Bsc in Computer Science question

[Codebreaker007]

Hi
Can somebody explain to me the difference between the two:

1. Bsc in Computer Science
2. Bsc in Mathematics & Computer Science

I understand that there is mathematics involved in most science based degrees but my question is, how much less actual computer work does option 2 have in order to accommodate the extra mathematics?

My campus does not offer option 1 so my next best option is 2

I was also wondering if the guys that do option 2 are at a disadvantage in terms of purely computer skills due to increased maths

Would this hinder their opportunity to get a job in a purely computer science field? Can option 2 graduates get the same opportunity as option 1 graduates?

Thanks

 

[cguy]

Hi!

My undergraduate was in both (Pure) Mathematics and Computer Science. In total, my CS courses only made up 1/3rd of the total courses for my degree (CS1, CS2 & CS3). Other courses would touch on related topics though (e.g., applied maths tends to involve a fair amount of scientific programming).

Generally speaking, I would say that Maths as a second major has many benefits:
- Any type of scientific programming tends to involve some, to a lot, of maths. This work can be very interesting and also very well paid.
- Maths tends to be harder than CS. So, when you're looking for work, those in the know will rank a maths co-major higher.
- Most areas of advanced CS require a solid background in mathematics. Papers and research tend to involve a lot of mathematics in terms of algorithms, and experimentation methodology.

The optimal path would be to do a CS (or CS+Maths) honours degree afterwards, to really get into some advanced coursework. This is also good for emigration, should you want to do that one day.

 

[Mike Hoxbig]

No real difference, both would have the core CS subjects. You would only specialise in postgrad anyway. I would go with the one that has additional maths subjects, it gives you more options and conditions you to solve problems better.

It doesn't make a difference when it comes to career prospects either. Get into an undergrad program and you'll determine for yourself what you want to do with your career. Having maths might even be more attractive to employers...

 

[zimspy]

Career wise, the plain computer science one is what you'd expect. You're more geared up to becoming a software engineer, network engineer, stuff like that. Think traditional computer science roles.

The one with mathematics is structured to train people who become data scientists, acturials that sort of work. Think someone crunching serous numbers for banks to determine viability of loan programs, or assessing long term insurance plans at an insurance company. There are rarely tools, i.e. software that is readily available to do that type of work so the computer science part comes in when you start making your own custom tools to solve those problems.

You can do either and specialize later like many people here have said though, it won't be an issue.

 

[Codebreaker007]

Thanks guys

Would the Bsc in Math & Comp Sci but NO honours / postgrad suffice to land a good job in the IT field?

What about a Bsc in Computing? How well does that stand amongst the other other mentioned

 

[cguy]

Thanks guys

Would the Bsc in Math & Comp Sci but NO honours / postgrad suffice to land a good job in the IT field?

What about a Bsc in Computing? How well does that stand amongst the other other mentioned

They both stand well (and similarly), although if you consider scientific/engineering/financial programming IT, then the maths background would be much stronger.

 

[cguy]

Something to be aware of is that the Maths + Computing course will be quite a bit harder, so be prepared for that.

 

[princeradebe]

If your institution offers BSc Informatics / Information Technology I would consider it. Another stream that is not math heavy but similar exposure of computer programming to BSc Computer Science but leaning more in Business ( eCommerce, Some Accounting and Business Management).