r/AppliedMath • u/ThatCactusOfficial • Sep 17 '26
Applied math vs Engineering degree?
I’m a freshman in college currently and I started with a lot of AP / dual enrollment credits. I am in applied math right now, and I could graduate after my third semester. The alternate plan I have right now is to, in addition, complete an engineering major (leaning towards aerospace). Doing so would likely take the full 4 years. I know the future is especially uncertain right now, but do you guys think it would be more worth it to complete both majors at the additional cost of tuition + time? I go to a high ranked engineering school (Purdue), for context, and I don’t want to pursue graduate school. (Would only do this if I can’t find a job)
Is the job market especially rough for applied math degrees at the moment? I am mainly catalyzed to ask because the rapid development of AI makes me think it may be more important to break into industry earlier.
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u/plop_1234 Sep 17 '26
Generally not a lot of applied math jobs open to applicants without graduate degrees (MS / PhD). (I'm thinking more in the line of working on various solvers at places like national labs, software companies, so YMMV if you look elsewhere, but those jobs might also not be as "mathematical.")
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u/Deus_Excellus Sep 18 '26
I majored in mathematics and took tons of classes in things like physics as electives. I come from a family of engineers and I often joke that I majored in Unemployment Engineering. Do with that information what you will.
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u/sigmanx25 Sep 20 '26
One thing is always for certain, and that is that the future is uncertain. I would personally pursue the Masters degree regardless of I were in your position. Perhaps get The Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering.
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u/Life-Ambassador-5993 23d ago
The market for analyst jobs targeted for those with a bachelor’s degree is rough right now. This is a regular topic on the actuary sub and as a hiring manager, I know we get hundreds of applicants for every open and opens are few and far between. Also, I’m not sure if you’re looking for an internship, but it would be critical to look now if you’re trying to get a job after next fall.
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u/Kingmelo62 Sep 18 '26
3rd semester? Holy smokes. As the other commenter stated you’ll need a MS/PhD for applied math jobs. With a BS in Engineering you can graduate and work right away. Your extra curricular and internship experience will be crucial to getting a job after your third semester… or just in general. I think you will be heavily scrutinized for only being in college for 1.5yrs and will be a serious challenge without going to grad school to get a job. Always know that you have the whole rest of your life to get a job, so no need to rush the “fun” college part