<p>I'm still only a sophomore in college and luckily I have parents who are paying for my undergraduate degree so I have time to think about what I want to major in. However, I still find myself confused with what to major in. </p>
<p>I love math, it's probably my favorite subject. Right now I'm considering if I should get a degree in physics, computer science, or mathematics. I don't want to get a degree in engineering because I don't enjoy tinkering with material objects. I'm also terrible at it to, you'd never want me to be your lab partner in a science class. Rather, you'd want to be the person sitting next to me during a test. Basically, I've always been bad and lacked interest in using my hands, however I've always thrived and loved idea's and theory's. </p>
<p>However, I have a couple of issues
A. I love theory more then applying what I know to real life. Right now I'm taking a computer science class (although it's a very basic course) and I find it really boring. It's just basic programming like C++ and how to program with notepad. Honestly math is the only thing I love doing in all situations, regardless if it's theoretical or just applied.
B. Physics and computer science are probably more practical majors, even though I love math itself more (but I am interested in theoretical physics like quantum mechanics for example)</p>
<p>Just to let you guys know however, I am planning on getting a PHD or master's (but I'm striving ultimately for a PHD) in whatever I decide to major in.</p>
<p>So which one of these three degree's, would be most practical at the undergraduate and PHD/Master's level?</p>
<p>Not physics. Really, if you want practical, statistics or applied mathematics are the most versatile options if you’re looking to get a job later, and you can be as theoretical or as applied as you want in either.</p>
<p>If you like math alot, I recommend Statistics or Actuarial Science. Keep in mind, you have to get at least a masters for Statistics (you can still get a job with a bachelor’s degree). Actuarial Science jobs are everywhere now</p>
<p>Source</p>
<p>I am in my final year in Economics and Statistics.</p>
<p>Um, if you want to get a PhD, you should get it in the subject you enjoy the most, and not what’s the most practical (which, IMO, is kind of ridiculous to even consider if you want a PhD). So it seems like Math would be the best choice for you. </p>
<p>Though you should definitely check out the more theoretical cs classes, things like theory of computation/complexity theory, algorithms, cryptography etc. You’ll probably find those a lot more interesting than the usual intro cs classes.</p>
<p>A typical pure math major program aimed at graduate school in math should have plenty of free elective space for courses like statistics, computer science, economics, and other applied math type of areas, in order to help you with job and career prospects if you do not go to graduate school.</p>
<p>Based on a 120-credit program, that will leave about 40 credits to take electives in computer science, business, statistics and other practical courses. Choose economics (macro & micro) for your social science general education.</p>
<p>A student at UT would have to take about 60 courses in 4 years to graduate. A math BA at UT-Austin only requires 8 courses beyond calculus. It creates a TON of flexibility. One could easily do an econ/math dual major in only 15 courses beyond calculus. The core curriculum requires about 15 courses, which leaves 30 courses for a student to choose from beyond the dual major. It’s about the best deal I’ve ever seen from the schools I’ve researched.</p>