<p>I'm a Bioengineering major, and due to a lot of waived exemptions for lower level electives, high hour load, and customization of my schedule at my campus, my counselor e-mailed me and told me I have the option of graduating with either an Applied Mathematics or Computer Science degree stacked on top of my bioengineering degree. </p>
<p>Here are my cases for both:</p>
<p>Applied Math- I've already taken partial differential equations, and the rest of the classes I would need are really fun modeling/numerical analysis classes, mathematical physics class. I've always loved math as a kid and it always came second hand. I have a natural affinity for it, proving things on the spot if I need to be clutch on a test, etc. </p>
<p>Computer Science- I know how to program in C++, C, and FORTRAN '77. I'm knew to programming (past 2-3 years). I LOVE the logic component of it, and solving problems. There's something addicting about constructing a series of steps to execute a task and understanding the mechanics of algorithms, etc. </p>
<p>My goal is to go to graduate school and do the whole professor/research gig. </p>
<p>I have a VERY hard time making a decision, any tips or pros/cons...maybe some insight to help me steer me in the right direction or shed some light on something I might have overlooked?</p>
<p>Is bioengineering your “main” degree? (The field you want to pursue in grad school) If so, CS seems like it would be more useful for computational aspects of any work you do. Otherwise, CS has generally better prospects than the other majors (this is biased, but it’s still true in the current job climate).</p>
<p>Yup, Bioengineering is my “main” option. It’s the subject I have the most relevant hours of coursework in so far and I want to go to graduate school for it. That’s the field I want to do research in and teach.</p>
<p>Programming is a necessity for research now days, and will become even more important in the future. (Honestly, I think every science major should be required to take some programming.) In terms of the most practical for graduate school and beyond, I would definitely go with CS. Especially since you said you’re relatively new to programming, having a solid foundation in it will go a long ways. I added a CS minor because of this, and I still feel like I don’t know anywhere near enough programming yet (though working in a robotics lab probably adds to that feeling…).
CS would also provide a good back-up option if you end up changing your mind at some point. I have also heard, though, that math majors also have fairly good prospects if you go into the right field (meaning usually money-related).</p>