Pure Math at GT?

<p>Hello, I am a prospective Fall 2013 transfer student, and I'm considering applying to Georgia Tech. I'm a double major in mathematics and computer science. All the schools I'm planning on applying to have great programs in both subjects, since I care deeply about both of them.</p>

<p>I'm considering Georgia Tech is because of several reasons: it has an extremely good reputation for computer science (I love how it has a whole "College Of Computing"), it has a general reputation as a tough, challenging school, and it has good opportunities for both research and post-grad employment, depending on whether I decide to attend graduate school later on. Also, it's in Atlanta, which is both a big city (which I love) and in the South (where I've never been, so it'd be new to me). While not my first choice (that would Michigan, since it's in-state and has a top-notch pure math program), GT seems like a great second-choice fit.</p>

<p>Here's the problem: Georgia Tech does not have a pure mathematics major. They have two related majors, Applied Math and Discrete Math. Looking over the curriculum for both, Discrete Math seems much closer to a pure math degree than Applied is. I would be able to use my electives to get the same "core" curriculum as a pure math degree, meaning further semesters in Analysis, Algebra, and Topology than what's required for Discrete Math. That's a good sign, but it might use up all my electives. </p>

<p>Now, areas of discrete math like combinatorics and number theory interest me immensely, so I seriously doubt I would be unhappy in the program. What worries me is mainly grad school: If I decide to go (and I most likely will), I would want to get a PhD in pure mathematics. Do you think having an undergrad degree in something other than pure math would hurt me? I would still have the same core classes as a pure math program would have, but not many classes that go beyond that. For example, I could see this being a problem if I decide I want to study some area of analysis, but I only have a two course sequence in the subject.</p>

<p>So, what do you guys think? Anyone here a math major at GT that could shed some light on my dilemma? I'll probably apply anyway, but when it comes to decisions I want as much info as possible.</p>

<p>Degree will not matter. Fit (as determined by coursework and research experience) are what matter for grad school.</p>

<p>My son is a freshman at GT planning to double major in CS and math. He has been told that one of the math lines (I forget which) is a better “fit” with computer science, I guess because more of the requirements overlap.</p>