I'm a CS major. However, a lot of TCS topics seem to be in the realm of pure math. Should I add a math major to complement understanding and for a future career in TCS?
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
2
-
5$\begingroup$ yep ${}{}{}{}{}$ $\endgroup$– mathworker21May 9 at 16:10
-
4$\begingroup$ It's not, strictly speaking, necessary. I've seen plenty of good TCS people come from "only" a CS background with math they picked up along the way. But yes, if it's an option available to you that you would enjoy and not be a burden, then I would recommend adding a math major (for the purposes of TCS) 100% :). $\endgroup$– Joshua GrochowMay 9 at 18:16
Add a comment
|
1 Answer
$\begingroup$
$\endgroup$
2
Three benefits of math classes:
- Knowledge of particular mathematical topics that are useful in TCS. This is a bit specific to the circumstance, but of course it helps! Probability, combinatorics, algebra, sometimes analysis, number theory, logic, ....
- Mathematical maturity, general comfort with proofs and mathematical reasoning. Very important.
- Showing your qualifications on grad school applications.
But I think the specific classes you take and skills you gain are more important than whether you officially major in math or not.
-
$\begingroup$ 'algebra' but "sometimes" 'analysis, number theory'? $\endgroup$ May 10 at 17:10
-
2$\begingroup$ @mathworker21 what is your question or comment? I think which classes are more useful varies throughout TCS. $\endgroup$– usulMay 11 at 2:31