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A minor or dual major in mathematics is an excellent pairing with computer science. Many interesting areas / problems in computer science require more advanced mathematics than is required of general computer science students. For example, graphics programming and machine learning both rely heavily on linear algebra.
Courses that Double Count for CS and Math
Cross-listed courses automatically count as both a CS and a Math course. Other courses may count under certain circumstances. Below is a list of both cross-listed courses and others that can count.
CS courses that can count as mathematics courses:
- CS 452 (Design and Analysis of Algorithms): cross-listed as MATH 452
Math courses that can count as CS courses:
- MATH 227 (Discrete Structures I): cross-listed as CS 227
- MATH 245 (Discrete Mathematics): A C- or better in this course can be used in place of CS 227 to satisfy the CS discrete math requirement. A student will need to obtain an override from the CS Undergraduate Program Director to sign up for CS 240 since MyMadison only knows the prerequisite of CS 227.
- MATH 318 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics): A C- or better in this course can be used in place of MATH 220 or MATH 229 to satisfy the CS statistics requirement.
- MATH 448 (Numerical Analysis): cross-listed as CS 448
- MATH 449 (Numerical Analysis for Differential Equations): cross-listed as CS 449
Advice for Pursuing a Mathematics Minor with CS
A math minor consists of the core calculus sequence (MATH 231/232 or 235 as well as MATH 236 for a total of 8 or 10 credits), followed by 10 credits (i.e., three courses as long as at least one of them is 4 credits) of MATH courses numbered MATH 237 or above, excluding mathematics courses numbered 301-309.
CS students typically choose their minor elective courses from among the following:
- MATH 237 (Calculus III) - 4 credits
- MATH 238 (Linear Algebra with Differential Equations ) - 4 credits
- MATH 245 (Discrete Mathematics) - 3 credits (as stated above, this can substitute for CS 227 as the CS discrete math requirement)
- MATH 248 (Computers and Numerical Algorithms) - 3 credits
- MATH 300 (Linear Algebra) - 3 credits
- MATH 318 (Introduction to Probability and Statistics) - 4 credits (as stated above, this can substitute for MATH 220 or 229 as the CS statistics requirement)