Mathematics and Computer Science (BA/BS)

Arkady Vaintrob and Christopher B. Wilson, Advisors

Students who want training in both mathematics and computer science can declare a joint mathematics and computer science major. This allows them to develop skills and knowledge in both fields. The program develops team players prepared for information-based jobs. MACS students graduate with the tools to analyze complex problems and to compute the answers to them.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in the main areas of computer science, including data structures and algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and software development.
• Draw on broad knowledge of computer science to design, implement, and test software solutions to problems in a variety of areas.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of some area of computer science (theoretical foundations, computer systems, software development).
• Demonstrate proficiency with the calculational techniques and applications of calculus and linear algebra.
• Read and write mathematical proofs, producing arguments that are logically and syntactically correct.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of some area of mathematics.
• Communicate and collaborate with others and express ideas orally and in writing.

Mathematics and Computer Science Major Requirements

The requirements for the mathematics and computer science (MACS) major fall into four categories: mathematics, computer science, writing, and science, with 44 credits taken in mathematics, 40 credits in computer science, and 16 credits (science and writing) in other departments.

Computer Science I (CS 210), Computer Science II (CS 211), Computer Science III (CS 212), Elements of Discrete Mathematics I (MATH 231), and Elements of Discrete Mathematics II (MATH 232) must be passed with grades of B– or better before students can take the upper-division core courses. Courses required for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Upper-division courses must be passed with a grade of C– or better. The science courses may be taken pass/no pass (P/N) or letter grades.

¹

Excludes Statistical Methods I (MATH 425)

²

Special Studies: [Topic] (CS 399) and Experimental Course: [Topic] (CS 410) courses used as electives must have a prerequisite of Intermediate Data Structures (CS 313) and have regular class meetings and homework assignments. At least one course must be numbered 410 or above.

³

Students are encouraged to complete the accompanying lab courses.

Additional Requirements

Students must earn no grade below a B– in required lower-division mathematics and computer science courses—Computer Science I (CS 210), Computer Science II (CS 211), Computer Science III (CS 212), Elements of Discrete Mathematics I (MATH 231), Elements of Discrete Mathematics II (MATH 232)—for automatic advancement to upper-division computer science courses. At least 12 of the mathematics upper-division credits applied to the degree must be taken in residence at the university.

Major Progress Review and Major in Good Standing

Each major must meet with a CS advisor to file a Major Progress Review form after completing 12 credits of the upper-division core, including at least one course from each department. Mathematics and computer science courses and at least 8 credits of upper-division CS courses used to satisfy upper-division major requirements must be taken for letter grades and passed with grades of C– or better. At least 12 of the upper-division mathematics credits and 12 of the upper-division computer science credits applied to the degree must be taken in residence at the university. A student who receives two grades below C– in the upper-division core or three grades below C– in any upper-division courses may be removed from the major.

Honors Program

Both of the cooperating departments offer departmental honors programs to their undergraduate majors. After obtaining advance approval from both of their advisors, students in the joint degree program are eligible to attain honors in mathematics and computer science by meeting the honors requirements of either department, including writing a thesis.

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science