I am STEM(Programmer). Math was unnecessary.
Well I'm a programmer of sorts too. (These days I program DSPs to control things that move.) Math is at least slightly useful. What's really beyond unnecessary to destructive, at least for what I do, is computer science.
ML/NJ
1. If you ever coded a mathematical formula, you did math.
2. If you ever had to prove your coded formula was correct, you did math.
3. If you ever had to use a different number base, you did math.
However in your defense, there was almost never a straight up math problem. Only once is 30 years did I actually directly use my advanced math education. An EE and a guy with an MS in Physics had a problem to solve, they found a formula unfortunately for them the targeted solution variable was in the middle of the equation. And my advanced math training kicked in, I reworked their equation solving for the variable, then I knew why math was important. Programmers need the formula given to them in codable format.
BTW, my masters education is software engineering. Spent many an hour using my math skills checking binary and hex programs.
I have long held the position that the study of logic is more important to a programmer than advanced mathematics (beyond algebra). However, many traditional colleges fail to include such studies in their programs. Thus many comp sci degrees are viewed with suspicion as the real world application of their degree is often limited.
One person that I know personally, received their comp sci degree from a state technical college. They were hired to stand up a MS SQL server cluster for the company and failed at the effort. He could code SQL but could not administer a server.
Lots of blame to go around for that particular mess and not all was related to math or logic or even programming. Just an observation that study in one area, does not always lead to success. I am of the opinion that such knowledge has to be balanced with real world application of those skills and the related use of the tools needed to execute those efforts. I would not value a programmer who could code but not use a CASE tool or had little experience working a project oriented shop.
90% of programming is advanced algebra. Math is necessary.
Hey App:
I am STEM(Programmer). Math was unnecessary.
Where did you learn to think logically - typing or recess?