<p>My question is whether one degree looks better than the other when trying to get a job in academia after graduating? I am interested in both, but if I had to choose I would probably choose Applied Math. I understand that the job outlook in general for academia is pretty low. However, would a Pure math degree look better than an Applied math degree, or visa versa? Thanks guys!</p>
<p>It all depends on whether you are applying to an Applied Mathematics program or to a more pure mathematics program.</p>
<p>…
A pure math PhD would be better if you were applying to pure math teaching/research positions. An applied math PhD would be better if you were applying to applied math teaching/research positions.
…did I really just type that out? </p>
<p>If what you were trying to ask is ‘which academic job market is less atrociously bad’, I have no idea. Math people, do you have an impression? Academic job searchers, is there a resource comparing the relative badness of different academic sub-markets out there somewhere?</p>
<p>I’ve never heard of anything like that, although I’m not sure how useful it would be since it definitely shouldn’t be used to decide on a graduate degree. The market could change markedly in the X years it takes the peruser to finish the degree. (10 years ago the humanities market was pretty bad, but not this bad.)</p>
<p>I’m definitely not a mathematician, but I get the sense that an applied mathematician might be more able to parlay their degree into different departments - like a school of business, or biostatistics in a school of public health - or even into non-academic jobs. But perhaps not; it really depends on the research. Perhaps you should PM b@r!um, OP; he’s a math grad student at a very top program.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the advice and information. It seems I just have to do a little more research before I make a decision as I am still undecided. Thank you all! </p>