Is a Minor in CS Worth Taking for a Math/CS Major?

  • Context: Programs 
  • Thread starter Thread starter shonick
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Minor
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of pursuing a minor in Computer Science (CS) for someone who is already majoring in Electrical Engineering (EE) and has a strong interest in CS. Participants explore the implications of taking an extra semester for the minor versus using elective courses for personal interest or career advancement.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the worth of a CS minor, suggesting that it may not be necessary to learn CS later on.
  • Another participant argues that minors can be beneficial for intellectual growth, emphasizing the importance of personal interest over resume enhancement.
  • A participant shares their experience of having a minor in math, indicating that while it may not have been essential for graduate school, it enriched their knowledge.
  • Some participants suggest focusing on major requirements and taking courses of interest rather than forcing a minor.
  • One participant notes that having a CS minor made it easier to find a job, implying a practical advantage to the minor.
  • Another participant mentions that the specific minor may not matter as much as the actual coursework undertaken, suggesting that learning is more important than the title of the minor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the value of a CS minor, with no consensus reached. Some advocate for pursuing the minor based on personal interest, while others view it as unnecessary or potentially a waste of time.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of personal interest and the potential for learning outside of formal minors, indicating that the discussion is influenced by individual experiences and perspectives on education and career paths.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a minor in CS, those majoring in related fields such as EE or Math, and individuals interested in the practical implications of academic choices in STEM disciplines.

shonick
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
I'm really interested in CS major. Unfortunately, I almost finish my EE major. If I take 1 more extra semester to get a minor in CS. Is it worth to do that? I could use CS as elective courses. But I didn't know about it earlier so I did take all 400 level math (4 courses) for my elective course. So, I'm already done with my elective. Right now, If I want to take minor in CS, I have to take extra semester to do so. Is it worth to do it, and if yes, why would you think it is worth it?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it worth it to you?

If it's to satisfy your intellectual curiosity or hunger for knowledge, I'd say go for it. Otherwise, it's not something you will not be able to learn down the road.
 
IMHO, minors are a waste of time.
 
They might be a waste of time if they are obtained for cosmetic reasons. It never hurts to broaden's one horizons. After all, the purpose of obtaining higher education is to improve oneself intellectually and spiritually.
 
I majored in physics with a math minor. Would I have gotten the same graduate program without the minor? Yes. Would school have been easier without it? Probably. Would I know as much math? No.

So to echo the other comments, do it if it interests you, not to pretty up your resume.
 
do your major. take classes that interest you. if you happen to get the class that count as a minor, wonderful. if not, no sweat.

and don't force it.
 
I had CS as minor and it was easier to find a job with that.
 
I asked about this (because my major is math/CS and it seemed like the entire world was doing math minors, but I wouldn't be able to fit in any other minor) and they said just take the classes that interest you. They said pretty much what flemmyd said. I heard that most people don't look at what the minor exactly is, and that the actual coursework is what matters.
If you take a math minor, you would learn more math than if you didn't take it, but there's a good chance you'd learn the same amount of math if you took the same number of math courses, but not the ones that necessarily contributed to the minor.
 

Similar threads

Can I still become a software engineer with this CV?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Courses How much CS as a physics major does one need?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses Taking CS intro class after taking more advanced class
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Programs What courses would best benefit an Applied Mathematics degree?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Courses Navigating Two Math Classes and an Elective Simultaneously
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Is a nuclear engineering minor worth an extra semester?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs Is it Beneficial to Pursue CS and Robotics Minors for a Career in Robotics?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Should I Major in CS or Math Given My Career Goals and Credit Limit?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Please someone respond -- I need to know if I continue with CS
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K