Should I major in Computer Science for Math Graduate School?

  • Context: Programs 
  • Thread starter Thread starter chhan92
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the decision of whether to maintain a Computer Science major alongside a Mathematics Specialist program for the purpose of applying to Math Graduate School. Participants explore the implications of this choice on workload, tuition costs, and the relevance of programming skills for graduate studies in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that dropping the Computer Science major will not negatively impact graduate school applications in mathematics, implying that it may be more practical to do so.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of having some familiarity with basic programming, stating that knowledge of programming languages or software like R, SAS, Maple, or MATLAB may suffice for graduate studies, rather than a full major or minor.
  • The original poster expresses concerns about the financial burden and confidence in completing a required project course associated with the Computer Science major.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a Computer Science major may not be necessary for Math Graduate School, but there are differing views on the extent of programming knowledge required.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the specific requirements of different graduate programs, nor have they discussed the potential benefits of programming skills in various mathematical contexts.

chhan92
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Hello!
I am a student in University of Toronto,
and I am currently in Math Specialist (basically Math Major with more required courses and forced to take honors class) and Computer Major, but my Computer Major forces me to pay twice of the regular tuition. Also, I have to take a Computer Project Course, which I am not confident getting A.

Do you recommend keeping Computer Major for going into Math Graduate School?
Or Computer Minor (project course not required, less tuition) would be suitable too?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Dropping the computer major will not affect your grad school application in mathematics. So if it's less work and money, then you should consider dropping it.
 
chhan92 said:
Hello!
I am a student in University of Toronto,
and I am currently in Math Specialist (basically Math Major with more required courses and forced to take honors class) and Computer Major, but my Computer Major forces me to pay twice of the regular tuition. Also, I have to take a Computer Project Course, which I am not confident getting A.

Do you recommend keeping Computer Major for going into Math Graduate School?
Or Computer Minor (project course not required, less tuition) would be suitable too?

Hey chhan92 and welcome to the forums.

If you want to go to math graduate school, I recommend you have some familiarity with basic programming. I don't think you will need to know too much more than this to be honest but if you have done a little programming, or used things like R, SAS, Maple, MATLAB and so on, then this should probably be sufficient.

You will not need a major or a minor for this only a subject or two in basic programming.
 
Thank you for your kind response.
 

Similar threads

Courses Advanced Math for Computational Material Science Engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Courses Pure physics vs. adding a math major?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Other Do I need a physics degree to get into a physics graduate program?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Programs Engineering Triple Major (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science)
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
7K
Admissions Can I change my major from "physical geography" to "math"?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Programs Math Major interested in Quantum Information Science
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions I plan to apply for PhD program on 2025 Fall. What do you think?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K