Theory vs Application.

[Pasion]

Assuming I know for sure I want to be a quant developer. What are more important extra courses, the math or the programming skills (e.g. real-time and parallel/distributed techniques).

I'm asking because I want to take electives in software classes because I feel PhD's will develop the algorithms anyway. On the flip-side I don't want to get the shaft because the clock builder can also tell the time.

Also, should I go with math because it's harder to pick up after school (although just as easy to forget) or with the programming/technology courses that will allow me to hit-the ground running?

 

[chaoticrambler]

From top of my head, I would say look into numerical analysis type course.
They usually have a nice mix of math and implementation.

One great thing to do is to build up your set of tools(and hence a library) in either C++ or C# when you take such courses.