Mathematics major but not sure need HELP PLEASE!!

<p>I'm pretty decent at math and I like it a lot and I know I definitely want to major in math but I'm not sure if I should major in applied mathematics or pure mathematics. I know the difference but I just don't know which one to choose. Also I want to double major with either business, economics, biology, or geology. I really like business and am taking economics next year (which will be my senior year) and will probably like it. However I really like science too and I especially am interested in marine biology, oceanography, or hydrology/soil sciences. However I understand there is not that much demand for those majors so I was thinking possibly a broader major of biology or geology. Is it possible to pursue marine biology if I get a geology degree because many of the fundamentals of geology seem interesting to me. Also if I take the business/ math route could I minor somewhere in science or would that be a waste. I'm also considering programs with the ROTC navy to perhaps get an occupation in marine biology because of all the marine life programs they have. I'm fairly smart like 98 average top of extremely small class and I really care about school and especially math I just don't know what I should pursue because I love challenges and many things interest me and I wouldn't mine doing a bunch of classes. Thanks for any input:)</p>

<p>Please if anyone has anything to say!!!</p>

<p>A few things. Unless you’re going into research, I would choose applied math over pure because it gives you more options career wise. If I were in your situation, I would pursue a double major with one minor, or one major with a triple minor. Keep in mind that this will take <em>extremely</em> hard work and you’ll hardly have time for extracurricular activities or a life outside of academics period. If that doesn’t interest you, I would recommend checking out the “natural sciences” major.</p>

<p>I would second doing applied math. Most people who don’t breathe math (and only math) seem to end up regretting studying lots of pure math. </p>

<p>As far as the double major, I would suggest just trying everything out your first year and you will naturally gravitate to something… Or even better AWAY from something. If you’re at all interested in working outdoors then geology would be a good bet.</p>

<p>Since I was a Computational Math major, this will be biased but I would carve out a nice “super minor” or concentration (each a little more than a minor) in…</p>

<p><strong><em>DRUM ROLL</em></strong></p>

<p>Computer Science, including:

  • A Object-Oriented Java or C++ Programming Course
  • A Data Structures Course
  • An Operating Systems Course
  • A Database Systems Course
  • A Computer Networks Course</p>

<p>I would also choose more of an APPLIED math program with these electives:

  • Statistics & Probability for Engineers (it can be the combined Stats & Prob course)
  • Computational Statistics/Statistical Computing (“R”, SAS)
  • Numerical Analysis/Numerical Linear Algebra (Matlab, Maple)
  • Optimization/Linear Programming/Operations Research</p>

<p>I know only Physics I (Mechanics) and Physics II (Electricity & Magnetism) is suggested/required, but YOU WILL ADD:

  • Physics III or Modern Physics
  • Computational Physics</p>

<p>Do you hear me? :-)</p>

<p>You don’t have to choose right away, your first year or two would be the same either way.</p>

<p>Okay so in college I really want to also pursue intramural sports because that’s what I like so I probably wouldn’t have time your saying if I did a triple major in mathematics, economics, and geology. Also does anyone know if geology can tie in with marine biology. And if I just perhaps went first to pursue in mathematics would I easily be add in the other majors. And I definitely am gonna major in applied math:).</p>

<p>There’s the option of marine geology. [Marine</a> Careers :: Marine Geology](<a href=“http://www.marinecareers.net/field_marinegeology.html]Marine”>http://www.marinecareers.net/field_marinegeology.html)
If anything, I would pick a major and a minor or two that are versatile and fit your interests. That way you can study what you want and still have free time.</p>

<p>Also would a dual major in applied mathematics and natural science be good and could I somehow take some courses to learn a focus of oceanography or marine biology. Haha sorry for all the questions.</p>

<p>P.S. Having another majors takes more money/time and some schools bar that option, so keep that in mind when making your decision. If you are going the DM route, try one that’s closely related to your original major which will cut down on the how long you’re in school and how much you spend. For instance, an economics/business major will often have to take the same courses.</p>

<p>Okay so that sounds good lol so what if I dual major in mathematics and marine geology and minor in economics or is that pointless and will leave me no free time??</p>

<p>Well, your free time will be very, very limited, but it’s possible. If your working in a science related field, your choices are good ones. On the other hand, if you want to go into finance, your options are a bit limited, although having math and economics looks good since it shows you can handle the numbers. At this point, I would recommend pursuing something after your initial college education. For instance, my uncle holds a MS in Astrophysics, but decided to get a PhD in Economics once his interests changed.</p>

<p>I used CS for an example because that is one math-associated area that can be done within the 120-semester/180-quarter credit degree plan.</p>

<p>If you are going to take something much different from math but attainable in a graduate program, I would get a graduate degree in the other area. I am not a fan of burning 150 credits for 2 bachelor degrees. If I am doing 150+ credits, the phrase “Master of” must be on that 2nd degree somewhere.</p>

<p>well what if I go for a masters of applied mathematics or even farther cuz that’s what I was maybe gonna do</p>

<p>Applied Math/Statistics major here.</p>

<p>I’m getting a minor in physics, which isn’t hard to acquire given that it’s only a few more courses outside of a math major. I don’t have time to satisfy another minor, but I would seriously consider minoring in something like econ, finance, or computer science. Computer Science + Math is probably best if you like challenges.</p>

<p>Double major in Math + Whatever you want. </p>

<p>I’m most likely going to be an actuary for a while to make some good money. Consider that career path if you’d like.</p>