Should I major in Computer Science for Math Graduate School?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision of whether to maintain a Computer Major or switch to a Computer Minor while pursuing a Math Specialist degree at the University of Toronto. It is established that a Computer Major incurs higher tuition costs and requires a challenging Computer Project Course, which may not be necessary for admission to Math Graduate School. Participants agree that basic programming knowledge, using tools like R, SAS, Maple, or MATLAB, is sufficient for graduate applications, making a Computer Minor a viable and less burdensome option.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic programming knowledge
  • Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SAS)
  • Understanding of mathematical concepts at the undergraduate level
  • Awareness of graduate school application requirements in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum for a Computer Minor at the University of Toronto
  • Explore basic programming courses that complement a Math degree
  • Investigate the role of programming in mathematical research and applications
  • Review admission requirements for Math Graduate Schools
USEFUL FOR

Students considering a dual major in mathematics and computer science, prospective math graduate students, and anyone evaluating the impact of programming skills on graduate school applications.

chhan92
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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?
 
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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.
 

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