Major Indecisions, Major Problems

College Majors Science Majors
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<p>Did anyone appreciate my pun of a thread title? </p>

<p>Well, I present the educated members of college confidential with a sight they have seen 500 times, I am sure.</p>

<p>A new user, logging on, with that age-old question of "help me choose my major". I will admit, I didnt even get creative, as my options seem to be falling down to math and engineering; a situation that I am sure is of the more common ones present.</p>

<p>Here is my specific situation. I love math, obviously. I started taking college courses two years early, and have had university environment calculus 1 already. I currrently have 38 credit hours and just completed my junior year. I will attain 34 more credit hours in my senior year of highschool. This fall, I will be a senior, and will be taking calc 2 in the fall and multivariate in the spring. I will also be taking physics 1 and 2, and am hoping that these calculus-based, university-level classes will help me make my decisions. I have done well in every math class I have ever taken, and am the "go-to-guy" for math help.</p>

<p>On the flipside, I think engineering has its benefits. I like the idea of designing, building, and inventing things. I think I could find enjoyment in the modification of existing things. I am vice-president of a FIRST robotics club, and enjoy it greatly. I am looking into electrical, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. My indecision among the three is another cause for concern. </p>

<p>My question boils down to this: math or engineering degree?</p>

<p>Here are the reasons for the question.
-I am worried that a math degree will be a deadend career-wise. I know jobs exists for math majors, but I would imagine they are few, far between, and super competitive. Engineering jobs are a dime-a-dozen comparitively, it would seem. So there would be more job security as an engineer, am I correct?
-I would imagine engineers make more money. Dont get me wrong, this isnt my only concern.
-I worry I will not be capable of performing well with a math degree. Sure, I wont do too bad. But I worry that I wont do all that hot. Maybe this is just me worrying and overthinking though, my friends would tell you I am capable and qualified.
-Finally, I really enjoy math. I want to use it in my career. I know engineers use it a lot, which is part of my attraction to the job. But I dont know how much, or how creatively, they use it. I imagine it boils down like this: every day, day after day, engineers use math some. But each problem is very similar to the last, and it becomes more of an exercise in plug-and-chug than creative problem solving. </p>

<p>I admit, I am kind of intrigued by a math degree. For some reason, I see a math degree as a sort of higher standard, a rare cloud that not many sit upon successfully. It is almost like the difficulty and prestige of a math degree represents a code of honor to me, and by completing one I would be answering to a higher calling. Anyone else look at the degree like that, or is it just me? Not to insult non-math degree seekers, of course. But alas, do I wish to make this decision based off of the conversations I could have, in which I report my triumph I am so proud of?</p>

<p>I was also considering physics, but eventually decided that I feared that degree more-so than the math degree, due to degree marketability. I also decided that engineering was, essentially, applied physics, so I might as well just be an engineer if I go for physics. </p>

<p>I recognize I cant expect the perfect answer. You do not know me, my interests, hobbies, tendencies, obsessions, breaking points, talents, or abilities. But, I think I have given you enough to help me in some form or fashion. If you need more information, ask away. Thanks for the help.</p>

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<p>My opinion: Do engineering.</p>

<p>You say you love math, well there’s plenty of math there. You’re going to be taking tons of math classes. And it’s not just floating numbers in space, it’s numbers that actually apply to something, so in my opinion it’s even better.</p>

<p>Engineering will obviously give you lots of job security, and good pay. And no matter how many people say “oh, just follow your heart”, the blunt truth is that, yes, you want a major you will enjoy, but almost just importantly, you want a major that will actually allow you to get a good job and live comfortably. If you REALLY love something, what’s wrong with doing it as a hobby, not as your job?</p>

<p>So yea, I say go with Engineering. Everyone else is going to say “only you can choose this” and stuff like that, so I decided to actually give you what you wanted, and I believe that is either siding for one or the other.</p>

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<p>If you do not plan to go to grad school and get a physics degree there is a 22% chance of becoming a software engineer within two years of graduation and many other % of becoming some other type of engineer, the marketability is not as great as an engineering degree per say, but in so means unmarketable in comparison to an engineering degree. Mathematics is a versatile degree that allows the quantitative skills required for many PhD programs, but do not do it just because you want to impress people. By the way, you plan to go to graduate school is so you have more flexibility, but if not I suggest engineering, since it has the greatest marketability as an undergraduate degree. If not than simply do whichever one you have the greatest interest in, since all provide good quantitative backgrounds.</p>

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<p>

Congratulation, and I hope you like the FIRST events. Do you mind which state? I was actually the co-founder of the FIRST team in my school, some years ago.</p>

<p>I’d say go with engineering for now. Choose one that you enjoy the most SO FAR. </p>

<p>

I am not a Math major but I would say probably kind of true. But others may disagree. But it’s true because it’s our perceptions. </p>

<p>

Generally yes. The starting salary of a potential engineer is higher than most employments.</p>

<p>

Not overthinking or overwhelming. It’s all good. I have a fear too. Usually math majors end up in either finance, or engineering.</p>

<p>

It really depends on what kind of engineers, who you work for and what kind of projects.
These days computer softwares can handle a lot for us, and so some engineers don’t need to write pages of math solutions…
Some have to because they work in projects that you have to. Some are analysts.
There are many kinds of math… so yes you get to play around with them when you need them. </p>

<p>Go with engineering and try it. See how you like it. Talk to upperclassmen there, and join some clubs, or even begin your research right away!</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/science-majors/971422-any-math-majors-here.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/science-majors/971422-any-math-majors-here.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You should read what Global trvaler said. I believed he mentioned that he was a math undergraduate and an engineer now? Or wait for his reply. :)</p>

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<p>Well, dont get me wrong, I dont want to major in math just to look cool. I was just trying to say that the very degree and act of getting the degree is appealing to me, because it represents difficulty and challenges that many cannot overcome.
It is kind of like the man who joins the U.S. military, and chooses the Marines because he has heard the Marines are the “first ones in, last ones out”. Almost like being a marine represents a call to honor many cannot achieve.
The Few, The Proud, The Math Major.
See what im saying? I recognize you probably do not view this situation with the same light, but can you see what I am trying to say I feel when I think about it? I realize it is silly, but I just thought I would throw it in there.</p>

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<h2>Congratulation, and I hope you like the FIRST events. Do you mind which state? I was actually the co-founder of the FIRST team in my school, some years ago.</h2>

<p>Missouri. Our team is poorly funded, and has no mentors or professionals. Really puts responsibility on the shoulders of us students. But we get it done (kind of). All of us on the team are taking at least 15 college credit hours a semester, so we dont have much time to work. </p>

<p>If you are keeping track, we have no money, no time, and no help. But we field a robot yearly.</p>

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<p>

I see what you saying, but math major isn’t that rare IMO. People don’t know how important mathematicians are behind those engineering and science discovery.
I share the same feeling for physicists. While physics major is pretty popular, but a lot of people thinks physics is a difficult major. And I was like “yeah it would be a great achievement to become a physicist and calling yourself a physicist…”</p>

<p>But there is a flaw… if you really enjoy it, then money, job security shouldn’t be a concern at all. But we are humans and we have to face with these materialistic things. </p>

<p>The way you see “math degree” isn’t an insult. It’s personal preference.
The job placement with a major degree is not bad at all. The difference between engineering and math is that engineering graduates look more “technical” to people, and usually people think those with math degree are super nerdy mathematicians. This is why people think math majors do not make money. This is also a reason why you feel that math major graduates is an exceptional achievement.</p>

<p>It isn’t, really. Let’s be honest. I don’t know if you are as smart as Newton, or Riemann, but I am not. I can work very hard and maybe I would become a Nobel Prize physicist. Everyone can have that fair chance.</p>

<p>I’d advice to go with an engineering study for now, and decide to switch major later, if you really like a different one. You can even pursue a double major if you don’t an extra year… or do math now, and decide later…</p>

<p>What matters is your interest. I like math and I really think math is very interesting. But I don’t enjoy doing proofs all time, and I am not that great in math myself. I can utilize math and science and that’s what I enjoy to do.</p>

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<p>Of course I am biased with this answer because I am using myself as an example.</p>

<p>You major in math as an undergrad with either a good specialization or dual-major that puppy with computer science.</p>

<p>Why?: then you can test out the pure mathematician careers and have a “fall back plan” like going into the computer software industry.</p>

<p>Then…</p>

<p>Get a masters in engineering. I would say something like Systems Engineering which allows you to specialize in your own engineering area while still getting an “engineering” degree.</p>

<p>Like I said…I am biased (BS Computational Math, MS Engineering).</p>

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<p>If I was to toss in that I feel I may be more interested in Applied Math as opposed to Theoretical or Pure Math, would that change any opinions? Because when I think math major I do not see myself standing in front of a chalkboard for weeks creating some abstract theory that may be useful in someway, some day. Granted, I realize that is probably not exactly what “pure mathematicians” do.
What I see myself doing, or wishing to do, with a math degree would be the completion of the BS, the completion of grad study, and then being used by companies to provide an analytical interpretation of things, or work together to find solutions using high level mathematics. One of those guys that takes math, applies it to real world problems, and then uses the information and results to make the company or world itself work better.</p>

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<p>Allow me to define engineering as: applied knowledge. Again, personal preference :)</p>

<p>Maybe work for MathWork, the company that creates the mathematic software (and language) called Matlab. The company hires mathematicians and computer scientists. It’s one of the most famous and popular choice of advance science and engineering mathematic applications…</p>

<p>Or google… </p>

<p>Applied Math can be extended into many areas :)</p>

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<p>Mchlmpls…</p>

<p>I think you just answered your question…applied math.</p>

<p>If this helps, some schools even put Applied Math (not regular/pure math) in their engineering schools.</p>

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<p>So I do not have some flawed idea of what I would be doing with a math degree if I attempted applied math? Also, is the best way to reach the applied math career to major in math and take a lot of classes in another area?</p>

<p>For instance, double major in (or at least take many classes in) a related applied area, such as engineering, physics, or computer science?</p>

<p>Or should I just be looking for applied math, and if that falls through sticking with engineering?</p>

<p>Or, am I off base entirely, and engineering is basically applied math + applied physics?</p>

<p>I am so confused, as a first generation college student I have no one to ask about these higher level things, and internet searches generally leave me chasing geese all over the interwebs.</p>