<p>Is this double major feasible to complete within four years of undergraduate school? I'm very interested in mathematics (definitely more so than computer science) but the job opportunities for mathematicians aren't really the jobs that I want to be doing. So, I want to get a double major so I can work as a computer scientist (yes, I do like computer science I didn't just blindly pick this major) but also get the education of a mathematician and expand my options with that career as well.</p>
<p>Ahem…</p>
<p>No need to double major. You can dual major which is fulfilling both majors within the same 120 semester hours. What you can do is select either applied math or the computational math majors IF your school offers it. Both of those majors usually will not require advanced real analysis or other theory courses. Still…</p>
<p>The usual B.S. Math is:</p>
<p>Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Differential Equations
Linear Algebra
Analysis I
Abstract Algebra I
Probability & Statistics
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective</p>
<p>Your usual CS program is:</p>
<p>Computer Science I (programming)
Computer Science I (programming)
Discrete Structures
Computer Organization
Analysis of Algorithms
Data Structures
Programming Languages
Operating Systems
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective</p>
<p>The KEY to a Math/CS dual major is to take courses that are cross-listed (part of both departments) whether at the school of your choice or other universities. If you analyze enough math and CS programs, you will notice which courses. These are usually the ones…</p>
<p>Numerical Analysis
Numerical Solution of Ordinary/Partial Differential Equations
Discrete Math I: Combinatorics
Discrete Math II: Graph Theory
Cryptography/Error Correcting Codes
Computational/Numerical Linear Algebra
Computational Complexity
…and sometimes operations research courses</p>
<p>The Combinatorics and Graph Theory courses will give you everything in the CS Discrete Structures course and a lot more, so you really do not need Discrete Structures. The first 2 programming courses will probably be required for the Math major as well nowadays. You MUST take Analysis of Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Languages and Operating Systems. Those are the REAL CS core. Those 4 courses will either be required for admission and/or taken during a grad program and/or be on a M.S. comprehensive exam for just about any masters degree program in CS. Computer Organization is iffy because it pretty much prepares you for the Computer Architecture course which is more hardware. Your option on that course.</p>
<p>The CS electives and the Math electives are the same cross-listed courses I mentioned.</p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Take a look at the CS department websites or contact the departments by email and ask them directly. They may have a webpage on how to do a CS/Math dual-major as it’s not uncommon.</p>
<p>Just to caution you about the suggestion of dual majoring, not all schools offer that option. For example, while I was there, UIUC did not offer such an option.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, your diploma does NOT have to read “Math/CS dual major”, taking the courses is enough. A potential employer can either pull your transcript or better yet get a feel for your knowledge of Math/CS through interviews.</p>
<p>Seems quite natural to me. </p>
<p>Ya know math majors just aren’t high school teachers.</p>
<p>Actuarial science doesn’t interest you?</p>
<p>What about financial engineering, investment banking, quantitative analysis, or operations research? There are some very bad *** jobs out there for math people, but keep in mind a good deal of them will require a masters degree unless you’re from a top 20 univerisity undergrad.</p>