Math major wanting to be a programmer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the career prospects for a math major interested in programming, specifically whether a CS degree is necessary and what steps can be taken to enhance employability in the field of software development. Participants explore various educational paths, programming skills, and the importance of practical experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a math degree can be sufficient for a programming career, while others emphasize the potential advantage of a CS degree.
  • Several participants inquire about the programming courses taken by the original poster, particularly in data structures, algorithms, and specific programming languages like Java and C++.
  • It is proposed that gaining knowledge in web application programming could enhance the original poster's resume.
  • One participant argues that practical programming skills are more important than having a degree, stating that employers care primarily about coding ability.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of self-directed projects and practical experience over formal education in programming languages.
  • There is a discussion about the relevance of knowing multiple programming languages, with some participants advocating for learning languages like C++ and Java to improve job prospects.
  • One participant mentions the value of internships and personal projects as a way to demonstrate programming skills to potential employers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the necessity of a CS degree versus the sufficiency of a math degree for programming careers. There is no consensus on the best approach, with multiple competing perspectives on the importance of formal education, self-study, and practical experience.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific programming courses and their relevance, while others discuss the importance of practical experience and self-directed learning. The discussion reflects varying opinions on the best programming languages to learn and the significance of formal qualifications.

Who May Find This Useful

Math majors considering a transition into programming, individuals exploring career options in software development, and those interested in the intersection of mathematics and programming may find this discussion relevant.

Robben
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I am a math major and I will be a senior next semester. I am wondering if I can get a career in programming without a CS degree? Should I stay in school and get a second degree or can I go get a masters in programming? Or I don't have to do either and still land a career in programming with only a math degree?

I will definitely ask my advisor soon about this but I will be glad to hear your advices and recommendations.
 
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Have you taken any programming courses? In particular data structures or algorithms and a programming language like Java or C++?
 
jedishrfu said:
Have you taken any programming courses? In particular data structures or algorithms and a programming language like Java or C++?
I have taken three courses worth of programming: Java, Python, and computational Physics.
 
jedishrfu said:
Have you taken any programming courses? In particular data structures or algorithms and a programming language like Java or C++?

And by algorithms do you mean courses like numerical methods? Because I took two numerical method course.
 
It seems you're on the right track. Your best bet is to look for jobs that are software based but require a fair knowledge of math.

Also another area you might want to take a course in is web application programming as that may give your resume an added appeal.

Ideally though, companies looking for CS grads will go after CS unless you can show them something more.

Personally, I think math majors make great programmers.
 
In programming, nobody cares about anything other than whether you are a good programmer. A degree (of any sort) is pretty much irrelevant except to HR departments and other brands of officialdom, and maybe in getting your first job. And certainly if you have a math degree, nobody will have the slightest interest in whether you have a CS degree too.
 
And by algorithms do you mean courses like numerical methods? Because I took two numerical method course.

You want something more like this, although numerical is good, too:

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electric...ntroduction-to-algorithms-sma-5503-fall-2005/

I just got a job that I haven't started yet as a financial software developer with a math PhD and CS minor. Was pretty hard to get, though. Hacker schools are one possibility that would help bridge the gap. Also, it's good to work on your own projects and study books like this to be ready for interviews:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/098478280X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
Programming is like art. You show them what you can create with code.
 
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Almeisan said:
Programming is like art. You show them what you can create with code.

Agreed.

I think an issue might be that you don't know enough (or the right) programming languages. Sure, everybody sees you can learn the programming language easily. But if they need to choose between you (who can learn it easily) or somebody who already know C++, the choice is clear. They will go for who knows it already.

So perhaps it is not a bad idea to teach yourself important languages like C++. You might then put on your CV that you know it by self-studying and perhaps refer to a program that you have written using your knowledge. That way they can see immediately what you're capable of.
 
  • #11
jedishrfu said:
I would agree with Micro on C++ except Java is ahead by a nose and C takes the win.

http://www.tiobe.com/index.php/content/paperinfo/tpci/index.html

Interesting! I had no idea!

But yeah, it was just an example. I guess the gist of my message was to learn more programming languages and to make examples of projects you wrote.

Besides, if you know C++, then don't you technically also know C?
 
  • #13
List is only place 32 :(

Take your bracket: (((((((( ))))))))
 
  • #15
micromass said:
Agreed.

I think an issue might be that you don't know enough (or the right) programming languages. Sure, everybody sees you can learn the programming language easily. But if they need to choose between you (who can learn it easily) or somebody who already know C++, the choice is clear. They will go for who knows it already.

So perhaps it is not a bad idea to teach yourself important languages like C++. You might then put on your CV that you know it by self-studying and perhaps refer to a program that you have written using your knowledge. That way they can see immediately what you're capable of.

I am not a programmer by profession, but I always thought that the most important thing was that you can code shippable code in one language. Then, knowing one or two more languages is a big pro, and something that probably comes alongside with it. But that knowing a lot of languages for it's own sake isn't very important. They are similar enough that if you can code in one language, you know how to learn a new one.

While most programming I did myself was in C/C++, there are other languages just as useful as a core coding base. Sure, if your main language is something that is more akin to a scripting language like php, javascript or R or Matlab, I can see the problem.
 
  • #16
Another theme for jobs that's been hinted at here is doing software projects on your own time. Something you could share in an interview. Interviewers like to see self starters more than someone who has Java or C++ on their resume because they took some courses in it.

It's far better if you've done significant programming in an internship or on your own and you've used the tools of the trade like netbeans/eclipse for development, ant/maven/make for building, git/SVN/cvs for source code management, debuggers and performance monitors... Whatever you can learn will make you a more viable candidate.
 
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  • #17
Thank you all for your advice.

@jedisrfu I will definitely take you up on your suggestion about software projects.
 

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