How Useful is a CS Minor Outside of Software Development?

[stgermaine]

Hi. I'm a math major and I am considering either a CS minor or a stats minor.

The question I have is how useful a CS minor would be, especially in careers outside of software development. I would have to stay an extra semester for a stats minor, but I see a stats minor as more applicable towards a wider range of careers. I have taken some programming courses because I know programming is useful as well, but upper level courses like data structures or machine learning don't seem as useful for a wider range of careers.

So, how useful would a CS minor be outside of software development?

Thank you

 

[Ben Espen]

I can't answer for everyone, so I will answer for myself. Something I appreciate in a new engineering hire is stats, because it is really useful in my field. I could probably find stuff to do for a new hire with some extra programming, but I would prefer the stats. Now, your case is different, because you have a math degree and not an engineering degree, however, I think the principle is the same here. Statistics is a broadly applicable skill across many different disciplines. Programming is handy too, but I see less call for it above really basic stuff, which you seem to already know. In my opinion, data structures is less useful in most cases than knowing how to create a DOE or deal with a split-plot.

 

[trickslapper]

Hi. I'm a math major and I am considering either a CS minor or a stats minor.

The question I have is how useful a CS minor would be, especially in careers outside of software development. I would have to stay an extra semester for a stats minor, but I see a stats minor as more applicable towards a wider range of careers. I have taken some programming courses because I know programming is useful as well, but upper level courses like data structures or machine learning don't seem as useful for a wider range of careers.

So, how useful would a CS minor be outside of software development?

Thank you

I think both minors are good to have. I'm not an expert or anything but if it was me i would go with the statistics minor and then teach yourself some more programming at your own pace if you want. I think it's more fun to program on your free time then it is to do statistics.