Choosing Courses- Data Science, Math, or Statistics?

[Drew L]

I'm doing my MS Mathematics. Because I took grad courses in undergrad I only need one more course (3 hours) to graduate, but the terms of my Graduate funding say I can stay another academic year and they'll fund up to 8 courses. So I can't decide what I should study. I can choose these from 3 departments:

Math:
-Real Analysis 1 & 2
-Theory of ODEs (I've already studied DiffEQs as a graduate but this is more of a continuation of Analysis)
-Complex Analysis
-Theory of PDEs

Biostatistics:
-Statistical Theory 1&2 (I've already taken advanced probability/markov chain stuff so this will be easy and it looks like a good refresher for PhD studies. Plus I like statistics)
-Survival Analysis (looks interesting)
-SAS Programming/Data Management
-Categorical Data Analysis

CS:
-Artificial Intelligence
-Machine Learning
-Big Data Programming with MapReduce and Hadoop
-Data Mining
-Deep Learning
-Advanced Algorithms and Applications

I'm not pursuing a Math PhD but looking to go to another school for a PhD in Statistics. Hopefully NC State or Duke.

If I want to get hired as a quant do they care if I already know programming or is pure math coursework more important to them? Please help.

 

[Drew L]

Also, let this be a lesson to everyone who's paying $75k for a Financial Engineering degree:
You can study Math or Applied Math and choose most of the MFE courses, except you get a better theoretical education (which firms like more) and you get paid to study.

 

[Connor Whelan]

This is interesting because I'm in almost the exact same situation. My undergrad was in Computational and Applied Mathematics. Now I'm doing an MS Mathematics and trying to prep for a Phd in Statistics.

Honestly I'd say take a blend of those courses you listed.

-Statistical Theory 1&2
-Real Analysis 1 & 2
-Theory of ODEs
-Machine Learning
-Big Data Programming with MapReduce and Hadoop
-Data Mining

Heading into a Phd in Statistics, I think it's best to have a solid understanding of core mathematical concepts while also getting a taste of the world of data science and statistical learning theory.

 

[Drew L]

Thanks Connor.

I agree a mixture is best. I think the Math department requires me to take Complex Analysis but otherwise I think your suggestions are right on the mark.