Not sure which path to take...Math Degree or Computer Science degree?

jc0481 · Aug 21, 2012, 08:26 PM

I like both actually. I have read from people online that have Math degrees and they are software developers. So that's a good sign. I just wanted to know if anyone here that reads my forum that has a math degree or currently studying for it. How are your job prospects?

Worst case scenario I obtain my Math Degree and have mountain of student loan debt with no job prospects. Also for the Computer Science degree: I keep getting interview after interview but keep getting turned down because of lack of experience.

Best case scenario: I graduate with my Bachelor degree and get a good job that pays really well a few months after I graduate.

I can take constructive criticism.

Tomorrow · Aug 21, 2012, 08:30 PM

I used to think I wanted to go back and get a Ph.D. in math. The idea still pleases me, but I waited to late in life to get started. La V.

jav6454 · Aug 21, 2012, 08:32 PM

Anything computer science is just applied math in general and applied computer engineering, which is applied electrical engineering which is applied physics which in turn is just applied math.

Get what you like!

At any rate a math degree will at least fetch you a teaching job in the meantime.

ravenvii · Aug 21, 2012, 08:34 PM

Why not both? You take a lot of math courses for a computer science degree. You'll likely only need a handful more to complete a major in mathematics.

lowbelly · Aug 21, 2012, 10:49 PM

I would be hesitant to hire someone with a math degree for a programming job, until they had enough experience to back it up. A math minor practically comes for free with a CS degree, that's the way I'd go.

Rodimus Prime · Aug 22, 2012, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jav6454

Anything computer science is just applied math in general and applied computer engineering, which is applied electrical engineering which is applied physics which in turn is just applied math.

Get what you like!

At any rate a math degree will at least fetch you a teaching job in the meantime.

Umm I am going to point out to you that Computer science is not just apply Computer Engineering. While yes they have a lot of over lap they come at things from very different perspectives.

jc0481 · Nov 30, 2012, 11:34 AM

I just wanted to post an update. I went with a Math degree. After doing some more research I went with a Mathematics degree. I was looking into state assistance for my education and the state counselor that was helping me was concerned about job openings with my future degree. You see they only support certain degree programs and computer science was one of them. She showed me the list.

I then had to come up with 10-15 job openings from different job websites that math degree was one of the requirements for that job. I did not find 10-15 job openings. I founded 25 and only took me a few hours to look for it.

63dot · Dec 1, 2012, 03:30 AM

Congrats for choosing math. You will find work with either.

Aug 21, 2012, 08:26 PM	#1
jc0481 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2005	Not sure which path to take...Math Degree or Computer Science degree? I like both actually. I have read from people online that have Math degrees and they are software developers. So that's a good sign. I just wanted to know if anyone here that reads my forum that has a math degree or currently studying for it. How are your job prospects? Worst case scenario I obtain my Math Degree and have mountain of student loan debt with no job prospects. Also for the Computer Science degree: I keep getting interview after interview but keep getting turned down because of lack of experience. Best case scenario: I graduate with my Bachelor degree and get a good job that pays really well a few months after I graduate. I can take constructive criticism.
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Aug 21, 2012, 08:30 PM	#2
Tomorrow macrumors 603 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Always a day away	I used to think I wanted to go back and get a Ph.D. in math. The idea still pleases me, but I waited to late in life to get started. La V. __________________ I would scream just to be heard, as if yelling at the stars - I was bleeding just to feel. You would never say a word, kept me reaching in the dark - always something to conceal.
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Aug 21, 2012, 08:32 PM	#3
jav6454 macrumors G5 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: 1 Geostationary Tower Plaza	Anything computer science is just applied math in general and applied computer engineering, which is applied electrical engineering which is applied physics which in turn is just applied math. Get what you like! At any rate a math degree will at least fetch you a teaching job in the meantime. __________________ Al MacBook 2.4GHz Late '08 \| Macross Click Me
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Aug 21, 2012, 08:34 PM	#4
ravenvii macrumors 603 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Melenkurion Skyweir	Why not both? You take a lot of math courses for a computer science degree. You'll likely only need a handful more to complete a major in mathematics. __________________ 01011001 01101111 01110101 00100000 01110011 01110000 01101111 01101111 01101110 01111001 00100000 01100010 01100001 01110010 01100100 00100001
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Aug 21, 2012, 10:49 PM	#5
lowbelly macrumors member Join Date: Sep 2007	I would be hesitant to hire someone with a math degree for a programming job, until they had enough experience to back it up. A math minor practically comes for free with a CS degree, that's the way I'd go.
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Nov 30, 2012, 11:34 AM	#7
jc0481 Thread Starter macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2005	I just wanted to post an update. I went with a Math degree. After doing some more research I went with a Mathematics degree. I was looking into state assistance for my education and the state counselor that was helping me was concerned about job openings with my future degree. You see they only support certain degree programs and computer science was one of them. She showed me the list. I then had to come up with 10-15 job openings from different job websites that math degree was one of the requirements for that job. I did not find 10-15 job openings. I founded 25 and only took me a few hours to look for it.
	0

Dec 1, 2012, 03:30 AM	#8
63dot macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Platte	Congrats for choosing math. You will find work with either.
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