Ok guys I am looking for some input about a math minor I am thinking about pursuing. I am pursuing an Electrical Engineer degree. I have to take a crap ton of math for it. So much actually that a math minor only requires 3 more classes. So my question is, if it doesn't affect my graduation date, is it worth it?
I just e-mailed 2 of my friends that have careers in EE, and they both said no if it delays your graduation time. It will probably not affect if you are hired or not, and if it delays your career by a semester, the investment will not be worth it by comparing earnings made with your new job, and the cost of the 3 extra classes. The only degree they suggested would be a MBA, FWIW.
It won't push out my graduation date any. I'm looking at a Dec '16 graduation and near the end I have a couple holes in my plans. So it is either fill it with a minor or have a lighter load for those few semesters. A couple of the EEs I've talked to here at my office also said it would have no bearing on being hired or not. I just can't help but believe that Numerical Analysis 1 & 2 would be a helpful in understand the calculations. I do plan to go to graduate school but I'm going to pursue a Masters in Engineering Management with a Power Systems concentration.
If you think it would help you understand something better, go for it. Although having a light load your last semester is pretty awesome. I only took First Aid and Music History
None of the EEs I have talked to here even considered a math minor. So I'm either a nerd or willing to go the extra mile. I'm not sure which. If I do not go after the minor, my last semester will be my Senior Electrical Design Project.
Keep in mind the scope of those last few EE classes though. If you're taking upper level Math and trying to finish EE, that may be quite a bit more than you think. Eff Diffy Q
If it isn't going to affect graduation, why not. Just an fyi, just because they said you'll graduate on time right now, you're still a few years out from graduation. Personal experience is telling you that you can rarely trust educators that are putting your schedule together for you. Sad thing seeing as how that's what they're getting paid in part to do. It's also another $2000 or whatever tuition will be. Like already mentioned, if you think it's going to help in whatever you plan to do in the future, go for it. Also, just because you have an extra minor/major/etc., doesn't necessarily mean you're going to get any better of a job offer.
I actually took Differential Equations over the summer. The class fascinated me. My EE program requires Cal 1, Cal 2, Diff. Eq., Linear Alg and Cal 3. A math minor requires those 5 classes and then 3 junior/senior level classes. I am looking at Intro to Analysis, Numerical Analysis 1 & 2. I'm currently taking Cal 3 so I feel like I need to decide this semester. I don't want to wait 1.5-2 years between math courses.
I'd recommend you take the math. If it turns into too big a load you can drop the class. Having the minor may not get you a better job but it could make the difference between you, with the minor, getting a job over the next guy, who doesn't have the minor. All else being equal, you technically would be more "qualified".
When applying for EE jobs I'd be more afraid of them thinking what a nerd instead of he's too qualified. I actually already work in my field, just trying to move up. So unless something crazy happened in the next 3 years, it is really a decision based on if it is worth the effort/time/money or not.
May very well not make the difference. I stated that it "could". I've seen it happen. If that came out as the only difference between two applicants, all else being equal, I'd say the minor showed the guy had a bit more ambition than the other.
So you don't think Numerical Analysis classes would be beneficial to an EE? Throw the resume side of the conversation aside.
I opted out of the math minor most because my upper level engineering courses were very time consuming. Is it a bad choice to do?....I would say not. But it didn't work out to for me and I only know a few engineering students have pursued it.
The minor certainly wouldn't hinder efforts to move up. If you work in the field already they already know if you're a nerd or not. I still say go for it if you have the effort, time, and money.
