<p>First off, computer science is ABET accredited at my school. I don't know how common this is, but I would assume that at most state schools that this is the case.</p>
<p>Next, I believe that science and engineering majors already know enough math to do their jobs. What they may lack is computer expertise. As far as advanced courses go, I think that network and operating systems knowledge is more applicable than abstract algebra and real analysis.</p>
<p>I agree that math / CS is a reasonable double major and if he is interested in both fields this is what he should do. But majoring in math alone is - if my understanding of the state of industry is correct - not the best career move out there.</p>
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Clearly.
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<p>So you (I'm assuming a college student or alum) have more knowledge about college majors than a high school kid? Congratulations. </p>
<p>I never claimed to know everything about this topic. I thought it was interesting and offered my two cents. Obviously I was misinformed. I can admit to being wrong. But there's no need to be rude.</p>
<p>"How do you feel math opens up more fields than CS does? A CS major can get a job in every industry."</p>
<p>Well, a math major is just fundamentally less specialized, unless going into pure theory. One can either go into math with the intent of going to grad school in pure math or something, else just aiming to study more + go into something else. It is very conceivable to major in math, take some CS classes, and go to some further study [e.g. a master's] in CS, and work in industry. Also very conceivable to take the financial road. Also very conceivable to learn some physics and try to go to physics grad school. Unless one focuses on very pure, abstract math, a math major is certainly applicable to the most FIELDS, which is what was being stated.</p>
<p>However, a CS major easily has a clearer job path. I'd agree with the above that JoeJoe was being somewhat rude, and there is a certain truth to the fact that math is foundational to a lot of further study [economics, CS, math itself, physics, all come to mind]. </p>
<p>The OP seems pretty clearly best off with a CS degree, however. If there are questions about the math major, I'm happy to answer anything by PM or however else.</p>
<p>"But majoring in math alone is - if my understanding of the state of industry is correct - not the best career move out there."</p>
<p>Only if you're going into purely theoretical math. Not if you're open to taking classes in other disciplines. Math goes great with some flavoring in economics, and I'd say a math major flavored with economics sounds a lot nicer to me than economics flavored with math...also, careers often don't really relate to exactly what you study in undergrad.</p>
<p>I know a bunch of math majors applying to law school, and supposedly doing very well on the LSAT also. It's a great major to have. Only if one is like me [and is heavily heading down the academic + theory road] does it seem to close any doors. And even then, a Ph.D. in math can do quite a few things if open to looking around...you can just pick up a lot of things with a foundation in the subject, I feel.</p>
<p>I plan on going to graduate school in math, so it's nothing against mathematics as a discipline... I love mathematics.</p>
<p>But if you have a math major who took, say, 5 CS / software classes, and an ABET-accredited CS major who had 10 CS / software classes, and you're hiring somebody to write software... I think that, ceteris paribus, I'd rather be the guy with the CS degree.</p>
<p>Granted, there may be jobs a math major would have an advantage over a CS major. All I'm saying is that what you say about math applies to CS as well... not so fundamental, perhaps, but everybody needs people to do it. And, as I said before, I think CS majors are slightly better off, just because most people learn enough math for their disciplines (economics majors, physics majors, even CS majors) but not many learn enough CS to write their own software...</p>
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Well, a math major is just fundamentally less specialized, unless going into pure theory. One can either go into math with the intent of going to grad school in pure math or something, else just aiming to study more + go into something else. It is very conceivable to major in math, take some CS classes, and go to some further study [e.g. a master's] in CS, and work in industry. Also very conceivable to take the financial road. Also very conceivable to learn some physics and try to go to physics grad school. Unless one focuses on very pure, abstract math, a math major is certainly applicable to the most FIELDS, which is what was being stated.
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<p>Being less specialized doesn't automatically mean more job opportunities. But then you start talking about masters degrees which are just specializations. I'm pretty sure a CS major could just as readily go for a masters in physics as well (both majors would have to do a bit of extra work in undergrad). </p>
<p>A CS major can also go into financial sectors by the way.</p>