Is anybody here a math major?

I majored in Math and Science in high school, and it came easy to me. I have discovered that I am an exception according to most people.

Mathematics is not computation. If you like computing things, you’re better off being an engineer.

In any decent mathematics major, there will be a fair bit of abstract thinking. Most people find this difficult until they’ve had some practice at it. You’ll also be asked to think logically. Most people are pretty bad at this, too, until they’ve had some training.

Here’s a really really simple example:

You want the highest value possible of three numbers: a, b, and c

a < b; b < c

Which do you prefer: a or c?

Can you prove it?

Again, this is beyond simple, so if you have trouble with this, then you might want to consider that you’ll have a bit more work ahead of you. Then again, anything worth pursuing takes some work.

I loved math. If you like the idea of teaching, I understand they desperately need math teachers. I am not familiar with what the classes are like. You could go to your local colleges book store and look at the text books and get a good idea.

I worked in a college math department for awhile after graduating college. Being a math major is only difficult if you don’t enjoy math. If you have a passion for it then you are set. And if you are somewhere in between it’ll likely be just as difficult as any other major. If you enjoy math and are reasonably good at it then go for it. I assume you have a career choice in mind that uses a math major.

Well I’m an ME major that is minoring in math. It’s kind of easy to the minor. The requirements in addition to my required math courses is small but I know it be more rigorous for a math major. If you have a passion for it, you can do it with work. @elenuial is dead on. But I don’t think she’s giving engineers quite enough credit. :)

Are you just entering college?

If so, you can always take a few different classes and discover what you’d prefer.

As far as picking a major, choose something you’re either really good at (even if you don’t like it) or you really enjoy (even if you’re not good at it). Spending life being mediocre at something you don’t enjoy is the fail.

There is a point at which the typical undergraduate mathematics curriculum make a sharp turn that many students have difficulty negotiating. Early training focuses on technique: manipulating algebraic expressions, evaluating integrals and derivatives, and solving differential equations, etc. Then there is a “transitional” course; sometimes a special course in fundamental concepts of mathematics, sometimes abstract algebra or advanced calculus. From then on, “getting the answer” is no longer the point; the student is expected to learn to grasp abstract mathematical structures. One demonstrates his mastery by reciting definitions, proving theorems, or applying an abstract theorem to solve a concrete problem. Many students find themselves in trouble after a year or two when skillful manipulation no longer suffices. It’s not hard if you’re comfortable with abstract thinking.

You might consider computer science. There’s still plenty of math, but more jobs out there and better pay.

@PrancingUrchin That wasn’t meant to be a rub on the engineers. I’m really bad at actually making things, which engineers (theoretically) do. :)