<p>When I was a freshman, I took differential equations (calc 4) and that was the class that I enjoyed the most. What do you guys think about switching to a applied math (financial or analysis) major? Is a math major harder or totally different from engineering?</p>
<p>I would say applied math is much similar to engineering.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, applied math is less proof-based than pure math, and is more about setting up and solving problems (which is what engineering is). Much of the math used in engineering would be more accurately described as applied math (i.e. non-proof-based calculus classes would be more applied math than pure math).</p>
<p>You do realize you can go into finance with an engineering major?</p>
<p>Applied math is very similar to engineering. Many industrial engineering degrees (especially at the M.S. level) are basically applied math degrees (operations research).</p>
<p>Applied math + CS is pretty much the same as CS/Math since there are many joint-department courses like numerical analysis, numerical linear algebra, cryptology, combinatorics and graph theory.</p>
<p>I think this is very dependent on both your school and your specialization within applied math. In general, I would not consider an applied math degree focused on economics or finance to be similar to most engineering disciplines. Both fields are highly quantitative, but the similarity ends there. Most of the main engineering disciplines emphasize scientific principles (especially physical principles) and their use in engineering design. As Global says, an ISyE degree focused on O.R. is similar to applied math, but I think that just serves to accentuate the unusual nature of industrial engineering compared to the other main specializations.</p>
<p>Any decent math degree will probably require you to take courses that are at least more conceptually proof-oriented than engineering, even if writing proofs is not a primary component of the program. If you like differential equations, applied math (or perhaps technical electives in an engineering program) would give you the chance to take more advanced courses in that area.</p>
<p>I glanced through your posting history; it seems that we have a lot in common. Good luck figuring things out.</p>
<p>thanks guys</p>