Which Major Would Benefit Me More: Applied Math or Discrete? (Link Included)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for choosing a second major between Applied Mathematics and Discrete Mathematics, particularly in the context of preparing for a potential career outside of academia. Participants explore the implications of each major on future job opportunities and personal interests.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a double major in statistical economics could provide a strong pathway to a corporate job as an actuary, emphasizing the financial benefits.
  • Others express a lack of interest in statistics and actuary positions, citing personal preferences for more engaging fields.
  • One participant notes that applied math typically aligns with concentrations in physics or engineering, potentially offering better commercial opportunities.
  • Another viewpoint highlights that Discrete Mathematics may open doors to computer science-related careers, which some find more appealing.
  • Concerns are raised about the variability of program offerings, indicating that the choice between applied and discrete math may depend heavily on the specific academic institution and its curriculum.
  • There is mention of the existence of bachelor's programs specifically in Discrete Mathematics, though some participants express skepticism about the prevalence of such degrees.
  • One participant argues that applied statistics courses could be beneficial across various fields, not limited to actuarial work, and suggests that practical skills may outweigh the specific major chosen.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions regarding the merits of Applied versus Discrete Mathematics, with no clear consensus reached. Some favor applied math for its broader applicability, while others advocate for discrete math due to its relevance to computer science.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of either major may depend on specific program structures and personal career goals, highlighting the importance of individual circumstances in making this decision.

Werg22
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I want to choose either one of these as a second major. Problem is, I'm undecided. My current major is pure math; I want another major so that I have a escape door to the corporate job market in case I decide to stir away from academia. Which one of these two disciplines would benefit me the most?
 
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One escape door to the corporate world if you're majoring in math would be to double major in statistical economics and aim to be an actuary. Make beaucoup bucks.
 
Statistics is a popular double with math as said above.
 
I don't think I could do statistics, not as major, not for a job. I just find it to be dull and boring...
 
I tried to convince myself a few times to try to become an actuary, but it just isn't happening. I don't care what the pay is.
 
Well then, if you don't want to mix whatever you have with something more "practical" in the real world as your backdoor, then just research a position that you might want to escape to and just fulfill the requirements for that then.

There could be infinite possibilities, it's just that math and statistics works well together for your scenario.

If you don't want to do that, look into engineering.
 
Applied and Discrete Math are more available to me than other options. Between the two, which one fits the bill the better?
 
Depending on your program, applied math usually comes along with a concentration in let's say, physics, engineering, etc.

Therefore, applied math would be your best bet for the "commercial" industry than going pure.

That is, unless you want to teach and research, but that's not what I'm assuming!
 
Discrete math, in my opinion, is more interesting, and it leaves you open to opportunities in computer science type stuff. But it's all up to you.
 
  • #10
The thing is, applied covers such a broad range of disciplines. It really depends on your program.

If discrete offers the programs such as what was said above (CS), and you're thinking about software engineering in the future, then by all means take that path.

The problem is in applied math programs, CS might be integrated into the concentration, which is why it's dependent on the school you're in.
 
  • #11
Well that's a first time I hear of a bachelor's (?) route in discrete maths.

Usually they break it into:
pure maths
applied maths
statistics and study of operations.

You may take courses in discrete maths from the cs department but not a degree in such a field.
Can you bring a link to this degree in discrete maths (just out of curiosity)?
 
  • #12
Georgia Tech has two options. BS in Discrete and BS in Applied. Kind of lame if you ask me.
 
  • #13
loop quantum gravity said:
Well that's a first time I hear of a bachelor's (?) route in discrete maths.

Usually they break it into:
pure maths
applied maths
statistics and study of operations.

You may take courses in discrete maths from the cs department but not a degree in such a field.
Can you bring a link to this degree in discrete maths (just out of curiosity)?

Here's the link: http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/CandO_Dept/" .
 
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  • #14
I agree that an actuary position is boring; the work they do is fantastically boring. All of this is in my opinion.

Yet, I think having many *applied* stats courses would help your case and could be applied to several other areas than an actuary, e.g., data mining etc. Maybe a bit of programming, too.

Frankly, I would not care so much about a second major or what not in applied/ discrete math if your resume was on my desktop (or laptop depending on the day).
 
  • #15
loop quantum gravity said:
Can you bring a link to this degree in discrete maths (just out of curiosity)?

Here's the link to the requirements for the degree at my school: http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/colleges/cos/math/ugrad/mathdis/geninfo.php

To the OP: All the DM majors I know have gone on to computer science type jobs, doing cryptography and the like. Are you interested in that?
 
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