Question concerning math major and computer science (degree related)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision-making process for a degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics, with considerations for adding a Computer Science minor. The participant is weighing the benefits of a double major in mathematics against the potential advantages of a CS minor, particularly regarding employability and graduate school prospects. Key units mentioned include Fluid Dynamics, Mathematics in Finance, and Real Analysis, which are deemed essential for a robust mathematics education. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards prioritizing a comprehensive mathematics degree over a minor in Computer Science.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Applied and Computational Mathematics
  • Familiarity with Computer Science fundamentals
  • Knowledge of key mathematical units such as Fluid Dynamics and Real Analysis
  • Awareness of graduate school requirements in mathematics and related fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum for Applied and Computational Mathematics at your institution
  • Explore job market trends for Applied Mathematicians and the role of computational skills
  • Investigate graduate programs in mathematics and their prerequisites
  • Learn about the importance of specific mathematical units like Real Analysis and Mathematics in Finance
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a double major in mathematics, academic advisors, and individuals interested in the intersection of mathematics and computer science in career development.

Orphen89
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I originally posted this in the mathematics thread but since I need as many replies asap (because I need to choose my timetable for this semester) I figured I should make a topic instead.

Basically, for my degree I'd like to double major in Applied and Computational Mathematics. However I am unsure what I should add to my degree from here - at the moment, I have a few extra units to add to it, but I don't know whether I should add some Computer Science units to it so that I can get a Double Major in Applied and Computational Maths and have a Computer Science Minor, or if I should add more Applied Mathematics units so that I can have a better mathematics major.

Initially, I wanted to have a CS minor, however there are a few Applied Mathematics unit I will be missing out on if I do get one e.g. Fluid Dynamics, Mathematics in Finance (in case I want to go into banking/economics later), and Real Analysis (which I heard is an important unit in any math major).

What would be better, and what would employers prefer in a degree? A double major in maths and a minor in CS, or only a double major in maths but with extra units? Also, will the Computational math major cover most of what is required for a minor in Computer Science?
(I don't know if this is important, but I do intend on doing a graduate degree once I've finished my bachelors)

Thanks in advance.
 
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I'm double majored in Pure Math (not applied) and Computer Science.

My opinion is that 1: Two mathematics degrees probably won't do much in terms of employment (more so than 1) and 2: The technical skills you pick up in those classes are probably better resume builders than the minor itself. I'm sure someone who actually works and hires people will refute this, but this is what I would think employers would think (or more accurately, what I hope they would think).

The research you do in graduate school and your graduate degree will matter more than a minor will though.
 
descendency said:
I'm double majored in Pure Math (not applied) and Computer Science.

My opinion is that 1: Two mathematics degrees probably won't do much in terms of employment (more so than 1)

That's initially what I thought, and I instead was going to major in Chemistry along with Applied Maths. However, after checking out various job opportunities for Applied Mathematicians I found that computers played a big part, so I decided to double major with computational maths instead.

It's good to know that grad school will more or less make the CS minor negligible though, because I really would prefer to have a more in-depth maths degree instead of missing out on one or two subject which could be important in the future.
 

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