Is a 3+2 Dual Degree Program the Right Path for Your Academic Goals?

[courtrigrad]

I am thinking of doing something called a "3+2" program, where I spend 3 years at my liberal arts college and 2 years at the Columbia Fu School of Engineering. I come out with a B.A. in any type of science or math from the liberal arts college and a B.S. in applied math (or any type of engineering like operations research). I think the benefit of this is that you get to experience two different college environments. I am thinking of doing a PhD in applied math( I know a lofty goal; it may change) after doing the "3+2 program." Have any of you, or any people you know done a dual degree, or something similar? Do you think this is a good idea?

Thanks

 

[courtrigrad]

any feedback is appreciated.

thanks

 

[maverick280857]

I haven't "done" a dual degree but yeah I would have loved to do a dual major in physics and mathematics as my interests lie completely in mathematical physics and applied mathematics. And I think having a math degree HUGELY helps in physics (esp theoretical physics). So go for it if you're interested.

Best of luck.

 

[courtrigrad]

How is Columbia's math/applied math department in comparision to other top schools?

 

[Pythagorean]

I started out going for physics and music. It wasn't the same scenario, I was doing them both at the same time, and at first it was easy enough because I only had to focus on physics (I had learned a lot of music theory recreationally already) but once the music classes started getting intense, I had to drop them, and went full on physics b.s.

For me, personally, liberal arts are something I practice in my spare time, and physics is my academics choice, but there's plenty of people who do it your way.

I know this is a generic answer, but it fits: Do what you want.

 

[JasonJo]

How is Columbia's math/applied math department in comparision to other top schools?

Top 10 Applied Math programs according to US News World and Report 2007: Top Grad Schools
1) NYU
2) MIT
3) CalTech
4) UCLA
5) University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
6) Brown University
7) Princeton
8) Stanford (tie)
8) University of Texas - Austin (tie)
10) Berkeley

so i guess it's not top 10, but it's probably a good-great applied math program.