Particle_Man

Okay, I've enrolled at Boston University as an undeclared and am considering 5 possibilities.

Mechanical Engineering
Math + Philosophy
Math + Economics
Math + Computer Science
Math + Biology

Sort of in order from the ones I'm most interested in to least interested. However, I'd like somebody with some knowledge on these various majors to give me some insight to the job markets, job satisfaction, and what kinds of careers I could get with each of these. Answers are probably going to be a bit long, so thanks in advance.

Particle_Man

I guess I should have included a bit more information:

Mechanical Engineering - Sounds like something I'd enjoy and would be fairly successful at. I love making things, putting things together, and figuring out how machines work. I know nothing about the job market, and from what I hear, salaries can be low and working conditions less than satisfactory.

Math + Philosophy - Also sounds like something I'd really enjoy. However, it also seems more like preparation for grad school, and I'm not sure yet if that's something I'm going to do.

Math + Economics - Most lucrative, but economics seem a bit boring. I've never actually taken a class though, so I could be completely wrong.

Math + Computer Science - I took 2 programming classes in highschool, both in QBASIC (you had to take a third year of programming to get to Java, and that didn't work with my schedule). I did really well and enjoyed the class, but I don't think I could sit in front of a computer for 8 hours/day.

Math + Biology - I just like Biology. I'm not actually sure what this dual-major could be used for other than med school, so it's at the bottom of my list.

meltymervin

do a math major, whatever you do. I cannot guarantee that you will be happy, but look at this sheet Why Should I Be A Math Major? .
In my experience, employers tend to favor math majors also, even pure math, so if you aren't planning on academia, math is still a great major. Most Employers want great problem solvers, who think outside the box on each problem, AND who are correct almost every time; this is what math trains you to do. But, for the love of god, do math, even if you go into mech engineering. I am a pure math major, and have already found that people look favorably upon this major when considering hiring because it shows that you challenge yourself constantly and never take the easy way out. long to short, it not only gives you the advantage of being good at math, it teaches problem solving and quick problem solving at that.
The second reason ( and more important in my opinion) is love for the subject. If you like math, you will always be looking forward to classes, hell even tests in math seem fun if you are that crazy about the subject. It is possibly the most intellectually rewarding major to pursue, considering the amazing types of thinking you will be introduced to. (please don't get me into a discussion about my love/hat relation w/godel's theorem )
Sorry about begging you to do math, even when you have 4 possible major choices which include math. Remember, problem solving skills and math literacy will ALWAYS be needed without qualification, the job market for anything technology based could easily drop out.


As to the second major- philosophy-

lville

My opinion is that you can't make a horribly bad decision between those unless one turns out to be something you truly despise. For what I've read and hear, one of the most desirable characteristics to employers is strong math skills which a math or engineering major would obviously cover.

I would l narrow down the biology and mechanical engineering option by asking yourself do you like bio or physics better. The only thing i really know about bio careers is your either a biologist or on your way to med school. Other than that, I don't see bio applying to much. Unless you really like bio or want to become a doctor, I would choose M.E.

After that, look at whether you like working with numbers ideas or a mixture. Honestly, i'm a math person, so i really don't like philosophy and see no great options that a philosophy major would lead to. Another thing to consider is that it will be extremely unlikely that you find a job utilizing both philosophy and math.

I don't really know that much about CS, but I think the economics is a great option. You can find careers that utilize both. Also, if I am right in assuming there is a part of you that likes working with ideas (since philosophy was your 2nd choice) as well as numbers, econ + math would be the best option.

b@r!um

I guess the first thing to decide is, do you want to major in mechanical engineering or math + ___ ? If you want to go into engineering, your schedule would probably be tailored around engineering and you would not have a lot of time to explore other subjects. (You would probably spend your first year taking calc, physics, engineering, maybe chemistry and some core requirements.)

If you want to rule out mechanical engineering, I would suggest you take math, philosophy, economics and if your schedule permits either computer science or biology in your first semester to explore your options. You might find that you don't like one of these subjects so much after taking a class in it - it would make your decision a lot easier! I am a math major and though I like following the reasonings of various philosophers a lot, the sheer amount of reading and writing required makes me not want to take another philosophy class.

Particle_Man

Very helpful, thanks a lot.

Particle_Man

Honestly though, I'm still having a hard time deciding if I should transfer to BU's engineering school. Any thoughts?

Gil

I've to agree with meltymervin. Mathematics is one of the (I'm going to get bashed for this) most "noble" majors out there, along with fields like philosophy, classics, history, and physics. It's one of those majors that make you a whole lot smarter, challenge you, and sharpen your mind. In my opinion (and I'm going to get bashed again for this), biology relies too much on memorization and economics is relatively too easy. Sure, you'll probably get a better grade with economics, but you'll probably also miss out on all that extra brain substance that those math majors got out of college.

dilksy

Maybe you could major in mechanical engineering, and do math as second major/minor/classes on the side? Having a math background can be complementary to many fields, but I don't know if it necessarily stands strong enough on it's own to get you good job opportunities.

Lacero

In my opinion, pure math is just as useful as philosophy. If you want a major that makes you think, applied math, many aspects of biology/cs and especially physics are great. You are in school to help you get a good career more so than to "learn" random things (or education would be free). I advise you to consider dilksy and make future earnings and job satisfaction major factors in your decision; pick a very marketable major.

Math + Econ or MechEng?
Math + Econ means you would not get a technical engineering job (which most people don't want after going through the program), but you would have to do decent work on your part to select your math courses wisely, finding internships to explore areas and maintain a decent gpa. You could easily tweak your major as you go along and grad schools for finance, financial engineering, econ, math would be well within your reach.

MechEng would subject you to a very strict curriculum. You get peace of mind in generally only needing to pass/perform similar to your peers, a great starting salary and a more prestigious diploma. You might have to go back to college to take some courses if you want to go to grad school but don't have the requirements (unless you took econ, finance and statistics courses). It might also be a bit difficult to break into business related industries if your gpa isn’t too high. Your only option to get in if you don’t right after college might be an MBA (relatively straight forward if you hold a non-technical job or hold a meaningful technical one)

I guess engineering might open more doors, but getting through them would be much more difficult (it’s easy to get labeled as the teche). If you have no intention of having a technical career or feel you might slip below a 3.3 in ME, Math + Econ* looks good.

I say follow your heart. Would you rather do Math+Econ or Math+Physics?

*If you go the math + Econ route, make sure it is applied math. Take many stats courses and try to take business related math courses like mathematical finance, theory of interest etc if available.

smdur1970

My humble suggestion, given your eclectic interests, is to consider Statistics in the mix. It's a field with many applications; and jobs, especially at but not limited to, the Masters level or above, are abundant. Certainly economics, biology (biostat) and computer science rely on, or complement, statistics. If this is of any interest to you, take a look at the American Statistical Association (www.amstat.org)'s web site to get a flavor of the variety of fields that a Stat degree opens up. Good luck!

ajoke

@Gil: <<bash @#@!!$&*&>>>
I totally agree with you all

Moire

Who are that people? In my experience, people seem to think of math majors as one-dimensional drones with no social skills and an unfounded sense of superiority.

Venkat89

A major in MechE or CS (especially if it's in the engineering school) will make your life a lot easier to get internships during college and a lot easier to get a job when you get out (the highest paying job, maybe not, but a job is a job and it pays better than being unemployed). An engineering degree (at my school anyway) is pretty rigid in requirements and if you don't start on the track right away in some fields you will have to take summer school or an extra year to catch up. Because of this I would take Math, MechE, CS, and probably a Philosophy or econ class your first semester of college. It will be a really tough schedule for a first semester freshman, but if you pull it off it will give you a good idea about what you might want to major in.

I am a math econ double major, but only finished freshman year so I only know a little bit more what that double major entails than you do. I think I'll like it and there is enough overlap between the two subjects that it won't be too burdensome to major in both. Math and CS also have a bunch of overlaps so it probably isn't going to be too many extra classes to double major in both of them as well.

Just be sure to keep in mind that these intro courses will not give you anywhere near a full picture of what the actual major entails, so keep an open mind even if you don't enjoy your intro Math class or your intro Econ class.

yodadog

I agree with the earlier comment about trying Statistics. Also, have you considered genomics? A math/cs major would serve you well, and you can take some bio classes as well. It's a fast growing field, on the intersection between math, computer science, and biology. For most jobs, you'll have to go to grad school, but there are some really cool internships out there that you can try out over your summers off before you commit definitely to a career path.