Incoming Applied Math Major- Advice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around advice for an incoming Applied Mathematics major at the Virginia Military Institute. Participants explore the curriculum's relevance for graduate school and workforce readiness, potential minors, and the applicability of the major to various fields such as engineering, computer science, and statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster questions the suitability of the math curriculum for skills needed in graduate school or the workforce.
  • Some participants suggest that the curriculum appears typical, with the relevance for grad school depending on the specific research interests of the student.
  • There is a discussion on whether to pursue a minor in Business or take classes in Physics and Computer Science, with some indicating that Computer Science would be particularly beneficial.
  • One participant expresses that they wish they had learned Computer Science during their undergraduate studies, emphasizing its importance.
  • It is mentioned that the track could lead to a Master's in Engineering, Computer Science, or Statistics, but participants advise not to focus on grad school too early in the undergraduate journey.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the curriculum is typical and that Computer Science is advantageous, but there is no consensus on the best path forward regarding minors or specific classes. The discussion remains unresolved on the optimal approach for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific details about the curriculum's content and how it aligns with various graduate programs, as well as the uncertainty regarding the original poster's future interests and goals.

Who May Find This Useful

Incoming college students considering a major in Applied Mathematics, those interested in the intersection of mathematics and various applied fields, and individuals seeking advice on academic paths related to graduate studies in STEM areas.

NextElement
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Hey guys, I've taken a long break from the forum by I've decided on a college and major. I'm attending the Virginia Military Institute as an Applied Mathematics major. I had some questions about where to go from here:

This is a link to the math curriculum: http://vmi.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=541&returnto=333 . How does it look in terms of skills needed for grad school or the workforce?

I was interested in possibly doing analysis for companies or financial institutions. For this, would I be best served getting a minor in Business, or taking classes in Physics and CompSci?

Could this track lead to a Masters in Engineering, CompSci, or Statistics?

Any advice in general?

Thanks so much!
 
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I don't have any advice for you, but I have seen some video's of that school, it is intense! Good luck to you! Are you intending to serve?
 
TheKracken said:
I don't have any advice for you, but I have seen some video's of that school, it is intense! Good luck to you! Are you intending to serve?

I am on Army ROTC scholarship, but I can opt out after a year. Not positive if I want to serve or not. Thank you!
 
NextElement said:
This is a link to the math curriculum: http://vmi.catalog.acalog.com/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=541&returnto=333 . How does it look in terms of skills needed for grad school or the workforce?
looks pretty typical. for grad school, it's going to depend on what you want to research. whatever that will be, you'll orient you undergrad to suit that (don't worry about this now if you haven't taken any of those classes listed).

NextElement said:
I was interested in possibly doing analysis for companies or financial institutions. For this, would I be best served getting a minor in Business, or taking classes in Physics and CompSci?

compsci is a HUGE plus! I'm in grad school and wish i'd have learned it in undergrad!
NextElement said:
Could this track lead to a Masters in Engineering, CompSci, or Statistics?

yes. but again, if you haven't taken any of the above classes, don't worry about grad school yet. it's so far away and you haven't gotten your hands dirty yet.

hope this helps

(my undergrad was math and I'm in grad school for mechanical engineering)
 

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