Mathematics and Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics are intimately related, and the substantial mathematical requirements of the computer science undergraduate program reflect this important relationship. Not surprisingly, it's quite easy for computer science majors to complete a mathematics minor as well. Note that the mathematics minor and major are administered by the Mathematics department. This page is advisory only -- only the Mathematics department can make definitive statements about their requirements.
Minoring in Mathematics
The five mathematics classes required for the computer science major: Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and a fifth advanced mathematics or statistics class, comprise five of the eight classes needed for the mathematics minor. Of the three remaining courses, one may be Algorithms (CMPSCI 311) but the others must be offered by a mathematics department. Note that Graph Theory and Combinatorics (CMPSCI 575) is also a course in the mathematics department, so it too can be used toward the math minor.
MATH 300, CMPSCI 250, AND MATH 455
These three courses have similar intentions but differ in detail. MATH 300 is an introduction to the mathematical method, logically correct proofs, and certain fundamental definitions -- it is a pre-requisite for several advanced courses in the mathematics major. CMPSCI 250 is an introduction to the mathematical method in the context of the discrete mathematics required for the study of the theory of computation. It may be substituted for MATH 300 but not vice versa -- thus most Computer Science majors or minors will take CMPSCI 250 instead of MATH 300. MATH 455 is a more advanced course in discrete mathematics applicable to Computer Science and Engineering. It may be substituted for CMPSCI 250 as far as the Computer Science requirements are concerned -- Math minors or majors should consult the Mathematics department.
Double Majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics
Double majoring in computer science and mathematics is an important and relatively easy option for computer science students. This is an especially valuable course of study for students who are considering graduate education in computing or applied mathematics. The Mathematics department has a variety of concentrations for Mathematics majors, each with its own requirements. Some of these, especially the Mathematical Computing Concentration, allow computer science courses to be used to meet some requirements. Interested students should consult with the Mathematics department for details, but note in particular:
1) Most double majors need not take MATH 300 because they will take CMPSCI 250,
2) Double majors taking MATH 551, Scientific Computing, may use three mathematics courses as upper-level CMPSCI electives instead of the usual two.
