Math Major Questions

<p>Any math majors lurking about? Am curious about Penn’s math program. DS1 is interested in a pure math program with a heavy dose of theoretical comp sci. Anticipates going for a PhD. DS1 is a legacy. </p>

<p>1) Is it possible to place out of courses beyond BC Calc?
2) Any one have experience with the joint BS/MS math degree or the Logic and Computation program?
3) How is the department on the pure math/theoretical comp sci side of things?
4) Would Wharton be a better choice vs. SAS for what he wants to do?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I'm a freshman and prospective math major, so I think I can help you out.</p>

<p>1) Yes. I know freshmen who have placed into MATH-240. As long as you can pass the departmental exams, you can place into a course. Though I doubt your son has enough experience to place into anything past 240.</p>

<p>2) Can't help you here, but maybe you can be more specific?</p>

<p>3) Pure math? Eh. It's still "pretty" good, but not in the top 20. However, Penn is supposedly on the cutting edge of research relating logic to comp sci.
4) I don't see how Wharton can be a better choice. For someone pursuing a math major, the best prep is to take a lot of math courses. If he has to double-major/dual-degree, he simply won't be able to do that (nor would he be able to pursue the BA/MS in only four years).</p>

<p>Do you happen to know how many students are majoring in maths at Penn (just a rough guess)?</p>