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What is the Value of a Second Major?
An Anonymous Student asks: "I am a senior in college, majoring in computer science. I only need two more CS classes to finnish a BS. But all along I have also been taking math classes and find that I am only three classes away from a finishing a BS in math as well. (We normally take nine classes a year) So Here is the question to people out in the real world: Is it worth it to get a second degree? Do employers or grad schools care about that stuff? or should I just take fun random stuff in my last year as an undergrad?"
I'd go for it, what will you miss out on if you buckle down for another semester? Compare that to what a hassle it will be to finish it later if you decide a double major is worth it.
Cheap storage VM.
down the road you may decide you'd rather teach math or take on a job heavily involved in math... if you get your degree now it will open up that opportunity right away (going back to school is a pain in the ass). and, as someone who's seen alot of people interviewed (we work in a small office, interviews are done in the open), i can tell you that a double-major can only add to your appeal to prospective employers. good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Heck, if you're only 3 classes away from a second degree, go for it. It's well worth your time.
Think of it this way, you're 95% on the way to your second degree... why stop now?
You can always work in your college town and go to school part time to finish up those 3 classes.
"Can of worms? The can is open... the worms are everywhere."
... is almost nil
I majored in Physics and Chemistry, worked for a while, did a PhD in Bioinformatics, and now am working in business development in drug discovery/development.
How much did the 2nd major in chem help me? not much.
Just live your life.
When considering whether to hire you or not, many places won't be able to evaluate your skills... Instead they will rely on your resume. Having a double major is not the "norm" and will definately be an added plus to your resume.
In my opinion it will definately be worth it... If I had the choice between two people of the same skillset, but one had a second major I would consider that one more of a "go-getter" and all things being equal would hire him/her.
/* TODO: Spawn child process, interest child in technology, have child write a new sig */
i agree with you in part, but remember - getting in the door, especially today and perhaps for the next few years, is the hardest part. besides, this person isn't asking "should i start a whole new degree?" -- they're 3 classes away from a second major. sure, getting the second major might not make you a better ______, but slacking off and taking "gym 101" instead isn't going to either, and you don't have that sexy extra line on your resume.
If you plan to find a job in a large company, and remain mostly anonymous, your "stats" are more important, because your work will be viewed and used by many people you may never come into personal contact with. They will see your bio on the company intranet, and get an email from you (cc'd to about a hundred other managers and co-workers). Once you have been there long enough you'll be able to have a reputation that stands on its own, but until then your credentials will help your co-workers evaluate you and "judge" you.
Now on the other hand if you are the more adventuresome type, and are looking for a challenge more than a paycheck, and find a great job at a small company, a second major will be much less worth while. As the people will know you for who you are and what you can do.
I have personally worked at large and small companies, and now run my own. I think you're better off deciding what type of company and what type of job, when making decisions.
The number one bit of advise is enjoy your time in school. College represents the most freedom you'll ever have, most just don't see the forest through the trees (I know I didn't.)
MS2k
can you find three math classes that would interest you? for instance i really wish i'd been able to take a math class that would cover the fundamental mathematics behind modern cryptography. or one on topology would have been interesting.
yes the degree is important, but perhaps even more important is the classes you take. i've always been impressed when interviewing people who can describe a few of their classes and what they got from them.
i've found that graduates that complain a college degree is just a piece of paper were only there to get a piece of paper...
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FYI - Father is a VP of Human Resources, so I asked him.
A second degree is worth it if the career you are persuing requires heavy mathematics.
Reason? Pro side is obvious. A BS in math proves you have the math ability necessary for a job that requires heavy math usage.
Disadvantage? With extra degrees comes with extra expectation of a higher salary. This is why its a dumb idea to go straight to a grad degree right away. If I a BS in CS goes for the same job as a MS in CS (the job isn't complex programming, just run-of-the-mill programming), the BS is gonna get the job, cause he can do the same job as the MS, but you can pay him less. (sidenote - usually if your job requires a MS or PhD, they'll pay for you to do it. Its easier to go to school when you don't have to worry about paying off that loan!)
So, if you are going into graphic engine programming, or a company that makes CAD/other engineering tools, then the math major is a huge plus.
I have a minor in math, and, honestly, it never gave me any noticable edge.
Now, my side of the equation is that programming and math go hand-in-hand. You're much more likely to get the 'advantage' of the extra knowledge than the 'disadvantage' of a higher expected pay, so go for it!
Good quote, too many chars. Seriously, the slashdot 120 char limit sucks!