Pure or Applied Math (W/Econ)

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>I plan on going into business (financial analyst, IB, maybe MAcc).</p>

<p>I can't decide whether to do Applied or Pure math.</p>

<p>If I went for a BA in Pure Math, it leaves room for a minor in Economics.</p>

<p>My school offers degrees in applied math with concentrations in certain things, like Economics.</p>

<p>Is either of these particularly better/worse than the other? I think the pure math route is a little less rigorous.</p>

<p>And I didn't know whether to put this in Business or Science majors, so cut me some slack, haha.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

2

<p>I would think pure math would be more rigorous. </p>

<p>As a pure math major, I say pure math. You should at least take analysis anyway, even if you are an applied math major, because it will be useful if you want to go to grad school for econ.</p>

3

<p>Im not exactly sure if I want to do grad school though. Which degree would be better for job prospects right out of college?</p>

4

<p>

Applied math is definitely the way to go. It is much more useful than pure mathematics which has hardly much if any real-world applications in the financial industry. Unless, you supplement it with a computer science major which could be very lucrative. Have you ever heard of financial engineering/quantitative analysis?</p>

5

<p>Pure math typically leaves a lot of free elective space in your schedule; it should be entirely possible to take all of the courses for a pure math major and add courses in one or more applied math fields of application (economics, finance, computer science, statistics, etc.). This can help prepare for both graduate school in math and jobs and careers at the bachelor’s degree level.</p>

6

<p>@UCB</p>

<p>The BA in Mathematics requires a minor, and has quite a few math electives. So you’re saying this would be a better choice? I could definitely minor in economics, and take some finance classes.</p>