Second major option- Applied Mathematics or Computer Science

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<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 new 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>Thanks! </p>

<p>MN</p>

2

<p>Applied math just might be closer to and more beneficial in the context of the bioengineering curriculum, thus making it more practical. Otherwise, I guess it’s your pick.</p>

<p>CS is not necessarily useful for engineers in other ways than basic programming skills and other elementary topics. Further CS curriculum steers to much more abstract topics than what is generally practical in e.g. bioengineering and thus it becomes more of a subject of its own (and is not immediately relevant to e.g. a bioengineering degree). Combining advanced CS and bioengineering would be almost like combining computer engineering and bioengineering, to draw an example, unless you’re specifically into some theoretical/computational aspect in bioengineering, e.g. computer simulations (about which the modelling courses under applied math are about). To an engineer a computer is often a tool, where for a CS grad it could more of a research (and development) platform. In my opinion.</p>