Computational Mathematics or Mathematics?

Smythe

Do you think employers would view either degree title below, more positive than the other? Would either make much difference to general job prospects?

a) Computational Mathematics
b) Mathematics

In Computational Mathematics a combination of applied maths, statistics and computer programming modules are taken.

In Mathematics a combination of applied maths, statistics and pure maths are taken.

I wouldn't be going into pure maths research, or into teaching in the future.

Morbert

Smythe wrote: »

Do you think employers would view either degree title below, more positive than the other? Would either make much difference to general job prospects?

a) Computational Mathematics
b) Mathematics

In Computational Mathematics a combination of applied maths, statistics and computer programming modules are taken.

In Mathematics a combination of applied maths, statistics and pure maths are taken.

I wouldn't be going into pure maths research, or into teaching in the future.

The computational aspect would develop more transferable skills. It's why I did a masters in computational physics.

mikhail

I'd tend to agree. I think computation experience would be handy in most industrial jobs a mathematician would be qualified for.

Smythe

Thanks very much guys. That's what I had been thinking might be the case.

I've just noticed with the Computational Mathematics BSc the choices for 1st year modules are:

2 x programming modules (compulsary)
2 x applied maths modules (compulsary)

2 x modules consisting either of:
2 x statistics/operational research modules
OR ALTERNATIVELY
2 x pure maths modules.

So I'd actually still be able to take 2 pure maths modules if I dropped the statistics modules. Anyhow, I don't have to worry about it until next year. Though any suggestions on whether to choose pure or stats are much appreciated. That is, which might be better in terms of transferable skills.

mikhail

Stats is an area of maths which gets a lot of industrial use too, so from that perspective along, it might be preferable. Up to you though whether or not you want that to completely shape your decisions.