Triple major in math, physics and computer science?

[Flyback]

I am finishing up my first degree and have a cumulative 4.0. This does three things: I am exempt from the electives, can manage time effectively (4.0 was not overly easy to achieve), and I can definitely get in given my calculus marks and grades for my CS classes (algorithms, design patterns, research courses). My current degree is best described as above business information systems but much lesser than CS.

Reason: Find myself longing for much more detail about how things work. My passion for math and science has exploded over the past 2-3 years. Did a little self-learning in areas of logic and set theory. Those areas interest me most, but I definitely want to learn analysis, topology, differential geometry etc so I can get a basic understanding of things that put me in awe (science end of it).

Some people say that you can just read a book or two on your own time. The problem with this is: I've worked full time and know that its hard to come home and crack a book no matter how interested you are (after being ragged on by dilberts). Additionally you'd have to spread it over much longer period of time (10 years, perhaps..and with wife and child? forget it!) to achieve what you could in a concentrated 4 years. Lastly, you don't have the resources such as the professors and peers who can help you learn (especially at a top school).

Realizing they aren't exactly bird courses, I figured that I would spread them out over 4 years like a normal undergrad and take 4 classes per semester (5 would be the tipping point for this trio). I'll go during summers, too.

4 years, 3 semesters per = 12 semesters total. At 4 classes (half credit each) per semester, I'll have 48 classes (24 full credits) when done.

24 credits can be split 3 ways, 8 full credits per discipline. I've already looked at the curriculums for each and that more than fits in most classes I'm really interested in. The rules of double and triple majoring state that you can't have overlap. I've looked at the curriculums and the classes I want to take and there isn't enough to cause problem so this is fine. At this partciular school, a major consists of ~7 full credits (depending on area).

Normally it would be stupid to triple major with these areas of focus but:
- I'll be doing 4 classes per semester
- Exempted from the liberal studies classes
- I have ample CS background that will help through those courses
- All three areas are what I'm interested in--I'm not satisfied where I'm at
- Not taking or asking for any money from my parents

My parents think it is rather stupid to do this. They have a very traditional view of the world--you go to school, get married with the first girl who blows you, and get a job fresh out of school where you work 35 years. Their other complaint is that I'll be 28 years old when all is said and done.

Normally I'd agree with them if I was under their roof and using their money. I'm not. I've lived on my own for the past 4 years (worked all my way through college and got ample scholarships and bursaries). Also, this isn't exactly a means of escaping the "real world"--I'm going to be doing much more than 37.5 hours/week of work between class and studying.

People might say it sounds all well intended but that in the end its about getting a job--and they want to know if it helps me get a better job. This degree isn't a means towards a job. This is for pure scholarly interest--I want to learn this stuff. Of course I'll have to get a job when I'm done, but I'll have a good 37 years (if I work till I'm 65) that I can spend in the "real world".

What do you think given the fact I'll have a lesser semester load? Doable?

Cliffs: See the bullets.

 

[Pastore]

Sounds like you've already made up your mind, what's the problem? Also, don't listen to your parents. This quote says it all... "They have a very traditional view of the world--you go to school, get married with the first girl who blows you, and get a job fresh out of school where you work 35 years."

 

[DaShen]

If you think you can handle it, do it. Nothing stopping you. It will definitely be tough. CS is more difficult (if your college is more based on theory), than most people realize.

Physics is also very hard once you get to the upper division classes. Same with Math. But since they all relate, you can probably do it.

If you have the desire to do it and the will power to follow it through, then go right ahead.

**EDIT**
BTW, I am mid-20s myself, and I plan on goign back to pre-Med then hopefully Med School. Then if all that works out, go to a fellowship either for Psychiatry, or some type of Surgery (I have my options). This is all dependant on if I can make it into a good school though, but I calculate when all is said and done I will be mid 30s before I can really be settled.

If I can't get into a good Med School, then PA school here I come, and I would be done much sooner than the other way. I could even go back to Med School after PA school if need be. It all is dependant on who is dependant on me at that time really.

Don't worry if you have the desire to do something and the willpower to follow through with it, you will do absolutely great.

 

[arcas]

I have degrees in computer science, physics and math. Went to grad school for physics. Learned that the job market for physicists sucks. Fell back to using my CS degree (and, since I do cryptography, my math degree). Haven't looked back.

 

[AgentEL]

Stay in school as long as you can. You'll be happier that way.

 

[dullard]

I've never understood the double or triple major logic. Same goes for most people with a ton of minors.

Why spend 5-6 years in undergraduate school to get three bachelors degrees, to get a job with one of those degrees, doing bachelor level work at a bachelor level pay? Instead you can spend 5-6 years doing a BS/MS degree and cover the same material, do the same amount of class work, get a masters level job, and masters level pay.

The typical response to that question is that they are some form of genius and get it all done in 4 years. Well, if you are some form of genius, you can get your BS and MS in four years too.

Double and tripple majors are usually quite short-sighted.

Edit: to clarify other readers of this thread, I bolded the important part above. What was my intentions of typing the bolded part? Jobs that require graduate level degrees often are more intellectually stimulating, more scientific, more scholarly, etc. Flyback specifically mentioned a wish for that type of pursuit. Thus, the graduate level degree is the answer. The pay is a secondary benefit, but that is NOT the reason why I made my suggestion.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: DaShen
If you think you can handle it, do it. Nothing stopping you. It will definitely be tough. CS is more difficult (if your college is more based on theory), than most people realize.

Physics is also very hard once you get to the upper division classes. Same with Math. But since they all relate, you can probably do it.

If you have the desire to do it and the will power to follow it through, then go right ahead.

**EDIT**
BTW, I am mid-20s myself, and I plan on goign back to pre-Med then hopefully Med School. Then if all that works out, go to a fellowship either for Psychiatry, or some type of Surgery (I have my options). This is all dependant on if I can make it into a good school though, but I calculate when all is said and done I will be mid 30s before I can really be settled.

If I can't get into a good Med School, then PA school here I come, and I would be done much sooner than the other way. I could even go back to Med School after PA school if need be. It all is dependant on who is dependant on me at that time really.

Don't worry if you have the desire to do something and the willpower to follow through with it, you will do absolutely great.

Thanks man. Appreciate your view and wish you luck in what you are doing.

I know there are three things that weigh in heavily:
- the resources to do it (time and money--I dont have a wife or kids, and can afford it)
- the will and interest (evident)
- the reality of the situation (4 classes per semester--5 would be too much for this)

I think that given all 3 bases are covered, why not? I don't want to be on my deathbed only to regret not ever learning anything "tough" and taking on a challenge.

 

[J Heartless Slick]

OP,

Think about your motivation for doing this. I do not think this triple major will improve your employability or increase the value of your stock to graduate schools. Perhaps you will get more benefit from increasing the depth of your understanding in one field.

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
OP,

Think about your motivation for doing this. I do not think this triple major will improve your employability or increase the value of stock to graduate schools. Perhaps you will get more benefit from increasing the depth of your understanding in one field.

This is also true OP. Really it all depends on the reason you are really wanting to triple major. If it is for self betterment and because you want to do something that includes all 3 fields, go right ahead. If it is to be great at one specific field, maybe focusing on one would be better. If it is because you really love all 3 fields and you have the capacity to do it though, again by all means.

If it is to make money though, a lot of schooling doesn't really guarantee anything.

 

[Estrella]

Originally posted by: arcas
I have degrees in computer science, physics and math. Went to grad school for physics. Learned that the job market for physicists sucks. Fell back to using my CS degree (and, since I do cryptography, my math degree). Haven't looked back.

...the job market for physics sucks? Seriously, what are you smoking? Where did you look? Kansas?

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: dullard
I've never understood the double or triple major logic. Same goes for most people with a ton of minors.

Why spend 5-6 years in undergraduate school to get three bachelors degrees, to get a job with one of those degrees, doing bachelor level work at a bachelor level pay? Instead you can spend 5-6 years doing a BS/MS degree and cover the same material, do the same amount of work, get a masters level job, and masters level pay.

The typical response to that question is that they are some form of genius and get it all done in 4 years. Well, if you are some form of genius, you can get your BS and MS in four years too.

Double and tripple majors are usually quite short-sighted.

The problem with you is that you see school as a means to getting a job. I see it as something for scholarly interest. There is a great disconnect so I don't think you can understand why I or others would even consider it.

If I was interested in money I would have taken the part-time finance courses my father, a financial planner, recommended when I was in high school. I would have fast-tracked high school and got out a year early and majored in investment banking. I'd go, live a high-stress life and rake in 120k and live an empty (to me) existence without any substance.

See where I'm going?

Some people /can/ be happy without gobs of money. I only desire enough to put a roof over my head and to live without debt.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: dullard
I've never understood the double or triple major logic. Same goes for most people with a ton of minors.

Why spend 5-6 years in undergraduate school to get three bachelors degrees, to get a job with one of those degrees, doing bachelor level work at a bachelor level pay? Instead you can spend 5-6 years doing a BS/MS degree and cover the same material, do the same amount of work, get a masters level job, and masters level pay.

The typical response to that question is that they are some form of genius and get it all done in 4 years. Well, if you are some form of genius, you can get your BS and MS in four years too.

Double and tripple majors are usually quite short-sighted.

That's pretty much the way I feel too. I was thinking about a double major in physics and math. My advisor talked me out of it and I'm glad he did. I'm in grad school in physics now and the math degree would've been basically useless and just taken extra time.

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: Estrella

Originally posted by: arcas
I have degrees in computer science, physics and math. Went to grad school for physics. Learned that the job market for physicists sucks. Fell back to using my CS degree (and, since I do cryptography, my math degree). Haven't looked back.

...the job market for physics sucks? Seriously, what are you smoking? Where did you look? Kansas?

On the other hand, if you have a Physics, CS, and Math degree, or you are really excellent at even one of those, you could consider Patent Law afterwards.

If you do one of them and get out earlier, that is more feasible.

 

[Estrella]

Originally posted by: DaShen

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
OP,

Think about your motivation for doing this. I do not think this triple major will improve your employability or increase the value of stock to graduate schools. Perhaps you will get more benefit from increasing the depth of your understanding in one field.

This is also true OP. Really it all depends on the reason you are really wanting to triple major. If it is for self betterment and because you want to do something that includes all 3 fields, go right ahead. If it is to be great at one specific field, maybe focusing on one would be better. If it is because you really love all 3 fields and you have the capacity to do it though, again by all means.

If it is to make money though, a lot of schooling doesn't really guarantee anything.

Double post.
EDIT: damn, I guess I am too lsow to get a double post in.

Yeah, if you want to make money it is not the way to go. However, if you go by any of the other reasons aforementioned kudos to you.

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: Flyback

Originally posted by: dullard
I've never understood the double or triple major logic. Same goes for most people with a ton of minors.

Why spend 5-6 years in undergraduate school to get three bachelors degrees, to get a job with one of those degrees, doing bachelor level work at a bachelor level pay? Instead you can spend 5-6 years doing a BS/MS degree and cover the same material, do the same amount of work, get a masters level job, and masters level pay.

The typical response to that question is that they are some form of genius and get it all done in 4 years. Well, if you are some form of genius, you can get your BS and MS in four years too.

Double and tripple majors are usually quite short-sighted.

The problem with you is that you see school as a means to getting a job. I see it as something for scholarly interest. There is a great disconnect so I don't think you can understand why I or others would even consider it.

If I was interested in money I would have taken the part-time finance courses my father, a financial planner, recommended when I was in high school. I would have fast-tracked high school and got out a year early and majored in investment banking. I'd go, live a high-stress life and rake in 120k and live an empty (to me) existence without any substance.

See where I'm going?

Some people /can/ be happy without gobs of money. I only desire enough to put a roof over my head and to live without debt.

I am exactly the same way. I read constantly, and even read textbooks for fun.

I notice all these people who focus so much on money and I realize, they are no more happy with their lives than anyone else. They just use money to numb the pain.

**EDIT**
Of course, I have heard once you have a wife and kids, money becomes more of an issue than just living without debt and having a roof over your head. Because with kids, you will almost invariably be in debt, and will be trying to give your kids every opportunity to better themselves, which takes $$ most of the time.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Flyback
The problem with you is that you see school as a means to getting a job. I see it as something for scholarly interest. There is a great disconnect so I don't think you can understand why I or others would even consider it.

See where I'm going?

Yes, I see where you are going, and it isn't where you claim to want to be. Doing the BS+MS route you get the exact same scholarly exposure that you do in the multiple BS route. So that part of your logic is not accurate.

However, it goes even deeper than that. What about the 35 years after you graduate? Do you want to be stuck in some low level position? Or do you want to do work that is scholarly? It isn't about the money, it is about the pursuit of a scholarly job that will satisfy your needs for intellectual stimulation.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: DaShen

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
OP,

Think about your motivation for doing this. I do not think this triple major will improve your employability or increase the value of stock to graduate schools. Perhaps you will get more benefit from increasing the depth of your understanding in one field.

This is also true OP. Really it all depends on the reason you are really wanting to triple major. If it is for self betterment and because you want to do something that includes all 3 fields, go right ahead. If it is to be great at one specific field, maybe focusing on one would be better. If it is because you really love all 3 fields and you have the capacity to do it though, again by all means.

If it is to make money though, a lot of schooling doesn't really guarantee anything.

Definitely. I'm the second type--I want to do all 3 because if I leave any of them out I won't be happy. I considered doing a particular math & physics specialist programme, but it was heavily geared towards math for science (not enough coverage of topics I liked) and totally left out computing.

I'm highly interested in theory of computation, how compilers work, automata, AI etc. Sure, you can only learn so much in school (barely scratch the surfaces), but I'd be much more fulfilled if I learned a primer at least.

My master plan is to finish that degree and then go on towards a PhD in science. The math has an obvious relation, and the computers is more of a personal interest. Even still, if I get into an area that combines science and computing I'd be all the more happier. Perhaps the computer knoweldge would be necessary for some experimental parts of the PhD. Maybe not. I don't know, but I know that I'm very interested in all 3 fields..

 

[DaShen]

Originally posted by: Flyback

Originally posted by: DaShen

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
OP,

Think about your motivation for doing this. I do not think this triple major will improve your employability or increase the value of stock to graduate schools. Perhaps you will get more benefit from increasing the depth of your understanding in one field.

This is also true OP. Really it all depends on the reason you are really wanting to triple major. If it is for self betterment and because you want to do something that includes all 3 fields, go right ahead. If it is to be great at one specific field, maybe focusing on one would be better. If it is because you really love all 3 fields and you have the capacity to do it though, again by all means.

If it is to make money though, a lot of schooling doesn't really guarantee anything.

Definitely. I'm the second type--I want to do all 3 because if I leave any of them out I won't be happy. I considered doing a particular math & physics specialist programme, but it was heavily geared towards math for science (not enough coverage of topics I liked) and totally left out computing.

I'm highly interested in theory of computation, how compilers work, automata, AI etc. Sure, you can only learn so much in school (barely scratch the surfaces), but I'd be much more fulfilled if I learned a primer at least.

My master plan is to finish that degree and then go on towards a PhD in science. The math has an obvious relation, and the computers is more of a personal interest. Even still, if I get into an area that combines science and computing I'd be all the more happier. Perhaps the computer knoweldge would be necessary for some experimental parts of the PhD. Maybe not. I don't know, but I know that I'm very interested in all 3 fields..

If you are planning a PHD, then why not focus on the one major and minor in the other courses? Most of the time the PHD people won't be able to use the other thigns they learned because grad school is very specialized.

 

[tmc]

kudos. yes, just go after what your mind says.

imho, math and cs go together beautifully, but phy might be a little outside of math and cs.

 

[Estrella]

Originally posted by: dullard

Originally posted by: Flyback
The problem with you is that you see school as a means to getting a job. I see it as something for scholarly interest. There is a great disconnect so I don't think you can understand why I or others would even consider it.

See where I'm going?

Yes, I see where you are going, and it isn't where you claim to want to be. Doing the BS+MS route you get the exact same scholarly exposure that you do in the multiple BS route. So that part of your logic is not accurate.

However, it goes even deeper than that. What about the 35 years after you graduate? Do you want to be stuck in some low level position? Or do you want to do work that is scholarly? It isn't about the money, it is about the pursuit of a scholarly job that will satisfy your needs for intellectual stimulation.

Dullard, you only see school as a means to and ends: Money. Flyback has clearly stated his life is not about money. As far as I can see the money will come to him as he will be able to enter many fields with his flexible knowledge base. He will have his choice of work while you are stuck in one field with no chance of moving up because you are so specialized.

And face it, if you want to "Move up" in the company, you would be better off getting some business oriented degree. He said he did not care to do this already.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Estrella
Dullard, you only see school as a means to and ends: Money. Flyback has clearly stated his life is not about money. As far as I can see the money will come to him as he will be able to enter many fields with his flexible knowledge base. He will have his choice of work while you are stuck in one field with no chance of moving up because you are so specialized.

And face it, if you want to "Move up" in the company, you would be better off getting some business oriented degree. He said he did not care to do this already.

Let me repeat myself from above. My point is that "It isn't about the money". Quotes are from my own post that you ignored. Money isn't everything. Life isn't about money. For Flyback, life is about scholarly pursuits. You are more likely to have a life filled with scholarly pursuits if your job requires a graduate level degree.

Do you want to do basic BS level work, or higher level MS level work. Money isn't a part of my argument at all. Please stop falsifying my points.

 

[Flyback]

Originally posted by: dullard

Originally posted by: Flyback
The problem with you is that you see school as a means to getting a job. I see it as something for scholarly interest. There is a great disconnect so I don't think you can understand why I or others would even consider it.

See where I'm going?

Yes, I see where you are going, and it isn't where you claim to want to be. Doing the BS+MS route you get the exact same scholarly exposure that you do in the multiple BS route. So that part of your logic is not accurate.

However, it goes even deeper than that. What about the 35 years after you graduate? Do you want to be stuck in some low level position? Or do you want to do work that is scholarly? It isn't about the money, it is about the pursuit of a scholarly job that will satisfy your needs for intellectual stimulation.

A MS in math or physics is non-existant at good schools. If it is there, it only exists as a means for preparation to enter the PhD. Most schools I've looked at go straight into the PhD from undergrad.

It isn't the "same scholarly exposure". I have diverse interests and want to learn some more about computing that I wouldn't get if it was a major in math or physics exclusively.

Again, I'm not worried about money. If I stayed on and went for a grad degree, that inevitably leads to the same job--it would just take a whopping year longer for me.

Thats what it comes down to. A single year. Additionally, I should point out that I would be basically required to stay for 4 years. The order of succession (prerequisites) in the science program basically mean you have to do them in certain order and they are not all offered during summer so I could not fast-track into 3 years.

Need the two-semester analysis before I can do the two-semester analysis II course. And they're only offered in fall/winter terms so I'd have to do them in two years. After that I'd still need differential equations (partial and ordinary), topology and differential geometry courses of the 3rd year (which require the former analysis courses). Foruth year class relies on the 3rd year classes. Same goes for the science end of things... prerequisites pretty much force me into the 4 years anyways (as far as I can see).

 

[Estrella]

Originally posted by: tmc
kudos. yes, just go after what your mind says.

imho, math and cs go together beautifully, but phy might be a little outside of math and cs.

Physics gave birth to modern mathematics. Remember that Newton fella? Paul Dirac? Without physics we would not have higher level math.

 

[JavaMomma]

Why, whats the point.... ? I fail to see what you gain in doing a triple major, are employers going to care? What are you going to do grad studies in? Most likely only one of them.

Just get your undergrad done and move on if you like school this much. The quicker you get it done, the quicker you can do an MSc. Also, overloading your summers and stuff is silly, enjoy your life and get some work experience, it helps when you get out of school....

I could see picking up a minor if it was something you like or something that will be helpful to you in the future, or if it is only a tad a more work, something like CompSci/Math. But Physics, like why don't you just toss in a Chemistry degree while you're at it....

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Flyback
A MS in math or physics is non-existant at good schools. If it is there, it only exists as a means for preparation to enter the PhD. Most schools I've looked at go straight into the PhD from undergrad.

It isn't the "same scholarly exposure". I have diverse interests and want to learn some more about computing that I wouldn't get if it was a major in math or physics exclusively.

Again, I'm not worried about money. If I stayed on and went for a grad degree, that inevitably leads to the same job--it would just take a whopping year longer for me.

You later added the PhD idea. That fits your needs the most. Do a BS in one major and have your PhD span the other two (or all three, if that is possible). Yes, it is the same scholarly exposure. Why would you think otherwise?

Again, who cares about money. That is not my argument! My argument is about the type of work not the pay from that work. Why can't you and Estrella understand that?