Dilemma: Majoring in CS or Applied Math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to major in Computer Science (CS) or Applied Mathematics, particularly in the context of a high school student preparing for university in the Netherlands. The scope includes considerations of curriculum overlap, personal interests in research areas like Computer Security and interdisciplinary fields, and potential financial implications related to tuition costs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests reviewing both curricula to determine which aligns better with personal interests, noting that CS may be more suitable given the interest in software engineering.
  • Another participant mentions that at their school, the overlap between CS and Applied Mathematics is significant, requiring only a few additional classes to obtain a Math major alongside a CS degree.
  • Max.Planck expresses a preference for CS based on the appeal of the classes and the potential for a scholarship to help cover tuition costs.
  • A participant reflects on the affordability of tuition in the Netherlands compared to the United States, indicating a personal sentiment about educational costs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is significant overlap between the two fields, but opinions vary on which major might be more beneficial based on personal interests and financial considerations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding which path is definitively better.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of individual class appeal and potential financial aid, but there are no explicit conclusions about the best choice between the two majors. The discussion does not resolve the implications of choosing one major over the other in terms of future opportunities.

Max.Planck
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Hello,

I'm a high school student in the Netherlands and next year I am going to University. I am thinking of majoring in Computer Science although I would like to hear you're opinion on the pro's/con's on studing Computer Science vs studing Applied Mathematics. Both the Math departement as the CS departement of the University I'm going to rank very well in the Netherlands. I probably want to do research on Computer Security or research in a interdisciplinary field (Bioinformatics or Computational Physics/Quantum Computing). On the other hand, I also like Software Engineering.
What do you think: Majoring in CS with a minor in Physics/Mathematics or majoring in Applied Mathematics?

Thanks,

Max.Planck
 
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Look over both curricula and see what appeals to you, but since you're also into software engineering CS may be more your speed. Applied math and comp sci overlap so heavily that you can probably do applied math research out of the CS department (that's what I'm doing.)
 


At my school, the two degrees overlap so significantly that it is around 7 extra classes to get a Math major if you are already doing CS. In fact a math minor is different by only an elective math course from the CS math requirements.
I would say sort of make your own way, taking whichever major you feel more strongly towards by looking at the classes, and take whichever classes out of the other that you feel might be useful.
 


Thanks for your replies. The curriculae indeed overlap heavily at the Uni. I'm going to choose CS because the classes appeal more to me, also if I study CS, I can maybe get a scholarship of 2400 euros per year to cover for tuition and books (studying in the Netherlands only costs 1600 euros for EU citizens).
 


::sigh:: I wish tuition in the states was that cheap.
 

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