<p>So for the longest time, I've wanted to major in math. All the upper level proof-based classes and subjects like Number Theory seem very interesting to me. However, as a career, I do not want to be a teacher, which seems to be one of the only jobs for pure math majors (please correct me if I'm wrong). If I were to major in applied math or chemical engineering, would I still be able to take all the upper level theory classes?</p>
<p>Do you have to choose between pure and applied math? Couldn’t you just take a mix of pure and applied courses within a math major?</p>
<p>Math majors have many options besides just teaching.
[Careers</a> in Mathematics](<a href=“http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mathcareers.html]Careers”>Careers in Mathematics)</p>
<p>I’m not sure if ChE would be flexible enough to allow you to fit in some of the math courses that interest you; as I understand it (though I may be wrong about this), it’s a pretty structured and sequential major with limited room for free electives outside the required courses.</p>
<p>Cryptography has roots in theoretical math. things like, for a number with 200 digits n, find prime numbers x and y such that n=xy. consider it.</p>
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<p>I don’t know about ChemE, but I was an applied math major (undergrad) and depending on how many courses are required for the “applied option”, you can also squeeze in the more theoretical courses. From what I have seen in looking at many B.S. Math programs, a student will have about 15-24 (5 to 8 courses) of free math electives that are strictly of their choosing and after all the required stuff is done.</p>
<p>Speaking on my undergraduate program, I ended up taking 90% of the computer science program by using my math free electives, general free electives and courses that belonged to both the Math & CS departments (cross-listed courses).</p>
<p>A Math major gives you incredible career flexibility. You’ll acquire skills that are valuable in many fields; it’s hard to think of a major that provides so much fire power and flexibility. You’ll learn things that are real, uncontaminated by politics and culture. Before you you figure out what’s worth thinking about, it’s great to learn how to think - and math will train you to think rigorously.</p>
<p>Science, law, engineering, the serious social sciences, business, finance, medical school - math majors have the inside track everywhere. And it will be very easy to address the applied vs. theoretical question; there’s actually no tension there.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>