How Much/What Math Is Required for a CS Major?

[johnjohn320]

I'm looking into computer science as a major in college, and, as the topic says, how much and what math am I supposed to have before I get to college? What will I have to take while I'm in college to graduate with a degree in CS?

Thanks. I realize it may vary a bit from college to college.

 

[Viper GTS]

Typically either one or two terms of calculus. Nothing all that bad.

Viper GTS

 

[Pyxis]

In my school, you need Calc 1 & 2, Probability & Statistics, and Linear Algebra.

 

[BChild]

at my school it's a year of calculus, linear algerbra, boolean algebra, discrete mathematics, and three other math classes of your choice.

 

[johnjohn320]

<< Typically either one or two terms of calculus. >>



Before I get to college, or while in college?

 

[gittyup]

Highest math I needed was Calc 1.

 

[Mday]

bchild is basically right...

 

[dabuddha]

over here you have to take calc 1 2 3, diffeq, and linear algebra
also 2 math electives if i remember correctly

 

[Viper GTS]

I stand corrected...

The CS math requirements I had seen previously were for a two year CS degree, not a four year.

Viper GTS

 

[Soccer55]

At my college, you need 2 semesters of calculus, 1 semester each of discrete math, linear algebra, and differential equations.

-Tom

 

[Hanpan]

2 semesters calc (calc 1 and 2)
2 semesters discreet math (bolean algebra etc)
1 semester linear algebra
and a stats course i think.

 

[Hanpan]

 

 

[Cerebus451]

It will vary widely from school to school. When I got my CS degree, I was actually a double major in CS and Math. At the time, you only needed to take 1 additional Math class over those required for CS in order to get a Math minor.

The basics were 2 years of calc (the second year including Diff Eq's) plus a class in linear algebra. There was also a requirement for a class in sadistics.

For my double Math major I had to take a different linear algebra class (one designed for math majors instead of CS majors) then I had 5 semesters of senior level math classes which I loaded up with number theory and numerical analysis.

As for what you need before college, again at the time I took calc in high school, took the AP exam and passed out of the first year of calc in college. Those that didn't have the calc in high school were merely stuck with taking the first year calc in college. If you take calc in high school and don't bother with the AP exam, then it will simply make the first year of calc in college easier as it will be a lot of review. Some colleges will also allow you to test out of calc, and still other colleges will have a program with local high schools whereby if students take a special calc class in high school they get credit at the college if they attend there.

 

[jinglingxl]

it all depends on your placement test when you enter college. If you did good on it, you probably need 1 semester of Cal, which I did. If you did just ok, then 2 semsters of Cal.
I think regardless of that major you are in, most colleges require you take some Cal courses.

 

[Fuzzmuncher]

Thought its was a counterstrike thread