So... the plan up to this point was majoring in mathematics for a B.S. and then on to my B.S in Computer Science or something math-related (haven't decided, just want to get math down first). However, I'm currently taking statistics and I feel the need to rip my hair out. Someone told me you have to take multiple stat/probablity classes for the B.S. in Mathematics and the thought makes me want to puke. This isn't math... this is... voodoo. Anywho, was just wondering if any of you knew if that was true or maybe have some ideas on how to make this class less painful. I literally abhor this stuff.

Hm... Mind if I recommend just doing what you love? If you truly hate said things, then maybe try to figure out what you actually would love to do?

As for myself, I've grown up all my life as a "math magician" and even corrected quite a lot of my own teachers, out smarted them, or even TEACH them a few lovely tricks I've noticed, and you know what? I'm a fan of math and wouldn't doing it. Heck, I'll do the math to figure out the price of an item before the cashier even puts it in or do a problem before someone finishes typing it into a calc...

Since I naturally like math, trying to make it enjoyable for myself isn't needed but I've picked up on some things that might help you. However, it depends on the classroom situation. (If you are at home, however, then please tell me and I'll give some "at home" specific ideas).

1stly, I find it interesting to maybe change the problem into a story within your head. Like you are reading book without an ending and you have figure out what that ending is on your own.

2ndly, could always try to mix the problems with other things that you do like, for example a game. And solve it base upon that in your mind. I mean, if you can figure a way how to mix the two and still able to do the problem.

3rdly, if you EVER work on a laptop or computer. It helps to open multi-things of Notepad and type out specific portions of the problem on each one and from there, look at it like a puzzle. (If you like puzzles, that is).

I'm taking a discrete mathematics course at my university right now and we're just beginning to touch on statistics, so I can relate to you somewhat.

Unfortunately there's nothing I can really tell you that could make your life easier, except to perhaps consider a different major altogether, because this kind of stuff won't go away when you graduate. Strict math majors really don't have too many career options open to them right out the door aside from teaching and academia, which based on what you've said will simply involve more of what you hate.

Whether you need to take statistics/probability or not to complete a maths major will depend on your university. I only needed to take pure maths (algebra/anolysis/topology) to complete mine. You should check your degree requirements.

Another thing is that if your tastes lie more towards pure math (which it sounds like, given that you describe statistics as "voodoo"), then you might try approaching probability as a kind of application of real anolysis.

You will generally find this a bit hard to do. Universities don't usually like letting undergraduate degree holders go back for another. You're either expected to have double-majored when going for your first degree or go on to your graduate level program. Financial aid help and scholarships are more limited as well.

I'm not saying it's impossible, just that you will find double-majoring much easier if you want two degrees (or figure out how to go from a BSc in mathematics to a Masters in a different field).

Math PhD here. I also used to abhor probability and statistics back in my student days, and consquently only went through the bare minimum required coursework. I have come to seriously regret this, as I now finally see how extremely useful and interesting both of these subjects are.

I think the key issue at play here is how probability and stats are traditionally taught. In my experience, almost every single lower-level probability/stats course is severely dumbed down and stripped of almost all its intellectual content; the material is presented as just a routine application of a few key techniques to a bunch of contrived problems. This is a shame because there is so much food for thought up for grabs. My advice to you is to find a book or something that presents some of the more interesting aspects of the subject. For instance, the book by Gorroochurn, Classic Problems of Probability, would be a nice supplement to an intro probability course (and even to more advanced courses).