john14ty66

So, I am considering a triple major in Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics. The reason this is feasible is because the courses overlap heavily, and I have a decent amount of ap credits and testout credits. I can do this in 4 years. I may get a master's in CS after this.

However, I've recently been considering a Computer Science BS and a Computer Science and Statistics Joint Masters. I can also still do this in 4 years. The reason I am considering this now, is because my aggregate amount of scholarships+fin aid=full ride. So, essentially I would come out with a BS/MS in 4 years for free.

After either of these two alternatives, I eventually am considering a PhD in machine learning.
I'm not sure what to do because I'm not sure if I should have the CS/Stat/Math background from undergrad (and then get a masters after this), or if I should just get a CS BS/(CS and Stat MS) while in undergrad to prepare for the PhD in machine learning.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

ucbalumnus

Graduate study is typically specialization within your major; a second undergraduate major or minor may help in specific cases where it supports the specialization (e.g. if you do graduate CS work in cryptography, math courses in algebra and number theory may help).

What you may want to check is what math and statistics courses, if any, would be helpful for your proposed graduate level specializations, and emphasize those, whether you get an official second major or minor in those subjects.

GLOBALTRAVELER

Employer won't really count separate math and stats majors because....

Stats major = Math major with probability/statistics emphasis.

Also, you may want to take the math/stats/CS courses that pertain to your specialty. No need taking "taguchi methods" when you should be taking computational statistics.

OperaDad

Is this a stated BS/MS program? If not, many times the classes taken at the undergraduate level, even if they are the same classes, do not count, credit wise, towards the masters.

I'd consider the CS/Stat degree, and pick up a finance class or two instead. Those will help you get a job programming for the banks, investment bank, fund managers, etc.