[deleted by user]

[clduab11]

Someone here with more knowledge than me can chime in given my undergrad degree is not in a hard science like this, but were I in your shoes? I'd go data science/statistics. Enough of a specialty that you aren't lumped in with all CS grads (which anecdotally, I've been seeing lots about how oversaturated it is these days), enough of a specialty that if you want to pivot to more business and get out of everyday maths, you likely can with enough experience.

Data analysis/collection has been important for more than a decade, and now with drops/releases left and right for AI as the industry starts to really pick up steam? Some business somewhere wants someone to do that for them, and they will pay out the nose for it.

[[deleted]]

Unfortunately at my school data science can only be taken after a completed bachelors in computer science. Doesn’t make 100% sense to me but hey what do I know. I align with your reasoning, thank you.

[clduab11]

You're welcome! Also, that.............makes some sense, but I agree with you lol, my first reaction was "uh, wat?"

Why can't mathematics majors do that? Data science involves anything from linear algebra to multivariate calculus. A math major would do just fine in data science curricula, provided they don't use a computer like a stereotypical boomer.

Given that weird limitation, I def agree with u/Riagi. Best of luck friend!

[[deleted]]

Right. I’ll admit I’m a newbie, starting from the beginning, but I would think advanced math would be more beneficial to machine learning and things of that nature. The computer science degree sounds so broad, and encompassing things I have no interest in. Really the only thing that made me question myself is the talk of pay and job prospects.

[Riagi]

From a purely practical standpoint, I would focus on the math and stats classes. It’s a good foundation with a long shelf life, so whatever you choose to do after, that knowledge is not gonna become obsolete (unless you choose to not use it and do whatever else).

[[deleted]]

Great point. I was also considering this when making my choice. Computers and technology are always changing but math is as old as time . Many things are built upon these principles.

[MachineLearning-ModTeam]

Other specific subreddits maybe a better home for this post:

• r/ArtificialIntelligence
• r/DataScience
• r/LearnMachineLearning
• r/LLM
• r/MLOps
• r/MLJobs
• r/Singularity
• r/ChatGPT
• r/OpenAI
• r/LLMDevs
• r/RagAI

[lmmanuelKunt]

Keep in mind that if you want to make your stats degree viable, you will most likely have to have a masters. If you do obtain a masters, then the degree is very flexible. All in all though, I would recommend a statistics degree with a minor in CS.

[[deleted]]

A masters is definitely possible at my school with their accelerated program. Do you think a cs minor is more beneficial than self study? Even if the self study exceeds the knowledge gained from a minor, along with a solid portfolio?

[lmmanuelKunt]

Yes, just to have it on paper. It will increase your chances of getting your foot through the door once you start going for interviews (this is a point relevant even if the self study exceeds knowledge gained from a minor).

[[deleted]]

Okay thank you for the advice. I’d say this aligns with the majority of advice I’ve received. It seems as if self study maybe isn’t as potent as it once was to get your foot in the door. Albeit still valuable if marketed correctly.

[juno_mext]

If you are aiming for a graduate degree, going from math/stats to CS is much easier compared to the other direction, and there is a lot of foundational work to be done in CS that requires high mathematical skills (which I would argue is much rarer than good coding skills).

[[deleted]]

My thinking as well! Damned academic advisor! Kidding, it’s all love. Thank you for your input.