Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Hey guys. I'm having a hard time finding a major. Plz tell me about your major, the classes u take, why you picked it, and your fav and least fav parts of it. tyty.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

architecture

get to make things. be creative. have a finial product. generate a portfolio. people respect it. develop analytical skills. develop problem solving skills.

studios
design classes
architecture history classes

wow, think i just made myself enjoy my major more lol.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Finance and Math. I likes the monies.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Mathematics. First year I took Calculus I and II, some introductory classes in physics and computer science, and some soft classes (Intro to Psych and Intro to Econ ftw!).
Sophomore year saw things like Physics II (not required but recommended), Intro to Differential Equations, Intermediate Logic, Multivariable Calculus, and Fundamentals of Analysis.

I'm in my third year now; I am taking or will be taking Analysis I and II, more DiffEq classes, Linear Algebra, probably Advanced Calculus, and so on. I need some sort of liberal arts sequence (mostly done) and seven high-level math courses in my final two years including the analysis classes, Abstract Algebra, plus a "culminating experience" that the folks here are being coy about.

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(1) The culminating experience is a course or project to be chosen with the approval of the Mathematical Sciences department.

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I picked it because I was a computer science major when I came in, and then I decided CSCI sucked. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I decided I hated programming, and math was a subject that I was strong at, had a curriculum that matched the classes I had taken already pretty well, and because I found it reasonably enjoyable. (I don't admit this to strangers too often, but I got honestly excited when I first learned about Cantor's diagonal argument. Yes, I am a nerd.)

My favorite part is the flexibility I have in scheduling classes. There's a lot of opportunity to take electives. And, since three of the seven high-level math courses I have to take can be anything over a certain level, I can aim for the things that I find interesting or professors that I find agreeable.

Another nice thing: employers love math majors. They have a reputation for good logical thought, so there are a lot of jobs that are open once you get the BSci.

Now for the bad: the work is a definite beat. I made it fairly hard on myself this semester since I took one math course more than I had to, but yeah, mathematics is certainly one of the most difficult majors out there. It can also be a socially difficult major, partly because you're always working and partly because of the surplus of guys (though part of that has to do with my university specifically). The teachers aren't always the best, either; most of my professors are foreign-born and their English speaking ability varies.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

English literature. Obvious downside is that it's low on the list of employability, but for me that wasn't really a concern so it was all good. Classes and homework generally consisted of reading really good books that everyone should read during his life. Being well read, imo, is definitely an asset in life, even if it cannot always translate into a high-paying job post-graduation. There is always law school if you want to take that route.

It's also much easier than math/science majors if you're a competent writer.

Another downside is that English lit types tend to be annoying, but I imagine this varies from school to school and class to class.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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English literature. Obvious downside is that it's low on the list of employability, but for me that wasn't really a concern so it was all good. Classes and homework generally consisted of reading really good books that everyone should read during his life. Being well read, imo, is definitely an asset in life, even if it cannot always translate into a high-paying job post-graduation. There is always law school if you want to take that route.

It's also much easier than math/science majors if you're a competent writer.

Another downside is that English lit types tend to be annoying, but I imagine this varies from school to school and class to class.

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couldn't u just read the books without being in college? what do you normally do in-class?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

quicksilvre, how interesting are your math classes? i've always had this notion that people with a deep enough understanding of mathematics see the world differently than the rest of the world does.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Finance and Math. I likes the monies.

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Could you expand on the finance part?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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architecture

get to make things. be creative. have a finial product. generate a portfolio. people respect it. develop analytical skills. develop problem solving skills.

studios
design classes
architecture history classes

wow, think i just made myself enjoy my major more lol.

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do you have to be artistically inclined to be an artist? job prospects? difficulty? what kinds of things have you designed?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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[ QUOTE ]
English literature. Obvious downside is that it's low on the list of employability, but for me that wasn't really a concern so it was all good. Classes and homework generally consisted of reading really good books that everyone should read during his life. Being well read, imo, is definitely an asset in life, even if it cannot always translate into a high-paying job post-graduation. There is always law school if you want to take that route.

It's also much easier than math/science majors if you're a competent writer.

Another downside is that English lit types tend to be annoying, but I imagine this varies from school to school and class to class.

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couldn't u just read the books without being in college? what do you normally do in-class?

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For most people it is very difficult to wade through difficult works (like some Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, etc.) by themselves, so having to do it for class helps a lot. You also miss a TON of stuff if you read it by yourself as opposed to reading it with an expert.

Classes were different depending on the professor, but in general, you did your assigned readings at home and class started with a short lecture about important points, and then a lot of time was spent in class discussion. Discussion always went far beyond the scope of the book and brought in outside issues that were relevant, and was in general very helpful assuming your peers were intelligent.

The big projects were generally just long research papers, or if you choose to have a creative writing emphasis, you would create original works.

I should add that the major is more than sitting around and talking. You will become a much better writer and communicator, which is necessary for virtually any job.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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quicksilvre, how interesting are your math classes?

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They can be quite fascinating, especially Analysis. In my Fundamentals of Mathematics class (= introductory Analysis) last year, we had problems like proving how there are as many positive integers or rational numbers as there are integers. You really get a behind-the-scenes look at what you've been doing with math all these years. I found it very thought-provoking.

There are other classes like Diff Eq that are stimulating, too--not so much on the philosophical level, but they have a lot of
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7712/frysizedbm1.jpg

moments. They get you into a problem-solving state of mind. Also, classes like Diff Eq are basically the answer to the question of, "What are we learning math for?"--these are the classes where you learn what you need for high-level engineering and science jobs. And even if you don't want/get one of those, the problem solving and logical thought skills make the classes worth it (in my opinion).

And then there are classes like Linear Algebra, which is basically just taking in the pooper twice a week. So they aren't all wonderful.

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i've always had this notion that people with a deep enough understanding of mathematics see the world differently than the rest of the world does.

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As I mentioned, I believe that math education = clear thinking, though I should mention that I've spent less of today on the problem of maximizing my study time than I have of the problem of whether I should play .5/1 limit, 1/2 limit, or NL25, or the problem of maximizing the amount of cola and snacks I can buy with the money in my wallet. Take that for what it's worth.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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For most people it is very difficult to wade through difficult works (like some Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, etc.) by themselves, so having to do it for class helps a lot. You also miss a TON of stuff if you read it by yourself as opposed to reading it with an expert.

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could you tell me about something you got from an in-class discussion that you wouldn't have otherwise?

and what sort of long research papers do you do?

to be honest, college is super-expensive and writing/literature/philosophy/poli-sci majors seem to consist of a lot of readings that you could do on your own and talking to a lot of people who would talk to you for free. i.e. i could have a one-on-one discussion with any number of different professors by e-mailing them and it would cost me nothing.

what do you think?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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For most people it is very difficult to wade through difficult works (like some Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, etc.) by themselves, so having to do it for class helps a lot. You also miss a TON of stuff if you read it by yourself as opposed to reading it with an expert.

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could you tell me about something you got from an in-class discussion that you wouldn't have otherwise?

and what sort of long research papers do you do?

to be honest, college is super-expensive and writing/literature/philosophy/poli-sci majors seem to consist of a lot of readings that you could do on your own and talking to a lot of people who would talk to you for free. i.e. i could have a one-on-one discussion with any number of different professors by e-mailing them and it would cost me nothing.

what do you think?

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You seem to be very apprehensive about being an English major, so I just want to make clear I'm really not trying to convince you to become one or anything. It's certainly not for everyone and for a lot of people it could limit your future jobs.

that said, to answer your question, it's really hard to quantify how class discussion helps. Honestly class discussion (when led by students) was the least helpful part of the major. Occasionally it's nice to hear other people's viewpoints, but generally it wasn't that educational. (That's just my personal experience. My professors always said class discussion was so vital, so great for gaining a deeper understanding of the works, etc... it just wasn't how I learned I guess.)

The real benefit comes from the professors. For example, I read Things Fall Apart (a book by an African writer) in high school with a bad teacher and I hated it. Then I read it in college with an African lit expert and loved it. He was able to illuminate parts of the book that the previous teacher couldn't, and I really learned a lot about African culture in that way. That was the case with the majority of books we read.

And yes you could just email professors, but if you're not one of their students I doubt they would spend too much time on their replies, and even if they did, hearing a 30 minute lecture and being able to ask questions in real time is just far superior to asking a few things via email. For some complicated works you probably wouldn't even know the right questions to ask.

Also, props to you if you would, but you clearly could read these works by yourself, but you probably won't.

oh yeah, research papers in English vary a lot. Generally you will read secondary texts in journals written by pretentious literary critics, and then create a thesis that incorporates the text but usually goes somewhat beyond it -- i.e. not just a book review -- (like ...Dickens is arguing that the Industrial Revolution is responsible for... whatever, you get the idea). Then support it, blah blah blah, basic essay stuff.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

I majored in Journalism. Don't do it.

The pay will be terrible, and most of the real world doesn't like you.

I think if I could go back, I would major in business, as I feel that gives you the widest range of future choices, while minoring in something you find passioniate and exciting (i.e., english, architecture, music, etc.)

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Finance

I like using math, logic, and investigational skills to find investments that beat out the rest of the market.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Physics

I like to solve problems. I like to blow [censored] up. I like math alot, just not the formalism of proof writing and what not, so I get to do that as well.

Additionally physics is such a broad field that you are almost guaranteed to find an aspect that appeals to you.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Statistics

I can't wait to graduate

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

anyone take sports management as a major?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Physics

I like to solve problems. I like to blow [censored] up. I like math alot, just not the formalism of proof writing and what not, so I get to do that as well.

Additionally physics is such a broad field that you are almost guaranteed to find an aspect that appeals to you.

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Physics and Astronomy.

Don't do it.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Sociology, emphasis on criminal justice. Very interesting classes involving punishment, juvenile delinquency, social psychology, etc... Downside is the pay. I'm likely going to grad school next year so I can make some monies. I still recommend it if you're interested in the subject.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

accounting.

job market is really strong, and finding a job is VERY easy if you go to a good accounting school. accounting is about as stable as it gets. i have 2 internships so far, one with a big 4 paid $50,000/yr in texas and the other (not big 4) paid $62,400/yr in new york. starting salary is the same.

accounting was the only business class i liked. if you're an analytical thinker, you should enjoy it. there are 2 main types of accounting that most start in: tax accounting or auditing. tax accounting is very technical, auditing is based more into soft skills, so most people find a good fit in one or the other.

biggest point: practicality. few majors are more practical than accounting. plus, experience with the big 4 will provide you with a crapload of oppourtunity in the future.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

finance
=
monies
=
hookers and blow


winnar!

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Mechanical Engineering

I am not really sure why

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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anyone take sports management as a major?

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Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Economics - It's the study of choices. If you want to see HOW the world really works, then go for economics. It'll explain everything in life.

My one professor has a bet that has been running for like 15 years or so, he said, "if anyone can find me an article that can't be applied to economics in some way, I will pay you $100." I doubt anyone is really looking, but it's the idea that counts.

The biggest problem I have with it is that I took some finance classes and economics and finance can go hand-in-hand at some points. Also, take notes and drawing supply/demand curves can take up alot of paper in your notebook if you're trying to get a point across. Also, one problem I have with Economics is that through all of the application you do, there are a lot of assumptions. That can only be explained because you can't take samples of economies and see how they react to changes. It's not like you can take lab mice and put them through different tests. The economy can only be studied as a whole, so any policy or change needs to be studied through assumptions to see how people will react.

Some ECON classes are more in depth than others, and some require more writing, while other schools are a little more difficult, but I really like economics alot (run-on sentence).

Read the book, "Freakonomics" and you'll see the power of Economics.

I like Economics because "it makes sense." It tells you why prices are the way they are, and why people behave the way they do.

Here are some topics of economics:

Economics of Sports*
Economics of Crime*
Economics of Human Resources*
Labor Economics
Economics of Tourism
Monetary Economics*
Macroeconomic Analysis*
Microeconomic Analysis*
Money & Capital Markets*
Econometrics (Econ and Statistics/Math combined)
Industrial Organization
Regulation of Industry
Government & Business
Managerial Economics
Public Finance
State and Local Finance
Economic Development
Economic History of the US
International Trade
International Finance
Economics of Health Services
Environmental Economics
Urban/Regional Economics
Economics of Labor Legislations

* Classes I am taking or have taken

Pretty much take a topic of your interest, and it can be applied to Economics in some way.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

I've been looking into econ and math-related programs in Canada. Mostly U of T and University of MOntreal. It seems like the double-major that's most offered is econ + math (which is what I want - I think), but is there any difference between that and finance + math?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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I've been looking into econ and math-related programs in Canada. Mostly U of T and University of MOntreal. It seems like the double-major that's most offered is econ + math (which is what I want - I think), but is there any difference between that and finance + math?

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Econ is more analytical, less with numbers. You'll still do some finance related things, but you'll get more of the concept and why it is the way it is rather than diving deep into it and studying exactly what it is.

For example, bond prices. You'll study supply and demand of bonds. As Prices go up, Yield to Maturity goes down. You'll see the relationship in a chart of supply and demand and how the curves shift. And you'll look at the Liquidity Preference Model and see how when the Fed changes the money supply, interest rates are affected.

In finance, you'll study the equations and go through more calculations and concepts of coupon rates, different bonds (callable, convertible, discount, municipal, etc) and learn why interest rates are what they are with respect to inflation premiums, default risk premiums, liquidity premiums, etc.

Finance is more mathematically inclined, whereas Economics is more conceptually driven.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Engineering Physics (Applied Physics)
Only take this major if you have a passion for physics and math and can stand a whole lot of it. I enjoy trying to solve puzzles and problems and I also really like courses like Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics stuff, so the major fit my interests pretty well.

Over half of the grads from my program go into higher education before joining the workforce, with science as advanced as this 4 years doesn't really get you much applicable stuff for industry. I'm only in my second year right now and I'm already getting a little bit burnt out from all the science. It's the hardest engineering discipline and it's really interesting and rewarding. It's also got a whole lot in common with pure math and pure physics degrees, so if you like that stuff then consider EngPhys.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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I've been looking into econ and math-related programs in Canada. Mostly U of T and University of MOntreal. It seems like the double-major that's most offered is econ + math (which is what I want - I think), but is there any difference between that and finance + math?

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Econ is more analytical, less with numbers. You'll still do some finance related things, but you'll get more of the concept and why it is the way it is rather than diving deep into it and studying exactly what it is.

For example, bond prices. You'll study supply and demand of bonds. As Prices go up, Yield to Maturity goes down. You'll see the relationship in a chart of supply and demand and how the curves shift. And you'll look at the Liquidity Preference Model and see how when the Fed changes the money supply, interest rates are affected.

In finance, you'll study the equations and go through more calculations and concepts of coupon rates, different bonds (callable, convertible, discount, municipal, etc) and learn why interest rates are what they are with respect to inflation premiums, default risk premiums, liquidity premiums, etc.

Finance is more mathematically inclined, whereas Economics is more conceptually driven.

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Thanks for the answer. I'm guessing finance would be better (coupled w/ math) for IB / finance - related fields right? Thing is, I can't find Finance as a major at any Canadian university. Is that a US thing? Anybody from Canada know of finance being a major?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Thanks for the answer. I'm guessing finance would be better (coupled w/ math) for IB / finance - related fields right? Thing is, I can't find Finance as a major at any Canadian university. Is that a US thing? Anybody from Canada know of finance being a major?

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What school do you plan on going to and do they have a website?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Industrial economy. Just started. First year is a lot of math.
Some science and some useless work on a computer.
Basically getting an engineering base.
Then comes comes economics/logistics etc.
Not sure if i am going to remain here or switch to International economy which is focusing much more on economics.
I am interested in the subject and since it's international and partly in french and in english that will give me the possibility to work abroad, which i want to do.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Psychology:

Very interesting classes, usually easy, the stuff you do outside the classroom is what is more difficult. Connecting with profs is a must for lab work and other opportunities. Very general undergrad courses so all your classes will be very interesting as you can choose which ones you want to take. If you dont know what to do with your life this is a good major for everyone likes someone who has good people skills and understands thought. A lot of good salesmen are psy majors. However to make any money right out of school doing psy work you need to at least go to grad school. A very rewarding major imo.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Political science. I like the theoretical aspect, but the actual research science is interesting too (as long as it's qualitative; quantitative research is boring as hell).

I don't think the major matters that much, though. Do you know that you want to major in one of the liberal arts or are you going for something more "useful"? I ask because were really talking about two completely different educations there. In the liberal arts, you're going to learn how to think critically, do close reading, writing skills and research methods no matter what major you choose. If you're thinking about going outside the liberal arts your education is going to be much more narrow, but more immediately practical.

Liberal arts pros: qualified to do a huge range of jobs, better overall understanding of how the world works, once you master one it's easy to pick up another (liberal arts subject, that is)

Liberal arts cons: won't make as much money immediately coming out of college (however, statistically, you'd actually pass other majors on average later in your career), explaining to your family why you're doing it, all that [censored] writing

Summary: I guess you have to decide whether you're going to do liberal arts or other first. Then it's all about priorities.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Political science. I like the theoretical aspect, but the actual research science is interesting too (as long as it's qualitative; quantitative research is boring as hell).

I don't think the major matters that much, though. Do you know that you want to major in one of the liberal arts or are you going for something more "useful"? I ask because were really talking about two completely different educations there. In the liberal arts, you're going to learn how to think critically, do close reading, writing skills and research methods no matter what major you choose. If you're thinking about going outside the liberal arts your education is going to be much more narrow, but more immediately practical.

Liberal arts pros: qualified to do a huge range of jobs, better overall understanding of how the world works, once you master one it's easy to pick up another (liberal arts subject, that is)

Liberal arts cons: won't make as much money immediately coming out of college (however, statistically, you'd actually pass other majors on average later in your career), explaining to your family why you're doing it, all that [censored] writing

Summary: I guess you have to decide whether you're going to do liberal arts or other first. Then it's all about priorities.

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This is an extreme exaggeration. I went to a liberal arts school and got a Math and a Computer Science degree. So I feel you don't have to choose between going after a career type major at a major school (BS) and a liberal arts degree (BA). In all honesty, no job is gonna care.

Also, I got a job right out of school as a Business Analyst making 40k, which compared to most of my friends was slightly above avg.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Economics. Excellent major if you have no idea what you want to do with your life. The concepts that you will pick up in economics can be applied to any job in existence. The ultimate all-encompassing major.

It's more about applied concepts rather than math. Unless you're interested in going to grad school, you don't need any math more than introductory calculus.

Here's an example of classes that can be taken through the PSU Economics program:

Economics of Sports*
Health Economics
Environmental Economics
Labor Economics*
International Economics*
Developmental Economics
Economics of Discrimination*
Transitional Economics
Forecasting
Econometrics
Economics of Public Policy
Urban Economics
Corporate Economics*
Money and Banking
Macroeconomics*
Microeconomics*
Competitive Strategy*

----------

*Classes I have taken

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Biochem. Basically its the study of chemical processes in living organisms. It deals with the structure and function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.

First and second year you take a bunch of general science courses (physics, bio, organic chem, cell bio, genetics, math) to lay the ground work for 3rd and 4th year. It's then that you actually get into the meat and bones of the field. Interesting major and most people use the degree for post graduate studies, be it med school, dental school, grad school and even law.

Overall I'd highly recommend it.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Engineering Physics:

Avoid this major if you don't like math.

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Engineering Physics:

Avoid this major if you don't like math.

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is this technically under the branch of physics or engineering, like if you apply to an engineering porgram would this fall under that branch of majors?

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

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Thanks for the answer. I'm guessing finance would be better (coupled w/ math) for IB / finance - related fields right? Thing is, I can't find Finance as a major at any Canadian university. Is that a US thing? Anybody from Canada know of finance being a major?

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What school do you plan on going to and do they have a website?

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University of Toronto is one of my first picks.

www.utoronto.ca is the site, but the one w/ all the majors is this one: http://www.study.utoronto.ca/

Re: Need help picking a major.. tell me about yours!
 

Math

Its just indescribably beautiful =) Especially combinatorics, probability theory, and to a lesser extent mathematical finance.