Where to go from here… ?

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

<p>Greetings guys! I’m a little new to this forum and so here goes… </p>

<p>I’m currently an undergrad studying statistics with equal focus on theoretical and applied. While I really like the subject, I also like computer science (from the introductory bit I’ve been exposed to) and math (applied a bit more so than pure). </p>

<p>Of course, I haven taken some math and comp-sci but its been mostly just stat. I wanted to know how flexibly I could applied to a master’s program in applied math or computer science (computer science, not computer engineering, to clarify), and how is this different from applying to a PhD in these fields? (I do like research and will have done a sort of undergrad thesis hopefully in Stats if this adds any clarification to the PhD question.) </p>

<p>I would be extremely grateful for any insight - thanks a bunch! :) </p>

<p>To provide a better picture of my background, here’s the coursework I will have done by the end of college: </p>

<p>Statistics Core:
- Probability Theory (including grad-level)
- Statistical Inference (including grad-level)
Applied Stats:
- Linear Models, Generalized Linear Models
- Causal Inference
- Bayesian Computing
Theoretical Stats:
- Stochastic Processes
Electives I have not decided between: Multivariate Analysis or Statistical Computing/Visualization or Data Science </p>

<p>Mathematics:
Pure: Real Analysis, Linear Algebra (proof-based of course)
Applied: Differential Equations </p>

<p>Computer Science:
Just the introductory material </p>

<p>Again, thanks a lot for your time!</p>

2

<p>There are not a whole lot of strictly “Masters in Applied Mathematics” programs around. Many times you have to emphasize applied math within the graduate mathematics program. Having said that, from my experience (I was having a hard time deciding between math, CS or engineering from grad school…finally deciding on engineering), this what I found out during my research of graduate programs:</p>

<p>Masters in Math/Applied Math

  • 1 full year of Analysis (Analysis, Real Analysis, Advanced Calculus…whatever)
  • 1 full year of Algebra (or Abstract Algebra)
  • 1 semester of Linear Algebra
  • Some strictly Masters of Applied Math programs may only require one semester of Analysis
  • I realize now that Differential Equations is becoming an optional course in more and more undergrad math programs. Personally I would take at least one Differential Equations either at undergrad or grad level before I was done with academics.</p>

<p>Masters in Computer Science (CS…not I.S. or I.T)

  • 1 course in Algorithms
  • 1 course in Data Structures
  • 1 course in Theory or Organization of Programming Languages
  • 1 course in Operating Systems
  • A few graduate CS programs may ask for a Computer Architecture course (rare)</p>

<p>I cannot tell you much about PhD programs since I never intended to go that route.</p>

<p>One more thing. My undergraduate degree was in Computational Mathematics which is a good major (undergrad or grad) for those (like me) who could not really commit totally to math or totally to CS.</p>