Math major - computer science minor or add computer science 2nd major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to pursue a second degree in computer science alongside a math major or to complete a minor in computer science. The context includes considerations for future employment, particularly in cryptanalysis, and the implications for graduate school in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand whether a second degree in computer science would enhance employability compared to completing a minor.
  • Another participant suggests that a degree alone may not improve software engineering skills significantly unless programming skills are further developed.
  • A different participant indicates that a second degree might provide more employment opportunities, though they are uncertain about their commitment to developing programming skills.
  • Advice is given to learn programming through courses and self-teaching, emphasizing the importance of practical experience through projects.
  • Discussion includes the suggestion to explore open-source libraries for cryptography and to research opportunities at the NSA, including REUs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of a second degree versus a minor, with no consensus reached on which path is more beneficial for employability or skill development.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of a second degree versus a minor in terms of specific career outcomes or the depth of programming skills required for roles in cryptanalysis.

tsmithers
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Hi,

I am currently a junior working on a math major and a computer minor. I just found out that if I take four more classes in comp. sci, I can earn a 2nd BA (not a dual major - a second degree). This would mean at least one more semester full time or another year part time.

I am interested in attending grad school for math when I am done but it is very important that I am employable. My dream job would be cryptanalysis at the NSA.

Should I pursue the 2nd degree or just get done earlier with a minor?

Thanks!
 
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Why do you want a second major? A degree alone is not necessarily going to make you a better software engineer (it might get you an interview though). If you have no intention of further developing your programming skill, I would say that you shouldn't bother.

(I'm not entirely sure what crypt-analysts do by the way.)
 
I am interested in a second degree because it might provide more employment opportunities. I suppose I don't know how much I want to develop my programming skills but it doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Thanks for the advice!
 
Hey tsmithers and welcome to the forums.

If you want to learn programming, then I'd recommend taking a few basic courses and teaching yourself the rest.

Work on projects and if you can get some team projects going (even if that includes open-source ones) then do that.

In terms of cryptography, you can download open source libraries that do a lot of the cryptography for you like number theory calculations, one way functions, and all the rest. I'd recommend getting this because it will do a lot of the stuff that is non-mathematical but none the less is critical for cryptography.

Also the NSA has things like REU's so find out what they expect and how you can get into these along with becoming employed. Check the website and if you have a question, then email them: they have people who can answer these questions so take advantage of that.
 

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