Official UCSD Mathematics Advising Thread

@MathAdvising‌ Same story here as well. I applied for CSE, was accepted undeclared. However, I love Math as well and given that CS is after all derived from Math, have finalized on the Math and CS degree.
Can you please tell me what types of jobs I could be looking at after graduation?

@GerrardForever‌

Unfortunately I can’t give anything better than anecdotal evidence (so take it all with a grain of salt). We do not currently have the administrative ability to maintain good alumni data, so I can’t provide you with any real number-driven information…also keep in mind that most of the graduates from the Math-CS program that we have experience with were from when the program was relatively small. It is only very recently that we have had large numbers of students in the major.

We have had a good number of Math-CS majors that decide to go into graduate study (in CSE programs, including the program here at UCSD). These students often go for a Masters program and then move directly to industry. They usually find themselves in various engineer roles typical for CSE graduates. Some students, however, do go into PhD programs in CS…

Of those that don’t go into graduate study, some have gone to work for various app development start-ups or technology firms, some enter the software industry (sometimes in development positions, sometimes in alternate roles - like HR, admin, sales, or the like…basically all things not code warrior), some work for local Telecom (Qualcomm) or Biotech research (quite big in the area) in systems engineering roles. A good number basically move into IT positions in a variety of firms (including our own Math department IT staff). A couple (usually students with a minor in economics) go into some aspect of financial engineer. And, as is usual with math, some find their way into teaching.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that a Math degree (with the exception of our secondary-education degree) is not designed to be a vocational program…it is designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of the order, rules, and complexity inherit in the world around us. It is intended to train your mind as a logical, methodical, problem solver. And what employer wouldn’t want someone like that?

I have a few questions regarding the Math 20E exam.

I feel that the examination time for this year is a bit unfair to students who have 8 am classes. The exam is on the first day of instruction, so students who have 8 am classes have to choose between going to their class, or take the exam. I guess I’ll just have to take the exam when it’s administered another quarter. (Just a bit of complaint.)

How many questions are administered on the test?
What is considered “passing”?
Lastly, will we receive the 4 credits we would have received if we had taken the class, or will it show as P/NP on our academic history?
Thanks!

@jhhu25

The time of the 20E Requirement Fulfillment Exam is set by the examiner, and pretty much any time we pick would conflict with someone’s schedule…for a time we were offering the exam very early in the morning (like 6:30am) and of course, that got complaints (we were discriminating against commuters, etc)… This is a one time exam, you can send your 8am course instructor an email apologizing for missing their first class.

The nature of the exam and it’s scoring can change as new examiners are appointed…but in general, the exam is about four questions long. The passing rate can vary somewhat, with the average being around 70%…usually, however it is quite clear if a student understands Vector Calculus or does not.

To take the exam, you must have a transfer multivariable calculus course in your academic history. That course is probably currently listed as equivalent to UCSD Math 20C. If you pass the exam, we attach equivalency to 20E in addition to the 20C credit. As transfer work, it does not count towards your GPA.

Just adding some new information on the 20E Requirement Fulfillment Exam…we now require email registration in advance of the exam - details are available at http://www.math.ucsd.edu/programs/undergraduate/math_20E_exam/

The Spring 2016 administration is now scheduled…

Hey!
Just want to know in general…what is the chance of getting into math 20f with section of 30 people and waitlist is five…(with Ali)
And also, could you provide more info about Elizabeth wong?
Thanks!