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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?"
From my own experience I would say that having a certain degree just gets you in the door, but what's considered after that is the skill level and your ability to learn new things.
Are the courses left adding to your skill level? Would you know something that you didn't know before? If your professional value increases, I would say take them.
With all said above, another argument for getting a second degree would be the possibility of applying for all those jobs that have a required major, sometimes the employers won't even evaluate your resume if it says "B.S. in Math required" and all you have is CS degree that you know is almost equivalent to Math degree.
... 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 */
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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My first BS, however, was Chemistry and the second Math.
* Do it if it takes you a year or less. 2 degrees in 5 years looks more impressive than 1 degree in 4.
* Do it if it raises your gpa. GPA is not everything, but it is definitely BIG. More so when it stands out (either too low or very high).
* Do it because it's easier to stay as a 6th year senior in college than trying to get back in for a second degree. You will have a harder and longer time getting a second degree once you have been shoved out the door with your first. However, you can always have a Post-Bacc gpa which often counts higher than your undergrad.
* Do it if you enjoy that subject. You should take what you enjoy in college, not what you have to.
* Do it for the diversity on your application. On this, however, most companies are stupid in that they overlook math majors in favor of the generic CS but I'm employed (currently) so it isn't all bad.
"Would you rather have a playstation addicted dork wearing a star wars t-shirt?"
Definitely go for it. I'd recommend an English degree.
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!
I have a double major in CS and English Writing. I've found this to be a huge advantage because my writing degree is proof of strong written communication skills. Plus, the fact that it's an unusual combination helps me stand out a little. When I decided to switch from CS-type work into a more business-oriented role, it showed both my ability to learn technical and non-technical subjects.
My (uninformed) opinion is that CS and Math will probably only give you an edge if you take a CS job that requires heavy mathematical skills.
However, if you enjoy your math courses and you want the extra degree, I don't see how it could hurt you. I could have just taken an English minor and saved myself a lot of stress, but I like having earned the extra degree.
I can spell. I just can't type.
Put it this way. It can't hurt you. Secondly, it *could* help you.
However, I understand that head hunters are saying you need three things in this economy to get a job:
A BS/BA or better college diploma
Experience
Certification, of some sort
Right now, there are a few kinds of skilled people submitting literally hundreds of resumes for the same job. They are getting these kinds of candidates:
Degree + Experience, no Cert
Cert + Experience, no Degree
Degree + Cert, no Experience (rarely?)
They rarely get the person with the Degree + Cert + Experience. Those are the people who get hired fastest -- soft skills notwithstanding.
If you have all the elements above, a second BS can only help differentiate you from the next guy. Again, it may or may not help, but it can't hurt.
You might not directly get compensated more than the next guy. However, you might actually land a job, while somebody equal in every other way might not.
(The thing I lack is certification. Let's hope I don't get laid off.)