Is Double Majoring Worth It for Undergraduate Math and Statistics Students?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for undergraduate students considering a double major in mathematics and statistics. Participants explore the implications of this choice on future academic and career opportunities, particularly in relation to graduate school and job prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether to pursue a double major or a major/minor, weighing the potential job opportunities against the additional coursework required.
  • Another participant suggests that choosing courses based on personal interests is crucial, noting that statistics could provide valuable job opportunities post-graduation.
  • Some participants argue that if graduate school in mathematics is the goal, focusing on mathematics courses might be more beneficial in the long run.
  • There is a suggestion that taking more statistics courses could be advantageous if the student is uncertain about graduate school, as it may open more industry options.
  • One participant highlights that taking a double major may not significantly hinder graduate school preparation, as applied math courses will still be available later.
  • Another viewpoint emphasizes that a double major could enhance competitiveness in graduate school applications and provide diverse mathematical perspectives.
  • Several participants express a general inclination towards the double major option, indicating a preference for broader opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether to pursue a double major or a major/minor. Multiple competing views remain regarding the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various assumptions about job market conditions, personal interests, and the relationship between undergraduate coursework and graduate school preparation, which remain unresolved.

numb3rspunk
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I am an undergraduate pursuing a double major in mathematics and statistics. I am planning to go to graduate school to get a phd in mathematics. Well i got to thinking and i was wondering if double majoring is the right decision or if i should just major in math and minor in stats. If i double major, my statistics degree could lead to more job opportunities if i can't cut it out in graduate school. It will take a few more classes and money but it could be worth it. But then again it could be useless because I am planning, and will do graduate school for math. If i only major in math and minor in stats then i can take a few extra math courses in preparation of graduate school which might be more useful in the long run then a double major. So I am stuck in a predicament and I am wondering what you guys think.. double major or major/minor. Please explain your opinions, thanks.
 
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really could use some advice on this
 
help? my decision affects my choosing of classes which i need to do soon
 
anyone?
 
I think you should pick the courses according to your interests.

Even in the end you want to apply for graduate school in maths, the stats can open doors after graduation, and also the courses which you'll not get in UG you could learn them in Graduate years.

It really depends do you see some maths courses which look interesting than the stats which overlap in the hours?
If so you should decide by your own do you prefer to take it after graduation or before, no one can decide for you obviously.
 
i would rather take extra math classes but double majoring might be more beneficial.. so i just want your opinions on what's the smarter choice
 
Well as you noted, it's a gamble. It's hard to say, really.
 
yea i know.. anymore opinions?
 
Well as I said if you already planning on applying to maths Graduate, then perhaps you should take more stats courses, the courses which you'll miss for grad school in maths could be taken by you in those years.
If your'e not sure your'e going to grad school, then also more stats will open for you choices in the industry.

So I think the more stats is a good idea, and that is ofcourse if money overshadows your academic interests.
 
  • #10
well i wasnt planning on taking graduate courses as my extra math courses. i was either going to take some applied math courses to expose myself to them or take stats courses to double major. so I am still not sure.
 
  • #11
The safe choice is stats (provided you actually like stats, of not, forget it completely). By taking the double major, you're really not losing out on much. All those applied math courses you're pondering about thinking will still be there once you get to grad school. There's really no rush in learning everything you possibly can, especially in a case like this where it really won't affect your grad school application.

Worse case scenario with taking stats is that you spend an extra semester in grad school taking some courses. Worse case scenario with taking applied math courses is that you don't have a job.
 
  • #12
I've thought about this dilema myself. Do I maj/minor to focus more on major, or duel major to open more oppurtunities. I'd say duel personally. Here's my reasoning why. You have more options out of school in terms of job location if you do not continue your grad school immediantly. You will also be more competitive in your application to your grad school, having an upper hand on the other students applying to the grad school. Exposing yourself to another type of mathematics may help you in the long run - different ways of thinking and reason, which may reinforce other subject matter. Yes you could maj/minor to take courses to prepair for your graduate school, but to what gain? I'd say duel major, and when you get to grad study more! Yes you can be more prepaired, but as long as you're willing to spend the time to study you won't need to.
Hope it helps
 
  • #13
haha i guess everyone is for the double major
 

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