Most useful: Linear algebra, Numerical methods, Stats and probability Most interesting: Control systems, Abstract algebra, Real analysis, Complex analysis Of

Most useful: Linear algebra, Numerical methods, Stats and probability Most interesting: Control systems, Abstract algebra, Real analysis, Complex analysis Of course my definition of "useful" is not necessarily yours. I'm much more on the research side of things, and having a solid mathematical foundation is absolutely essential there. My advice for taking courses in college: take courses that you know will be useful, but you will not have the time to teach to yourself. If you're a true nerd you will learn all the really useful stuff on your own anyway, and you don't need university for that.