Double Major in Applied Math and CS, Might Go To Grad School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing a double major in applied mathematics and computer science (CS), as well as the implications for graduate studies in either field. Participants explore the potential career paths that integrate both disciplines, particularly in areas like machine learning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a double major in CS and applied math is beneficial due to the overlap in course requirements and research areas.
  • There is mention of lucrative research opportunities at the graduate level that combine applied math and CS, such as scientific computing and optimization.
  • Another participant raises the importance of programming skills and understanding computational processes, which may not be covered in traditional mathematics training.
  • Concerns are expressed about the potential for a double degree to include unnecessary coursework.
  • It is noted that pursuing machine learning research is feasible within applied math, although statistics courses may be required in many programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a double major could be advantageous, but there is no consensus on whether graduate studies should focus on applied math or CS. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of certain courses and the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the relevance of programming skills for mathematicians and the necessity of statistics in applied math programs, indicating a lack of clarity on these topics.

15adhami
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Hello,
I'm currently a college student that is a CS major. I'm thinking about doing a double major in applied math, because I really enjoy it. I also plan on going to grad school to get either a PhD or a Master's degree in applied math. Is this a good path? Or should I go to grad school for CS? I would like a job that utilizes both math and CS in the future, and I don't know if that's possible without some sort of graduate degree. Machine learning seemed like a good option, but I would prefer not to major in statistics, is it possible to do it with applied math? Thanks
 
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15adhami said:
Hello,
I'm currently a college student that is a CS major. I'm thinking about doing a double major in applied math, because I really enjoy it. I also plan on going to grad school to get either a PhD or a Master's degree in applied math. Is this a good path? Or should I go to grad school for CS? I would like a job that utilizes both math and CS in the future, and I don't know if that's possible without some sort of graduate degree. Machine learning seemed like a good option, but I would prefer not to major in statistics, is it possible to do it with applied math? Thanks

Hi there! To answer the first question, I think pursuing a double major in CS and applied math is a good path, since in most colleges/universities which offer such programs, there already exists considerable overlap in course requirements. Furthermore, there are many areas of research at the graduate level in which areas broadly thought of as applied math and CS overlap as well (e.g. scientific computing/numerical analysis, graph theory, optimization, etc.) -- research areas that can also be highly lucrative.

As far as pursuing graduate studies in applied math or CS, I can't say which is necessarily better or not, since in some schools, there are joint graduate programs, and in others, CS faculty advise graduate students in applied math, in areas of common interest. In all honesty, having a strong background in both CS and applied math can only help you ultimately if you intend on pursuing graduate studies in either program.

Finally, it is most certainly possible to pursue research in machine learning within applied math (for example, a number of researchers specializing in machine learning are part of the faculty supervising the applied math graduate program at Cornell -- other graduate applied math programs will no doubt have machine learning researchers). From my understanding, statistics courses are often requirements in most applied math programs I'm aware of, so a double major in CS and applied math should give you a solid foundation for research in machine learning (if that is what you decide on pursuing).
 
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It will help you to properly know how to program, design and maintain a program with a lot of code, know how a compiler, memory and the processor functions.
Usually stuff mathematicians don't get formal training in and where they just learn as they go along in their PhD.

That said, a double degree will probably involve learning stuff you don't need.
 
Ok, thanks. I will do the double major, and then ask professors to decide which graduate program I should apply for.
 

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