CMU Double Major/Computer Science

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I recently got admitted into MCS for the class of 2018 and had a couple questions involving double majors/ the SCS. My ultimate goal is to get a higher degree in Computer Science.</p>

<p>1) I would want to double major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. After reviewing the requirements for each I found that to double Major in CS you would take pretty much all of the same classes as a CS Major, including the difficult first year classes. I was wondering how difficult it would be to get into these classes (Do they have restrictions to how many students can take them)?. Would I have to apply for a Double Major program or can anybody take the classes necessary?</p>

<p>2)I know that it is very difficult to switch from MCS to SCS, however is it possible and what would be the proper procedure to do this.</p>

<p>3)If I completed the Double Major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, how would that look for graduate schools? My goal is to obtain a PhD in Computer Science. Would it be better to major in computer science from another college or will graduate schools look at a double major in Applied Mathematics and CS the same?</p>

<p>4)For a double major, will there be a "primary" major?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>.</p>

<p>1) Priority to those classes is given to the students in CS and then to those with an earlier registration time. Often the bigger classes have a ~150 student limit. Anybody can take the classes if they get in, you don’t need to declare anything
2) Pretty difficult, search the CC forums where a lot of people ask that question about switching to SCS over and over again. Procedure: wait to come here to CMU and talk to your advisor
3) If you do impressive research and do well in school, it will look great. Again, talk to your MCS advisor about your interest in grad school, they know everything. They’ll direct you to research professors, possibly connections to other colleges, and will tell you how to apply, give you a checklist of the application process, and tell you what classes you need to/should take.
4) Primary major will be in the school you’re registered for. In this case, you will be B.S. of Mathematical Sciences with additional major in CS.</p>

<p>As a double major in CS myself, I can say that I’ve never had any trouble getting into a CS class that I need. It is true that priority is given to primary majors, so you will often get waitlisted. However when these reservations are removed, I was always able to get into whatever course I needed. Also, there is absolutely no application process for an additional major in CS. You just declare it. Transferring into SCS, however, is, as mentioned, very difficult.</p>