What exactly do each of these applied math degrees do?

<p>I'm planning to attend UNH next year (though I'm not 100% positive just yet), and since I like math (I greatly enjoyed ap calc and stats, although neither are like higher-level college courses), I was thinking of majoring in math. I'm not interested in pure mathematics, since I don't think I'm honestly that good at proofs/analysis (I might be able to do it, but I don't think I'd excel, especially since I'm not that creative...) so I was looking through the applied mathematics degree options. However, there are a few options, and I don't really understand what each do, exactly. </p>

<p>B.S</a>. in Applied Mathematics | Mathematics & Statistics ; this site says there is a b.s in applied math for </p>

<p>1.Computation
2. Dynamics and Control
3. Economics
4. Fluid Dynamics
5. Solid Mechanics and Vibrations</p>

<p>Could someone possibly give me a breakdown of what these are, and possibly provide me with an example of what you might do? I was thinking of majoring in one of the applied (perhaps computation of economics?) along with a major in statistics (since I'm not 100% sure I want to major, this lets me have quite a bit of leeway; based on required coursework for those majors, it seems relatively easy to do some lower level math/comp sci/economics classes and change majors into one of them at the sophmore/junior level without taking more years).</p>

<ol>
<li> Several computer science courses. Presumably for those who want to improve job and career prospects in computers.</li>
</ol>

<p>2, 4, 5. Several mechanical engineering courses. Presumably for those who want to improve job and career prospects relating to those aspects of mechanical engineering.</p>

<ol>
<li> Several economics courses. Presumably for those going to PhD study in economics (which requires a strong background in math and statistics), or perhaps quantitative finance or actuarial work.</li>
</ol>

<p>Additional carefully chosen electives may be of interest in any of the above cases. Or you may also want to consider a major in computer science (case 1) or mechanical engineering (case 2, 4, or 5).</p>

<p>If I was thinking of becoming a statistics major, would I be better off simply choosing the applied comp (path 1) major, or do you think it would be better overall to simply choose a comp sci degree as well and focus on taking more math-centric courses (such as operations research and the like that is in the applied requirements?)</p>

<p>The reason being is that I know that stats and other math degrees, unlike engineering, aren’t particularly structured toward any singular career (at least not with a bachelor’s degree) and if my hopes to go to grad school (for either stats or applied math - maybe mathematical modeling?) change, it might be better to get a comp sci degree?</p>

<p>The applied math in comp sci would be much easier to fit with a stats degree since both have mostly the same classes for its lower lev requirements, and has enough comp sci classes that I could, if I wanted to, go to grad school for comp sci, but I’m still not 100% sure… Do you think it’d be a wise idea to simply take some intro courses first to see if I enjoy comp sci enough to get a second major in it, or if I simply would like to use comp sci knowledge in math instead?</p>

<p>Hmmm…</p>

<p>I would choose either the B.S. Applied Math WITH extra Statistics courses or the B.A. Math WITH extra Statistics.</p>

<p>Why?..both have less REQUIRED Math courses.</p>

<p>When the interest lies with “Mathematical Sciences” and not pure math, it is better to take a program with less REQUIRED math so that one can tailor their program/interests more. That is an advantage of a B.A. Math program…more free credits to take the “mathematical sciences/application” area.</p>

<p>…then you can take only the Stats (and/or Computer Science) courses that are more-widely used in industry.</p>

<p>One of the reasons I liked my major (computational mathematics) was that it got me out of the “double sequences” of Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra and I only needed an “Advanced Calculus” course to fulfill the “analysis requirement”. That meant taking an “Advanced Calculus” course that was really “Real Analysis Light” and NOT USING that famous “Rudin” book. The C.M. major also allowed me to take those CS courses that were more needed in the industry (like Operating Systems, Database Systems and Computer Networks).</p>