Math Major or Minor?

[ZomgRogged]

Ok here's the skinny, I'm not sure if it is worth it to go all the way for a Double Major in Econ/Math or just pick up a minor. Here's a link to the requirements for a major :
Major in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Basically I am required to take:
Calc I-III
Fundamental Mathematics (a proof course)
Linear Algebra
Real Analysis
Probability Theory

Then there are several options for supporting coursework, the most useful would seem to be the Applied Math Option:

Differential Eq.
1 of Numerical Methods, Intro Partial Diff Equations, Differential Equations II
1 of Graph Theory, Intro to Combinatorics, Intro to Abstract Algebra, Honors Abstract Algebra, Elementary Theory of Numbers
1 Additional 400 or 500 level course

The problem is I am currently taking Calculus II, Calc III is a requirement for most of these courses. In the spring I will be taking Calc III and Fundamental Mathematics. After that I will be a junior and have 3 semesters to count on my Grad school apps.

For the Math Minor I would only need 15 additional hours after I take Calc III and Fundamental Mathematics as opposed to 21 with more restrictions as to what I can take for the major.

Will the major add significantly enough to my profile to warrant me setting my sights firmly on it?

[jeeves0923]

IMHO, don't worry about another major so long as you take the good signal classes + the ones that you are particularly interested in. If that constitutes a major, then go for it. If not, you don't really need another check mark by your name. Adcoms will care much more about which classes you took than whether or not you completed the major.

[sonicskat]

I was one class away from a math major (BA), i honestly think that having that major would make no difference. However, my performance in that extra class might make a difference though.

[C152dude]

Double major. It is not that difficult.

[ZomgRogged]

Originally Posted by C152dude

Double major. It is not that difficult.

I was hoping you'd respond. Thoughts on the Applied Math Option?

[C152dude]

I think the mathematics option is more appropriate since you are allowed the flexibility of 3 courses of your choosing. You can reserve the first two requirements listed as your second semester senior year so you can get the courses you want / need out of the way first. Just a thought.

[treblekicker]

I'd go with the major. Save the requirements that don't matter for econ for the spring of senior (I'm doing that with Algebra and my Seminar). Getting the second major relative to the minor isn't that hard and plus, when you tell people you are double majoring with one of them as math, they'll always comment on how smart you are!

[Harry Lime]

Originally Posted by treblekicker

when you tell people you are double majoring with one of them as math, they'll always comment on how smart you are!

It's true, and anyone who fears math will instantly fear you.

[hoyas9488]

i agree with treblekicker. if the difference is only 2-3 classes, and it won't kill you to take them, why not just save the ones you don't need for spring of senior year and focus on everything else for applying to grad school before than?

as long as you take the important classes it won't matter when applying to grad school. but who knows, in the future you might try and do something else, and having that major could really help you out.

[Nalfien]

Double Major. Seriously. Coming from UIUC which is borderline good/great the double major will make you a serious player with all the guys coming from the top undergrad schools.

Double Major. It worked for me.