Schools What should i go to graduate school for?

AI Thread Summary
A math major expresses uncertainty about pursuing graduate school without a desire to teach, despite being skilled in mathematics and computers. The discussion highlights the importance of self-reflection on personal interests and strengths to guide future academic and career choices. Suggestions include exploring graduate programs that align with enjoyed subjects, such as logic and algebra, while considering job prospects for math graduates. The potential for finding employment in graduate training programs is noted, emphasizing that a BS in mathematics can lead to various opportunities. Ultimately, gaining work experience before making further educational commitments is recommended.
cap.r
Messages
64
Reaction score
0
Hey so I am a passionate math major and am pretty good at it. But I have been told several times that if I don't want to teach then I probably shouldn't go to graduate school for math.
I am good with computers but hate programing. love physics but hate lab work.


so with my skills what should i go to graduate school for? I am pretty sure I won't be able to find a job with just a BS in mathematics so I know I need to do something extra just can't settle down on anything.

any thoughts?
RK
 
Physics news on Phys.org
cap.r said:
Hey so I am a passionate math major and am pretty good at it. But I have been told several times that if I don't want to teach then I probably shouldn't go to graduate school for math.
I am good with computers but hate programing. love physics but hate lab work.
so with my skills what should i go to graduate school for?

I really don't think there's any way that anyone other than yourself can answer this question. I know it isn't the answer you're looking for - but going to graduate school just for the sake of it...? It's a big commitment and courses vary from extremes in difficulty and end-result prospects. It's a decision you have to make based on what you want to do - what things/courses were you interested in during your degree? Narrowing it down from 'i like math but not programming' isn't realistic at all - there are thousands of courses out there. What courses did you 'love' in physics? and which did you enjoy in maths?

Asking yourself these questions is the starting point for deciding where ones future lies. Once you have a list of your answers, narrow it down by examining prospects and deciding where you might want to end up. Once you've done that, look at the schools that offer the subjects that you're left with. Compare the programmes, and the ones that look good for you are the ones you apply to.

cap.r said:
I am pretty sure I won't be able to find a job with just a BS in mathematics so I know I need to do something extra just can't settle down on anything.

Really? Why do you think that? Math graduates are desirable for various types of graduate training programmes within large companies. If you want a job, you could find one (to apply to, anyway)
 
I am in my junior year and am taking graduate logic and algebra courses next year. out of all my undergraduate classes I enjoyed these fields the most and am looking forward to studying them in more detail. when I did physics I was just so good at it that i enjoyed it. I enjoyed taking quantum 1 and 2 in particular but wasn't a big fan of E&M.

I was unaware of these graduate training programs that you mentioned. I would love to get a job somewhere and pick up some experience before I decide either way.

The reason I mentioned computers was because I have always had jobs fixing them so I like doing that stuff and am good at it. but I could never stand my programing classes...
 
I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Back
Top