Is it useful to have a Math degree to become a programmer and why?

As Ashutosh mentioned Mathematics is required for most of the programming. Going forward emerging technology required more and more logical programing, such as Data Science required

• Programming Languages: Python, R, SAS
• Machine Learning Tools
• Data Visualization and Reporting
• Risk Analysis
• Statistics and Math
• Effective Communication
• Software Engineering Skills
• Data Mining, Cleaning and Munging
• Big Data Platforms
• Cloud Tools

So all are related to Mathematics.

I've worked with various software engineering teams over the years, and have seen different amounts of math used depending on a team's focus. Teams working on front-end (web) applications tend to use less. Those working on back-end (server-side) technologies used more. Those working in artificial intelligence, cryptography, or data analysis applications definitely used more math.

The most complex problems I've seen being worked on in those fields required applied-math knowledge, and in some cases quite a bit of it. I think you can rest assured that combining math and programming will end up being useful if you are

Hi Farhan,

I have different opinion on your question. Overall, I don't think it's really useful to have a Math degree. Let me explain in details:

1. I had been doing Math a lot. When I was in school, I won several titles of Math competitions. And now, I'm a software engineer. In my opinion, most of the Math in programming is not that hard(unless you want to be an algorithm software engineer). You can get the Math knowledge from any engineering majors. And, the most relevant major is Computer Science.
2. According to my experience, people from all backgrounds are doing software engineering. I have friends from Electrical Engineering, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Business and even Arts background. They are all good software engineers. It doesn't stop you by your degree if you want to do software.
3. There is some difference between majors when you apply for a software related job as a new grad. If you have a Computer Science degree it's easier for you. While, if you have a Math degree, it doesn't make any difference with a Chemistry or Biology degree.

Definitely!! Afterall, Programming is all about having logical constructs and problem solving ability. Mathematics provides us the aid to solve all these problems through logic building. But, It isn't necessary to have high-level mathematical skills. If you've acquired these skills, it would be an added advantage.

Hi Farhan,

I have a math major and I have three work experience related to data science and engineering. From my own experience, I would say math definitely helps when programming especially when it comes to algorithms. One example is Math gave me ideas and methods of approximation when there is a system limitation. But since you want to become a programmer, it still depends on which area you are interested in. For example, machine learning, analysis or statistics, then Math is important and coding is needed, if software or app development, then Computer Science is important and math is good to know.

Yes coding is a major way of delivering mathematics to the "real world". With a firm grasp of math you can implement complex algorithms.

Another way is through research design and implementation.

Yes! When I was in college, and I knew many people who had a math major but minored in Computer Science. I was the other way around - A BS in Computer Science with a minor in math. Honestly, the math really helped with critical thinking, which is something that you need when programming.