<p>Are there anyone double-majoring in math and computer sci?
I think there are many well paying job opportunities for students with this two majors, but I'm wondering if it is possible to graduate in four years, and do I need to stay up late A LOT?</p>
<p>What kind of career do you want?</p>
<p>If you’re good at math/CS and like both, go ahead. But keep in mind that, for software engineering jobs, in most cases the additional math degree isn’t going to qualify you for any more jobs than a normal CS major.</p>
<p>Forget the math degree. It adds unwanted stress and directs your focus away from your CS major. Those extra upper level theory based math courses are NOT going to help you for any job besides going into math research. I suggest you do a minor in math.</p>
<p>I am in favor of using a math degree (applied or computational) as a route to software engineering. I don’t how many actual MATH MAJORS are commenting on the degree but I am an actual math major (well computational mathematics) and know about the upper-level math courses. Many upper-level math courses are NOT theory-based especially if the school does research in applied mathematics.</p>
<p>There are upper-level math courses in cryptology, combinatorics, graph theory and parallel algorithms that are directly related to computer science.</p>
<p>As a matter of fact, the graduate applied math programs at schools like U-Illinois, NYU or U-Wisconsin have so many cross-listed courses in the Math/CS departments to the point that a student can actually take the SAME 10 courses and get either a Math or CS degree (not both).</p>
<p>An applied math program helps for applying to some graduate programs like CS or systems engineering.</p>
<p>For the n-th time, this is actually a very good combo, as advanced computer science is inherently very mathematical (computer science is an offspring of mathematics in a way, the other “parent” I guess would be engineering, particularly electrical, to make computer more than abstract objects…), and I know a number of computer scientists who are way better mathematicians than I am.</p>
<p>I guess with both CS and math, you’re more likely to end up a software developper than a code-monkey. At the high level, the distinction between math, CS and even physics blurs in some areas. An acquaintance of mine who did a joint honours math and physics and became a Rhodes scholar is now a prof in computer science, doing quantum computing.</p>
<p>To answer a couple more of the OP’s questions:</p>
<p>You can do a Math/CS dual-major (not double major) within the same 120 credits.</p>
<p>Typical Math major:
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Calculus III
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Analysis/Advanced Calculus
- Abstract Algrbra
- Math Elective
- Math Elective
- Math Elective
- Math Elective
- Math Elective</p>
<p>Typical CS major
- Java/C++ I
- Java/C++ II
- Discrete Structures
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Theory of Programming Languages
- Operating Systems
- CS Elective
- CS Elective
- CS Elective
- CS Elective
- CS Elective</p>
<p>Math/CS cross-listed courses (counts as Math AND CS elective)
- Cryptology/Error-Correcting Codes
- Combinatorics (more advanced than in sophomore Discrete Structures course)
- Graph Theory (more advanced than in sophomore Discrete Structures course)
- Numerical Whatever (where Whatever = Analysis, Linear Algebra, Methods)
- Computational Complexity
- Optimization (some schools)
- Parallel Algorithms (some schools)
- Quantum Computing (some schools)</p>
<p>Not hard to satisfy both majors within same 120 credits.</p>
<p>Also, intro to probability is usually required in both (if not, take it anyway, no math or CS major should graduate without it), and intro to statistics, as well as simulation/computational statistics if offered, are often cross-listed.</p>
<p>
A math degree is certainly very valuable. But if you’re someone who is already out to get a CS degree, adding on another Math degree is not going to add any more value than if you just simply took some relevant math classes as additional electives.</p>
<p>Furthermore, applied math is different than pure math, so the OP should clarify.</p>
<p>If you want more out of your CS degree than just a software engineering job, then upper level math is going to be very useful. “Pure math” fields like abstract algebra, geometry, topology, etc. have lots of applications in current research in CS. </p>
<p>The proof-based undergraduate math courses are taught without any regard to applications, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any.</p>
<p>What about getting the second major in math because I like math? (I would like to do this. Have a compsci profession and even possible eventually get a teaching certificate and teach high school math after retiring)</p>
<p>IMO, you do not need a college degree in math to teach math at the high school level, unless you plan on teaching multivariable calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, number theory, topology, etc… to high schoolers.</p>