The story of a future mathematician

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    Future Mathematician
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of pursuing a degree in mathematics and potentially a PhD, particularly in the context of interests in computer science mathematics. Participants share their experiences and perspectives on the journey through mathematics education and its applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to know if pursuing a mathematics degree and a PhD is worthwhile, particularly for someone entering high school.
  • Another participant suggests that the pursuit is worthwhile if one enjoys mathematics, highlighting its rewarding and challenging nature.
  • A participant currently majoring in mathematics shares their experience, noting the strong connection between mathematics and computer science, with various applications in fields like data mining and cryptography.
  • This participant advises against worrying about a PhD at the outset, recommending that the individual focus on gaining foundational knowledge first.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of pure mathematics, indicating that it can be difficult for those not genuinely interested in the subject.
  • It is noted that there are many areas within mathematics to explore, even after narrowing down interests to specific fields like pure, applied, or statistics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of enjoying mathematics and exploring its applications, but there is no consensus on the necessity or timing of pursuing a PhD.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of specific details on career outcomes related to mathematics degrees and the varying personal experiences shared by participants, which may not represent a universal perspective.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students considering a future in mathematics or computer science, as well as individuals contemplating advanced degrees in these fields.

Puppykishin11
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Hello I'm about to enter high school and i am very fond of mathematics especialy, computer science mathematics. so i just started wondering if it is worth it getting a degree in mathematics then getting a PhD in this field. can someone tell me if this worth it; can people who are pursuing or achieved these degrees toon in
 
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Well, it's worth it if you enjoy doing it.

I find mathematics rewarding, challenging, and germane to many fields.

Even though pursuing a PhD in mathematics is my "Plan C", I am quite happy with the path I am on. Sometimes life gets in the way of your "Plan A" and "Plan B" so considering you are still very young, keep an open mind to all of the cool stuff that will become available to you as you proceed through school.

Best of luck in high school and in life ... say no to drugs, obey your parents, and all that other rot!
 
thank you bpatrick
 
Puppykishin11 said:
Hello I'm about to enter high school and i am very fond of mathematics especialy, computer science mathematics. so i just started wondering if it is worth it getting a degree in mathematics then getting a PhD in this field. can someone tell me if this worth it; can people who are pursuing or achieved these degrees toon in

Hey Puppykishin11 and welcome to the forums.

I am doing a math major myself and will be graduating next year.

Computer science is a very good combination to do with mathematics. So many applications use both which include, but are not limited to, data mining, cryptography, simulation (games, scientific applications, animated movies, etc) as well as a trillion other things.

I wouldn't worry about the whole PhD thing now or in your first year. Get your feet wet first and then make decisions later about jumping in the ocean.

For me, learning math has been very interesting. It's not rewarding all of the time, but its a good learning experience for various reasons.

One thing you should be aware of is that most people doing these degrees are just ordinary people who like maths. I won't lie to you, pure mathematics can be a nightmare if you don't really want to learn it, but so can any other subject.

Also one good thing with mathematics is there are many areas that you can focus on. Even if you narrow down an interest to pure, applied, or statistics, there are still many sub-areas.
 

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