I’m trying to figure out what I should major in but I’m not really sure which option gives me the most flexibility. Tbh I don’t quite know what I want to do with my degree. I’m pretty decent/good at math, Ive always had a natural knack for it but I don’t think I’m a genius at it. I figure I wouldn’t mind a career involving crunching numbers and looking at data which is very vague so I really want a degree that will give me good employment prospects but allow for field flexibility. I took a year off from school already so I really don’t want to waste any more time in pursuing my education. I really don’t want to have to go to grad school (more school doesn’t sound appealing and more so the grad school application part scares me) so the only reason Im really considering an masters is because my college offers a BA/MA in Mathematics (I’m looking at the math and applied math track). The thing is that it’s a Masters of Arts degree which doesn’t seem to hold the same value as a Masters of Science (and same with BA and BS)? I’m honestly not looking to transfer schools either but if I’ll have a better standing with a BS or MS then I’ll consider it. I’m also considering a BA in Compsci (school doesn’t offer a BS) since I have an interesting in coding and programming but tbh I’m not too familiar with it (haven’t taken any college classes in it). Also what about a double major in math and Compsci (BA) or (I’m not sure if it’s possible) do the BA/MA math program with a Compsci minor (I actually think I have to takes undergrad Compsci classes to take some of the grad level classes but Im not 100% sure).
So the main questions I have are:
Is it worth getting a Masters of Arts in math (vs a MS)/BA in Compsci (vs BS) or would I be wasting my time if employers in math/Compsci fields are looking for MS or BS holders?
Which degree path is the best option for good employment prospects out of college and job field flexibility?
I think the answer is pretty clear, let me explain why:
"more school doesn't sound appealing" a BA in computer science will be typically 4 years, and won't take as long as a double major Math/CS or BA/MA math.
BA in computer science uses math for Calculus I, II, possibly III, and Linear Algebra. You will also use math when you possibly take a physics course.
BA in computer science has very good employment prospects, and I would venture to say the greatest job field flexibility. With knowledge in computer science, you are free to pursue your own endeavors like: smartphone apps, your own website, writing your own useful programs for the world, freelancing, and starting your own business. All of these can support yourself without a "salaried" job and give you the opportunity to travel anywhere, create your own hours, and still make your income.
Lastly, it is my understanding that for the fields of Math and Computer Science, BA or BS is mostly insignificant.
You’re right on the first point just that I thought if it was worth it I would stick it out in school for an extra year (I think the MA/BA program can be completed in 4 or 5years depending on how plan your courses) if it would make me more employable but your third point is reassuring about job flexibility since I actually have a passion I want to pursue alongside getting a major/working in one of these fields (this degree mostly a back up plan tbh). The Compsci BA at my school only requires 4 math classes which will automatically put me in place to have a Math minor (and also about half of the core reqs of a Math major, and I think getting the MA in Math would leave me with a Comsci minor since I would have to take grad level Compsci courses). And about the BA/BS thing, I think I remembering reading somewhere that a BA would less valuable going into a STEM career so its great if the difference is mostly insignificant! I think I really had to I could transfer to the science/engineering college of my uni but I would really prefer not to.
Would you happen to know how employable math/Compsci majors are during undergrad or even at the grad level?
And are you a compsci major yourself?
You’re answer was really helpful, thank you! I think I’ll have to talk about it some more with an advisor to pick a definitive choice but I think it would be ok even if I change my mind later since a lot of the (early) courses overlap.
The BA/BS isn’t particularly significant for CS. Some colleges only offer one or the other. Some offer both. One college that offer both, Cornell, reports that job offers aren’t significantly different. More important are the classes that you take. If your school only offers BA then it may mean it has limited offers, but not necessarily. Other STEM degrees may vary. I don’t think it matters for math, I think math is mostly in the science and arts school so BA/MA may be usual.
If you like working with data and crunching numbers and you like math and CS you might be interested in Data Science. Data scientists are like statisticians that know more CS than most math majors and more math than most CS majors. You need skills in both.
CS majors usually can get pretty good summer jobs after Jr year, sometimes earlier. Math majors can get jobs with business and finance firms, but the CS jobs are usually easier. If you are interested in pickup jobs, you will likely be better off in CS.
Thanks for quelling my fears about the BA/BS difference! My college does only offer BA/MA in Compsci and math but I do have the ability to take classes at the more STEM oriented college at my uni which has a lot more options (and offers both BA/BS in some degree tracks but there’s additional major requirements compared with my school) so I could always just take extra classes there than I’m required to to make up for it. So does this mean wherever I’m applying gets a copy of my transcript and course descriptions or do I have to explain myself about the classes I’ve taken?
Data Science actually looks really interesting! But I’m wary that the last time I checked (in high school) I wasn’t very good at stats. I know I have to take classes in stats for my Compsci and math major but I think I can handle the two required stat classes but I’m not sure about taking 7+ of them. I probably just need to give it another try with hopefully a better teacher this time around.
How much do jobs look at your credited school work though? I’m asking because I remember reading a comment that if math and cs majors are applying for the same job that requires skills from both, the math major would stand a better chance since you can’t learn higher level math on the job like you can self-learn how to program different languages as necessary.
Sorry that it seems like I just keep asking more questions for each answer I get! I’m just trying to get a complete picture of my options and what my future might look like. Thanks for the helpful answer!
"Would you happen to know how employable math/Compsci majors are during undergrad or even at the grad level?
And are you a compsci major yourself?"
I am a compsci major myself, transferring to a UC Fall 2015 to be a junior.
I am not too sure how employable math majors are. This does not mean they are, or are not, i just don’t know.
For compsci majors, I have two first hand experiences that are very typical in my area. My older brother went to CSU East Bay, had a $20/hr internship senior year, and after graduating with BS, they hired him for a very well paying full time job right out of college. Also, one of my good friends went to UC Santa Cruz for comp engineering BS (fairly similar), had an internship senior year at HP, and right after graduating was accepted with a well paying full time salary.
This is a very typical thing for compsci majors around here nearby the Silicon Valley. As for your area, if it’s different, i’m not sure.
Overall, comp sci majors are “more” employable and higher payed on avg.
Ultimately, pick the one which interests YOU more. You can’t get through computer science without liking computers and programming, and you can’t get through Math if you don’t like semester after semester of math classes.
Ah, thanks for the information! I live and go to school in NY and tbh I’m not fully sure what employment prospects are like in these fields. I know there’s been a big push to support tech and science companies and that job growth has grown a lot over the past few years so it seems optimistic even if the tech sector here isn’t as large as Silicon Valley.
And yes, I think it’ll be much easier to make a final decision after ive taking a few more classes.