Which undergrad major provides more job opportunities?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the comparison of job opportunities between undergraduate majors in applied mathematics and engineering, exploring the crossover in job options and the nature of employment in both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that engineering provides more job opportunities compared to applied mathematics.
  • One participant notes that while higher-level engineering jobs may involve significant mathematical application, many engineering positions do not utilize advanced math regularly.
  • Another participant emphasizes that engineering programs typically require extensive math coursework, leading to a minor in mathematics for some students.
  • There is a mention that certain engineering disciplines, like nuclear and mechanical engineering, may offer broader job prospects and potentially higher salaries compared to mathematics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that engineering offers more job opportunities, but there is disagreement regarding the extent to which math is utilized in various engineering roles and the comparative benefits of each major.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify specific job markets or industries, nor does it address the impact of individual skills or experiences on job opportunities.

EntropicLove
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Applied math or Engineering (including various disciplines...).

what job options cross over between the 2 and which don't.

Thank you!
 
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EntropicLove said:
Applied math or Engineering (including various disciplines...).

what job options cross over between the 2 and which don't.

Thank you!

Engineering
 
Engineering provides more job opportunities.

The "better" engineering jobs do have a lot of crossover with math. But they are also the harder ones to get. Other engineering jobs often use very little to no math on a day to day basis. Its hard to find a job that you can use real, thoughtful math in.
 
Pretty much any engineering will give you more than your fair share of math courses. My major required so much math that I automatically got a minor in mathematics. Engineering also has more job opportunities, I went with nuclear but mechanical is the broadest (I had to take all of the core mechanical classes in nuclear as well). So I'd say engineering degrees would probably net you a decent salary and career a lot faster than mathematics.
 

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