor in computer science (CS) or mathematics, particularly in relation to preparation for graduate studies. Participants explore the implications of each choice based on personal performance, interests, and potential future fields of study.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses enjoyment and good performance in an introductory CS course, contrasting it with struggles in mathematics, particularly in Calculus 3.
  • Another participant suggests that solid math skills are crucial for graduate school, implying that a math minor might be beneficial despite current struggles.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant's performance in math improved, leading them to consider the math minor more seriously.
  • One participant proposes that the choice of minor may depend on the specific area of physics the participant intends to pursue in graduate school, suggesting that theoretical fields may favor a math minor while experimental fields may benefit from a CS minor.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of good grades and research experience over the specific choice of minor, noting that undergraduate programs typically include essential math and programming courses regardless of the minor selected.
  • Discussion includes the variability of minor requirements across universities, with specific courses listed for both CS and math minors, highlighting the need for the participant to consider their university's specific requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of each minor, with some advocating for a math minor due to its relevance in theoretical physics, while others highlight the value of programming skills for certain experimental fields. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which minor is definitively better for graduate work.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the requirements for each minor can vary significantly between universities, and the specific courses required for each minor may influence the decision. Additionally, the discussion reflects personal preferences and experiences, which may not apply universally.

jamalkoiyess
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Hello PF,
I have posted lately about this problem I am facing of choosing between the two minors as a physics major, but there is some updates and I need new insight on the subject.
I have been taking an introductory course in computer science that I am really enjoying and getting some good grades in it (I got an 80 where the class average was 45), even better than my major courses on physics. As for the math I am stuck with a C in Calc. 3.
I need to know what minor would help me more in graduate work and in what specific field is one better than the other. Also as I am way better at CS than math is it logical to take the CS minor because I would do great in it, or take the math minor so I can reinforce myself?
If you can suggest other approaches please tell me.
Thanks.
 
Thank you Greg-bot for the bump. I had meant to reply actually.

This is really oversimplified and possibly wrong, but if you are planning on graduate school you will really want to make sure your math is solid. If not, it may be beneficial (and honestly more enjoyable for you) to take more CS classes and have some of those skills under your belt.

Also, if you're struggling in math, taking more sounds like punishment! Might be better to get a grasp on the math you have to take first before thinking about a minor.

-Dave K
 
dkotschessaa said:
Also, if you're struggling in math, taking more sounds like punishment!
-Dave K

No I am not that bad at it but it was my first semester and everything was a little harsh and different, I did end up with a 92 on my final and an 81 average over the whole course. I am searching only for what would be better for me in graduate studies. Following your advice I shall go for the math option. Thank you.
 
jamalkoiyess said:
No I am not that bad at it but it was my first semester and everything was a little harsh and different, I did end up with a 92 on my final and an 81 average over the whole course. I am searching only for what would be better for me in graduate studies. Following your advice I shall go for the math option. Thank you.

Nice job on wrapping up the semester! Do what you think is best of course.

-Dave K
 
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jamalkoiyess said:
Hello PF,
I have posted lately about this problem I am facing of choosing between the two minors as a physics major, but there is some updates and I need new insight on the subject.
I have been taking an introductory course in computer science that I am really enjoying and getting some good grades in it (I got an 80 where the class average was 45), even better than my major courses on physics. As for the math I am stuck with a C in Calc. 3.
I need to know what minor would help me more in graduate work and in what specific field is one better than the other. Also as I am way better at CS than math is it logical to take the CS minor because I would do great in it, or take the math minor so I can reinforce myself?
If you can suggest other approaches please tell me.
Thanks.

In an ideal world, you would want to do both minors. Haha.

But, from a practical point of view, you might want to think about what kind of physics you see yourself doing in graduate school. If you want to do string theory, phenomenology or theoretical condensed matter, then I suppose a math minor is better. But then, the amount of math you need for string theory or theoretical condensed matter far exceeds what you'll have in a math minor. We're talking graduate level math courses here.

If you want to do astrophysics, experimental particle physics or theoretical nuclear physics, then programming skills are important. In that case, you would want to do a CS minor.

If I were you, I would not worry too much about which minor to choose. For one thing, any good undergraduate programmes in physics has compulsory maths courses and at least one programming course. Also, you're still a freshman (or perhaps a sophomore) and what you will eventually end up studying in graduate school ( and even if you will go graduate school) is a long way into the future. People change and they change their interests. So, I guess you can't really know for certain now what you will eventually end up studying in graduate school.

The important thing is to get good grades, regarmless of which minor you do, and to do research work every summer. That's what really counts.
 
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jamalkoiyess said:
I am facing of choosing between the two minors as a physics major, but there is some updates and I need new insight on the subject.

It would help advisors if you state your university's requirements for each minor. The requirements for a minor can vary greatly between different schools.

One way to approach the decision is to look at the most disagreeable required courses in each of the minors - which, of course, is a matter of personal preference.

For example a CS minor might (or might not require) theoretical courses like "Analysis of Algorithms", "Compiler Design". It might require web oriented studies like courses emphasizing XML, Java etc. It might require demonstrating proficiency in employable skills such as SQL or programs specific to MS-Windows, such as Excel.

The math minor might require some very abstract math like Real Analysis, Topology, Measure Theory. It might require only topics that have reasonably concrete applications like Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Calculus of Variations.

Topics that combine computation with math such as Numerical Analysis might be offered by the math department or the physics department - or you might have to take them in the Engineering School, if your university has one.
 
Stephen Tashi said:
It would help advisors if you state your university's requirements for each minor. The requirements for a minor can vary greatly between different schools.

For the math minor :
_Calc. 3 *
_differnetial equations *
_linear algebra
_introduction to analysis
And 2 courses of my choice

For the CS minor :
_introduction to programming *
_discrete structures
_intermediate programing with data structures
_algorithms and data structures
And 2 course of my choice

* : already required for the physics major.Also I have these physics course that I must take :
_ Mathematical methods for physics:
Vector analysis, tensors, linear operators, Eigenvalue problems, determinants and matrices ...
_Computational Physics:
Basics of numerical analysis ...
 

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