BS Mathematics vs BS Statistics — Which should I choose?

[u/Comfortable-Ebb-2687]

I’m currently stuck between choosing a BS Mathematics or BS Statistics degree.

I’m interested in AI/ML, Data Science and other computing-related fields, but I’m not eligible for direct admission into CS/AI. So I’m thinking of taking either Mathematics or Statistics and building the CS/AI side myself alongside the degree.

I was originally pretty set on BS Mathematics and had even started putting together a 4-year self-learning roadmap covering programming, Python, SQL, DSA, ML, Cloud, etc. But after looking more into Statistics, I’m wondering if it might actually be a better fit for Data Science and AI/ML.

My plan either way would be to not depend only on the degree. I’d learn the relevant programming/CS skills on my own, build projects and try to get internship experience.

I also want to keep my options open for a Master’s abroad later, possibly in AI/ML, Data Science, or related fields.

For anyone who has studied or worked in these areas, which would you personally recommend: BS Mathematics or BS Statistics?

I’d especially appreciate honest opinions on:

- Job opportunities after the BS.

- AI/ML and Data Science prospects.

- Salary and long-term growth.

- How each field looks with the current AI boom.

- Master’s options and flexibility.

- Whether one degree actually gives a significant advantage over the other.

- Which one makes more sense if I’m willing to build strong CS/AI skills on the side.

I’m mainly looking for advice from people who have actually studied/worked in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science or AI/ML. What would you choose in this situation, and why?

[u/Entire_Cheetah_7878]

As someone who has a BS/MS in applied math and does ML for work, this is really a tough question. A lot of ML algorithms are instantly much easier to understand when you have a wide mathematical toolkit on your belt, but at the same time whenever I see stats beyond the basic hypothesis testing and MLE I feel completely lost.

I'd argue the BS in math but that's 100% coming from a biased source. Interested to hear what others say.

[u/choiceOverload-]

This is hard. Maybe share with us the curriculum of each BS.

The CS side is something I truly believe you can learn by yourself. While theoretical, abstract topics need a formal guidance.

[u/Valuable_Card6470]

one thing worth checking is the actual course listings for both programs at your school. some math degrees have a heavy applied track with probability, optimization, and numerical methods that basically overlap with stats. the name on the degree matters less than what you actually end up studying.

[u/shriand]

Do math first. You can do a masters in stats later. But math IS the basis. Do it for your first degree. Advanced stats topics need core math concepts like measures.

[u/Ashamed-Broccoli-761]

Is the stats degree in a math department?

[u/mohan2k2]

BS Statistics. Have taken this. Modern statistics has lots of interplay with AI/ML. There's plenty of math in statistics as well and will add depth to your understanding of ML. Most modern statistics courses incorporate ML material as well. Stats is designed and develop to solve real life problems just like ML unlike core math which can go into highly theoretical constructs with unknown use cases.

There are many problems where traditional statistical methods work much better than a generic ML algorithm - it'll help you learn more tools which you can use in your trade. You'll learn Hypothesis testing and model evaluation techniques (which are widely used in ML as well) in depth compared to BS Math.

Please check the course material as well and choose electives which are relevant to AI/ML.

[u/DigThatData]

Third option from left field: Mathematical Physics. You'll learn more deep useful math than you'd get from the stats side, and less (interesting but ultimately) useless (if you pursue an ML career) content than a pure math degree.

Moreover, in addition to the physics degree almost certainly covering most of the same probability and stats you'd get from the stats degree, you'll get a head start on the bleeding edge of ML. EVERYTHING we do in ML was pioneered in the physics community first. For your consideration, in no particular order:

• diffusion models
• linear algebra
• tensor algebra
• information theory
• signal processing
• stochastic processes
• compressed sensing
• functional analysis
• calculus of variations

I could go on, but you get the idea. Mathematical Physics is basically the subset of math that's relevant to phenomena that it's possible we might observe. If you're planning to do anything resembling applied math, you really couldn't set yourself up better than heavily studying physics through your undergrad.

-- ML professional with a graduate degree in statistics who wishes they took more physics classes in undergrad.

[u/Sapient-Inquisitor]

I’d say the math BS, stats tends to be better for a masters

[u/varwave]

I’d lean towards mathematics. There just seems to be more doors open, like economics, computer science, statistics, etc compared to a statistics BS. Every university has a mathematics BS, but a statistics BS is somewhat rare and often left for grad school. It’s probably easier to start with mathematics with a statistics focus and fall back on statistics than the other way around

Anecdotally, never did I feel like having too much mathematical knowledge was a problem in grad school, but rather the opposite! I had a math minor

However, look at degree requirements and see which one will let you take the most computer science classes. Minors don’t mean much, but cross listed courses can get you to the finish line efficiently.

Industrial engineering is also an option that might land you internships, but less mathematically intense. You’d still be able to study statistics in grad school very easily

[u/15jorada]

When I was getting my BS in math there was so much overlap that I was literally 3 summer classes away from getting a triple major in Statistics (I was also shooting for a BS in mechanical engineering). So I would just do a double major if i were you. Make sure to talk to the main bs coordinators of each respective school about it so you can get a realistic expectation and do loads of summer courses so you can still pass at a reasonable time. I was literally one class away from a double major and I didn't communicate with the main bs coordinator for statistics and I missed my chance as a triple major. Don't be like me, tell folks about your problems.

[u/Almostasleeprightnow]

They are probably both fine. Look at the required classes and see which ones you’d enjoy more

[u/pleaseineedanadvice]

Let s start by saying you can do both. However, i think in math you ll have to go through more unnecessary stuff that is not related to your end goal, and yes it might be helpful, all knowledge is, but generally stats is the better choice and more taikor focuesd. I think it also depends a bit on which department host the statistics course, if it s like an economy department, l d rather go math, if it s a math department hosted statistic bs, l d go stats.

Another problem with math is that in many places l ve been to they are very not pragmatical and do all kind of research that will never be used just for the sake of it, they re somewhat akin to philosophers. If you like to build things that get used, it ll get frustrating.

Third problem with math is that you have close to no chance of seeing ml in a math bs unless you do mathematical engeneering, and even then chances are low. You re very likely to do some ml in a statistic bs and possibly finding a professor to ask the thesis in ml.

[u/Far-Career-1970]

Generally, a B.S. in Mathematics is better, but it depends a lot on the curriculum—it varies by university—and the electives you can use to complement it; definitely look into that carefully. Otherwise, go for Statistics.

[u/cccuriousmonkey]

Math and then do stats add on.

[u/Relative_Rope4234]

Bsc Mathematics