Home » questions » Is programming a possible career without majoring or minoring in math at the undergraduate level?

Is programming a possible career without majoring or minoring in math at the undergraduate level?

5
2006-08-09 17:54:02, Category: Programming & Design
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m an idealistic, naïve, 11’Th grader. Still a kid, I know, but I’m starting to consider different subjects and possible careers that I’m interested in. I’m planning on taking additional courses on my own (possibly online) in those fields while I’m still in high school. I like US History, Writing, Economics, Philosophy, Theology, and Computer Science. I don’t particularly enjoy mathematics, however. Almost all the computer programmers I know love math and have either majored or minored in it in college. Would it be possible for me to pursue a career in Computer Science and only take required math courses in college? Is that feasible? Or is it the stupidest thing you ever heard? :) Helpful answers and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

Answers

  1. spiffo

    On 2006-08-09 18:00:22


    it probably is but it might limit what you can program. I'm sure physics engines and stuff require substancial math but I know that programing isn't ALL math.

  2. Rob F

    On 2006-08-09 18:42:33


    Hey, Buddy, I'm a twenty-three year-old programmer. I'm good but not great at math, but I'm considered a talented programmer. I majored in Computer Information Systems (CIS) at a business college. It's a degree lighter on the tech and theory but heavier on the practical application. If you're straight with high school Algebra and Geometry, and feel that you could be straight with college Algebra, then that's a good start. Calculus doesn't play into my job, and Statistics is given secondary business focus. Memorization is important, but not just of terms, rather, abstract ideas. But you'll regularly encounter problems for which there is no conventional solution, so divergent thinking, also known as creativity, is especially important when looking at a unique problem. The key, however, to learning anything is to practice, practice, practice and continually encourage yourself. Don't try to become like a typical programmer. Do your own thing -- you're a young buck. In fact, I'm not sure there is such thing as a 'typical programmer', as I haven't met people much more eccentric than my colleagues. Keep bangin', Robert

  3. JR

    On 2006-08-09 20:01:38


    You said "Would it be possible for me to pursue a career in Computer Science and only take required math courses in college?" Well, I hate to break to you, but any good C.S or Computer Engineering curriculum is gonna have required math that stretches up to differential equations. Now that said, once you land a job, will you really NEED that. In most cases, its doubtful. But thats life. Math courses always suck. (I'm gonna get flamed here). Don't let that detract you from CS, provided that you have some basic competency in quantitative analysis.

  4. dewcoons

    On 2006-08-09 18:00:32


    Nope. I do not know of a single college that does not require math to get a computer science degree for programming. That is because so much of programming is math intensive. You really do use it in the "real world" as a programmer. So if you are not into math, you may way to consider a different career. Instread of programming, go for system administration and networking. You normally do not need a degree for that, just MCSE or CNA certification. Most colleges offer classes for those.

  5. tommysportsgirl

    On 2006-08-09 18:04:46


    I'm majoring in computer programming. I have to take some advanced math, but I don't have to major or minor in it. Thank goodness!!! So if I can make it, so can you. Good luck!