<p>Hi, as the topic suggests I'm currently an ME student and I realized this past semester that I kind of hate Engineering. It's my 3rd semester and I realized that I despise the fact that the program just ignores the basis of the mathematics and focuses SOLELY on the application. Bottom line, I'm not happy and I've decided to go towards a math degree--mostly because it is the only subject I've done thus far in engineering that I enjoy (realized I don't much care for physics and design classes).</p>
<p>Question: in terms of employability would pure and applied mathematics be better or would a specialization in statistics offer more of a leg up? I have looked into it and it seems as though statistics is a great direction to go in because of all the possibilities--actuary, quant, statistician (I'm in Canada so StatsCan is a major employer) etc...; is the aforementioned true?</p>
<p>A well-rounded math degree with a mix of theory and applications will probably make you the most adaptable in terms of job prospects. I wouldn’t count too much on getting employment at Stats Can right now (Harper hating science in general and statistics in particular, has made deep cuts in government agencies, and StatsCan is getting a double-whammy, i.e. both in direct cuts and indirects cuts from work they do for other agencies). But getting a degree in statistics is still worth it as the demand for “quant jobs” is everywhere, both in all levels of government and industry. A master’s degree in statistics, if you can afford it, is a good idea as well. There are many 1-year master’s programs.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information. I figured as much seeing as how a Math degree has many different avenues available whereas Engineering is pretty much the end result of a BEng. I have many friends in engineering who are BEGGING me to switch based on their experiences and projected outlook, however, the articles I’m reading and Academic Advisers assure me that there are many good jobs for Mech. Eng. graduates. I remain sceptical.</p>
<p>My Engr. Multivariable Calc. teacher is the head of the Math/Stats department and offered me immediate acceptance to Honours Pure and Applied Math (specialization Statistics).</p>
<p>If you are interested in statistics or applied math, both are rigorous programs with useful applications and reasonably good prospects.</p>
<p>That said, I would not expect a career that is more focused on the “basis of the mathematics” unless you are one of the very few who succeed in pure mathematical research, or unless you are interested in some areas of teaching. You’ll get to do proofs in your courses; beyond that, I would suggest looking at some actuarial exams or statistician job descriptions to decide whether that might be more appealing to you than engineering.</p>