Choosing a major..

[cheesybacon]

Hey

So obviously I should choose the major I enjoy the most, and one that will lead me to being happiest in my job for the rest of my life.


However, I honestly am interested in Computer Science, Math and Physics and don't know what one to pick, and honestly would be pleased with a job in any field.


The problems are is that I don't know a few of the specifics in terms of jobs available to me.

Sure I can like computers but would not want to be a person who does word documents for a company....

So I have a few general questions I think.

One. Do most computer science majors have the ability to get involved with manufacturing/designing hardware. ex. could I get a job at asus/intel/anybody that makes/designs hardware.

Two. What are some jobs a math major could have??? If I pursued a math major I really don't know what kind of jobs I would have available to me.

Three. If you are majoring in one of these/ or did major in them, or are also interested in these majors, then what do you think about them (In terms of biggest payout, most opportunities in the job market)

Thanks, Chris


P.S. Yes I know I can become a teacher in math or phys..

 

[pipes990]

First off, I am a senior Computer Science major. If you are interested in designing and manufacturing hardware you should consider electrical engineering. I will be working as a programmer after I graduate so if that interests you then Computer Science would be the way to go. Physics is going to be a little tougher to get a job without getting at least your masters degree and even then job prospects aren't great. I am not to sure about Math majors. If you really like computers, computer science can be a great way to go, you can go a lot of different directions with a computer science degree.

 

[welshmousepk]

if you major in math, you could get a job designing games easy.

games studios are struggling to find qualified Math majors to work code on game engines, so this could allow you to get into a field that combines 2 of those you like.
i don't know if you are interested in video games, but working with computers and employing your math skills seems like a good trade-off.

 

[cheesybacon]

Ya thats the reason I'm drifting away from a Phys major just for that reason. And because I would definately enjoy the other two majors. I'll have to look into electrical engineering major. I guess for designing hardware would maybe a minor in EE w/ a more in CMPS be a good way to go? Or you's think they would try and get someone who is an EE major. Although I could design the drivers and such correct?


So does anybody know what a Math major would be looking forward to after school??

 

[pkan51]

R u still in high school? Also have you started college yet? You should go to a junior college and take some GE class. You will find out what you like. You should take about 2 years to complete the lower GE requirement by that time you should have a better understanding of what you want to do.

Junior college is the way to go. Cheap, effective, easy with good grades you can transfer to any 4 years school. I took that path and I am almost done with my BS degree in business and I will be applying to MBA programs in fall.

Oh by the way if you like math take a look at the business department. I think business degrees are more flexible. Good luck.

 

[welshmousepk]

.....

fail.

 

[flamethrower205]

I think your interests in all of these areas can come together quite easily, and will give you a great choice of jobs once you graduate. I'm finishing up my masters at MIT and will be going onto Stanford for a PhD next year and I did a bit of wandering myself. I started out as a math and physics major and then switched over to CS and Neuroscience my senior year and that's where I'm doing my masters and PhD.
I honestly think that the more interdisciplinary knowledge you have, the better you will be able to apply yourself. Math will help you in any side of CS you go into (computer scientists tend to be a bit scared of math I find, so if you know your stuff you will be very valuable). Likewise, Physics goes hand in hand with a good understanding of math (either theoretical or applied tracks). I have also seen quite a few CS majors who did really well by applying their knowledge of Physics.
As a simple example, any finance company would be thrilled to have you with any pair of these majors. Hardware design incorporates a good bit of physics, so I think EE + Physics knowledge are a must there.
One thing I would warn against though is having only a math major, as the applicability of this knowledge to the real world can be shady sometimes (i.e. if you're an expert in something very abstract there won't be much to apply).
As a last remark, I recently read an article that claims that a good knowledge of applied statistics is a buzz word around employers; can't go wrong knowing that.
IMO, follow what you're interested in and you'll do just fine.