Which is better to graduate with and enter the job market? a double major in Computer Science and Math or a Master’s in Computer Science?
Depends on if the jobs of most interest are those where the extra math is useful, or those where the master’s degree is useful. In the latter category, there may be jobs where the topic of master’s degree study is useful, versus those where the master’s degree is a desired check box.
There can also be jobs where none of the above is significantly more useful than a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
you can get both? A lot of jobs require a advanced degree, but I don’t see the same for a math degree. So I would say the latter is better.
My son is doing computer science with minor in math. The math minor was easy as the computer science required so much math that all he needed was 3 extra math classes. Depends on what school. It probably be hard to do a math major and computer science major as they are all hard level classes.
I would say a Master’s in CS (I’m a CS major). This is just coming from a data science perspective (just one of many concentrations in CS). It really all depends on what you want to go into in the CS world. In data science, most data scientists need some form of graduate degree. Even if you double majored and has a lot of math skills that is needed for data science, employers just like that extra certificate.
Secondly, CS already has a lot of math required. Double majoring will make employers think you know a lot of math, but having a CS degree alone also has the same effect, they will still think you know a lot of math (because CS curriculums need lots of it). So double majoring can be a great way to push yourself intellectually, but you should look at your special interests to see what kind of job you’re into and look to see what employers would prefer for those positions. Some positions, a regular CS degree is sufficient. Some would want a little something extra. Do ones that fit your interests.
Uh, what is wrong with just computer science?
You honestly don’t need both. You don’t even need a degree to get a job in the field right now. A lot of employers don’t give a crap if you earned a degree or not anymore as long as the person can pass the rounds of interviews and can actually program.
- Person who has worked as software engineer (did math in college) since 2014 and starting masters in computer science spring 2019
CS/Math double major is not too bad if you can handle the Math theory coursework. Many schools have a basic Math degree that was created to dual with another STEM field.
As Caldud said, most tech jobs today are about what you can do, so the Masters is really optional.
Back in the dark ages I did a BS in Math and then a MS in CS because I didn’t have the programming skills and jobs were scarce. By the time I graduated the economy bounced back and jobs were available.
My son’s school has a co-terminal BS/MS program. Start grad coursework in senior year and then stay one extra year. Its a great deal if you go in with lots of AP or DE credit and can complete it in just 4 years.
Computer Science (BS) degrees used to be a mini-engineering degree back in the 80s and 90s but now they lead to largely dead-end programming or IT support type jobs. Most employers care more about certifications to be honest and covering their rear ends with HR in case something goes wrong. So it comes down to what you want to do with the degree in the end.
- If you want to program or do infrastructure type jobs, You can get any degree at all and add certs. Math is a good catch-all since it shows high analytical skills and is useful when you want to eventually get another degree in technology, especially if you take physics 3 or 4 with the degree as that gets rid of most of the future core requirements.
- If you want to be the manager someday or run your own firm, avoid CS and do something more business or IT management related. Add certs as required. This is a completely different career path than support, typically. IME, management in computers is a steel ceiling that is hard to breach once you start on the support/infrastructure path. If you do this, seriously consider getting a PMP certificate as well.
- If you want to be more of a technologist and/or make/invent/fix things, go into math, physics, or engineering. Add some computer certs on top of that.
A masters if you want to teach is not a bad option. Still, it can set you apart from the other candidates and gives you a lot of career options/flexiblity later in life. The truth is, most places consider a Masters in just about anything as a litmus test to break into management, unless your initial path was in management.
Looks like you are describing IT jobs managing computers and software, not designing and developing them, which is what CS majors typically seek jobs in.
No design or development job that I have seen cared about IT certifications.
I would always prefer a Master’s degree if possible because the pay rate is higher in the government guidelines