<p>So I want to go into ChemE next year, but I also wanted to double major. I already plan to minor in Environmental Engineering (at least if I go to Rose-Hulman), but I was wondering if it would be any benefit to double major in Mathematics. I almost thought of it as something to fall back on if I decided that ChemE was not for me (which I'm almost positive I will like it anyway). Is there a point in going through the extra classes and such to get a math major? If not, then do you think that it would be beneficial to double major in a subject or just do ChemE? I was almost thinking of double majoring in pure Chemistry also, but I'm not sure. I should also be coming into college as basically a sophomore because of AP Credits.</p>
<p>In my experience, a math major is only good for telling people to make them say, “Huh, you must be really smart,” even if you aren’t (most people you will meet outside of the context of school and work are terrible at math, so are easily impressed). It’s good paired with a comp sci degree, but you’d probably be better served taking more chemistry or upper level ChemE classes. </p>
<p>Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to cram too many majors and minors into your schedule. Engineering disciplines are intensive enough as it is, and ultimately it’s better to have the higher GPA because you had time to learn everything important well than an extra note on your transcript that says you took a lot of other classes in a subject future employers (or grad schools, if you decide to go that route) won’t really care about.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’m really starting to lean away from a Math major. I enjoyed high school math (such as Calculus and such), but after searching around I don’t really see what good a math major really does. There does not seem to be many job opportunities available to solely a math major. Anyway, the reason for the EnvE minor is that as of now I want to do EnvE in grad school (who knows how I will think mid-way through college though). I know that the Engineering curriculum in general is supposed to be very difficult, so that is why I am asking is it worth it. I imagine that there are quite a few people on here who are already a part of engineering programs and can guide me in what they think. The school I want to go to, Rose-Hulman, has a program for ChemE and Chem double majors. Would this be worth it? Chemistry and math are the two subject areas I am most interested in.</p>
<p>How long do planned on being an undergraduate? You do realize that chemical engineering is one of the harder engineering major due to its intense workload, right? A math degree is not going to make you a better candidate as a potential employee. It will help you though if you planned on going to graduate school. It also depends on what type of mathematics, such as pure math or applied math? </p>
<p>In my opinion, you should focus on chemical engineering and make sure your GPA is really high in that major instead of doubling and risking the chances for a poor GPA. Also, take tons of chemical engineering electives if your school offer it instead of taking courses outside your major so that you have a stronger foundation as a chemical engineer.</p>
<p>ele902, I’m thinking you may be right with sticking to ChemE courses instead of attempting to double major. I heard it is one of the hardest of the engineering majors and that might be a wise choice. Also, I do plan to go onto grad school after undergrad. I plan for 4 years in undergrad because my freshman year is basically covered with AP credit. Also, the type of mathematics depends on where I go to school. Most likely pure mathematics though.</p>
<p>noimagination, proofs aren’t exaclty my most favorite things. I heard that math majors do a lot of proofs though…</p>
There is very little point in completing a math major if you don’t like proofs (real proofs, not those hideous two-column things you probably did in geometry).</p>
<p>First, if you love Math or are generally interested in the subject then by all means do a double major. </p>
<p>However, from a practical and employment standpoint I don’t really see a Math major giving you an edge. Most employers will hire as an engineer and not a mathematician and even the few industries that might hire math majors, mainly banking or consulting types, your ChemE will suffice just fine.</p>
<p>Next, there is actually very little overlap between a Math major and engineering degree. Sure you’ll take the Calculus and ODE but these classes constitute a slime piece of a Math degree. Depending on your specialization (Pure or Applied) you’ll have to take probability, real analysis, topology, number theory, algebraic structures and other proof intensive classes. You’ll most likely need a significant portion of advanced classes to complete your degree and a ChemE and Math course load can be overwhelming.</p>
<p>As I said before, there is a stark difference between AP Calculus and a Math major. As no imagination hinted, you must be ready to tackle proofs and non-calculus topics if you want to major in Math. </p>
<p>I feel that majoring in Chemistry would be the same–a very interesting intellectual experience if you enjoy the subject but won’t really give you an edge. </p>
<p>However, you mentioned graduate school. I think the best course of action is to instead supplement your ChemE degree with bits and pieces of Chemistry and Math that might be pertinent to your research.</p>
<p>Ya, those are the proofs I was thinking of… I didn’t like those very much.</p>
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<p>I feel that you are right in this. I imagine instead of taking one main focus in Chem or math, it might be better to take parts of each to help with the main subject I want to go into.</p>
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<p>Ya, that’s why I was leaning away from my original math major idea. I really enjoyed the stuff in high school, but that is probably very little compared to what is necessary in a math major. I don’t really want to make myself go crazy with an engineering major PLUS a math or chem major. Thank you for all the input!</p>
<p>I think it might be better to see how college is actually going and then to decide if I want to do anything extra. I can say as much as I want now, but who knows how I will think in the future. Thanks again everyone!</p>
<p>Only double major in Math if you enjoy math. The best way to know whether or not you enjoy math is… well… to try it out. I would do some brief self-study in math if I were you (mathematical logic, abstract algebra, and graph theory are good places to start), and if possible, take a free elective in a “proof-based math course” early on in your college career.</p>
<p>Then, if you like it, you can go for a double major or minor. Otherwise, you’ve learned that real math isn’t for you, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that… in fact, I’d imagine that’s more than most people learn in four years of college.</p>