Re: Continuing education in pure mathematics for working professionals

On Mar 30, 11:15�pm, "Stephen J. Herschkorn" <sjhersc...@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
abi...@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I have always been interested in mathematics since childhood. In high
school, I had participated in a lot of math competitions, olympiads
and got a few medals too (in the regional level though, not at the
international level). In college, however, I took Computer Science
because there were more employment oppurtunities in this field and it
seemed pretty close to math anyways. I also got my masters in Computer
Science too. Since 3 years, I have been working as a software
developer in one of the big software companies.

For the past few years, I had been thinking of taking up mathematics
that I had left in high school. (It's not that I don't like computer
science, I do especially the theoretical CS and the algorithms type
stuff). This time I want to learn just for the sake of learning. I
want to learn a little bit of math everyday. It's not that I want to
discover new theorems or anything like that (that would be cool of
course), but I just want to keep my mind sharp and have lots of fun
while learning the queen of sciences.

Now, for a prefessional like me, what are the options to achieve the
above? One way is of course to learn by myself by buying textbooks. I
am not super interested in this option because even though I am not a
lazy guy, one has to be real motivated to not stray away from this
path. The second option is to take evening classes or online courses.
From the few online masters degree programs I see, most of them are in
applied mathematics. I am more of the pure mathematics kind of guy. I
don't have anything against applied mathematics, but I want to play in
the pure mathematics area because I am more interested in "theretical
math", if you will.  If not atleast general mathematics (i.e., a bit
of everything). But I see absolutely no online programs for the same.
You may have noticed that I mentioned masters degree. I think it is a
good idea to be under a degree programs since dealines are never a bad
thing :) and if one is doing something he enjoys and can also get a
recognition for it (in the form of a degree), one might as well take.
And if it is from a well known university, much the better. However,
getting the degree is lower priority than getting into a program where
I get to learn and be in touch with pure mathematics.

Those are the only two options I could think of. I can't think of
others. Maybe a private instructor? I don't know if I can find one in
my area (Seattle). Is there any way in which I can satisfy my
aspirations?

Perhaps you can sit in on classes at a local university if your schedule
and the instructor will permit.  Assuming you studied calculus in
college, you should start by learning linear algebra and multivariable
calculus if you have not already.  Then you want to learn real analysis
and abstract algebra, and perhaps topology, at the undergraduate level.  
Set theory might be nice, too.  That would be a start for your further
education in pure mathematics.  Look into logic, number theory,
probability, differential equations, complex analysis, and/or
differential geometry if you want.

If you cannot attend a course, I don't really see any alternative to
reading on your own.  Hire a private tutor to help you out at times.  In
fact, maybe you can use a tutor as a motivator, as some use a personal
trainer.  Also, there are many people on this newsgroup who will be
willing to lend you a hand as long as you let us know that you are not
just looking for someone to do your homework.

Best of luck,

Hey, when you gonna fix your clock?

You're always a half hour ahead.



--
Stephen J. Herschkorn                        sjhersc...@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Math Tutor on the Internet and in Central New Jersey and Manhattan

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