I’m new to the site, so I apologize in advance if I posted this in the wrong discussion area:
I’m currently debating whether it’s viable to pursue a degree in one Major, while I have interest in another field altogether.
For college, I would be most interested in pursuing a track in Computer Science, as that’s what I love and am most interested in. However, most colleges require that you take core courses in both Math (generally Calculus) and Physics.
Math / Calculus isn’t my strongest subject, and I haven’t had any experience with Physics before as it wasn’t part of my curriculum, so if I could avoid them or do as little in them as possible, that’s what I would prefer.
Any thoughts you guys have on this would be greatly appreciated
I’m not clear what you mean by different majors at all.
But look for CS in dept of arts & sciences instead of engineering. Be aware that schools that don’t require calc will be rarer and possibly not that great programs.
I’m currently doing a BA in my school and Discrete is the highest math after Calc. I’m usually bad in math but I put in the extra time to do well. I would say go for it.
A non-engineering-based CS program is more likely to require just calculus 1, calculus 2, discrete math, and linear algebra. However, advanced CS courses include theory topics that are basically types of math.
You sound a bit like me. I’m not really the strongest when it comes to math. I used to be a bit of a wiz, but I’ve really slacked off. Perhaps you could try finding joint majors or ones related to computer science? They definitely might not be as “good” as a traditional computer science degree, but it’s a good way to expose yourself to the field/major. I’m going to be part of a major called computational linguistics. It’s definitely not as intensive in computer science courses as the actual computer science major offered by the university, but I get to take a lot of the same courses (just nothing hardcore like computer graphics which has a requirement of calc 3 here I believe)
Since it’s unavoidable in your desired area of study, you should look to find a tutor who can boost your math skills quickly. Prepping the knowledge you’ll need for future classes will make the classes much easier, and you’ll retain that info better. There may even be free tutoring at your school, but if you hire someone, you’ll get better lessons, and they’ll be directly tailored to your needs. I’ve helped a lot of students improve hugely and quickly as their tutor. Someone might even help so much you end up enjoying more complex math, like Physics.
If you really want to dodge the math classes, or at least lessen the blow, you can take those courses at a Community College instead of at your University. That way you’ve got less pressure to perform well, as it’s not directly affecting your UC GPA, but you still fulfill the req for your Comp Sci major.
Look at programs with a B.A. in CS instead of a B.S.
At CWRU for example, I see Calc2 as the highest required level of Math for a B.A., where as the BS requires Multivariable Calc and Differential equations as well.
Thank you for all the comments and options that you guys recommended.
I appreciate and it’s given me more to think about when I need to decide what I plan to do.
If you only need Calc I/II, it isn’t the end of the world. Work with a tutor, pick a good professor, put in the work and you can probably get at least Cs if not much higher. Same with Physics.
I don’t get the idea that math is something to be avoided if you want to major in computer science.
Algorithms and data structures will require familiarity with recurrences. Graph algorithms are named after the branch of math from which they originate. Bit operations are from Boolean logic and set operations are from, again, set theory. Likewise, testers and developers should have a working knowledge of probability (especially combinatorics) and statistics. While UX isn’t my thing, I suspect stats are especially important in that area as a way to make sense of your telemetry results. Finally, linear algebra is also important and computational geometry are both applicable to a remarkable number of problems.
When hiring entry-level developers, we only look at three things (unordered list): quantitative skill/aptitude, are you articulate, can we work through a problem together. In my experience, physics is less useful but both PhDs I work with assure me everything else is just stamp collecting.
What part of computer science will you pursue? Be very careful what field you will pursue. In Silicon Valley, we are hiring primarily masters graduates and nearly 90% of my team is Chinese or Indian where math is basically a superior skill. You can get a CS degree and pursue technical marketing, testing, documentation or some other field, but for raw coding positions, you will be severely disadvantaged as you will need a masters.
Well, I don’t know where you live but I’d highly recommend OSU. It has an awesome Computer Science program divided into many different tracks. I know one of the majors doesn’t require you to take Physics or many math classes at all… Everything here is just highly customizable to meet your interests.
Personally, I’m pursuing the BS in CSE although I’m not great at Physics because I know the major is more than its GEs which are just there to help you better understand your core classes. I’ve been doing really well in my core classes too so I’m not too worried about my deficiency in Physics. If you decide to come here, you can start with BA in CIS, and then switch to another CS major. Up to you.
This is just to say that there are universities out there that will have different tracks for the major. Don’t worry too much if you’re not too great at math and just pursue it! CS is a wonderful field.
