<p>I'm wondering what the real world differences are between...</p>
<p>The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' - BS in Math and Computer Science</p>
<p>and</p>
<p>The College of Engineering's - BS in Computer Science</p>
<p>In case you guys were wondering, I go to UIC</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>If I recall, the program in UIC’s LAS is really called Mathematical Computer Science which gets more into mathematical theory of computer science and computational methods. The Computer Science program through Engineering focuses on actual computer science research areas that are not a mathematically inclined.</p>
<p>As far as the real world, both degrees will net you the same jobs for the most part but the Mathematical Computer Science program may allow you into more scientific software development positions.</p>
<p>One more thing, the Computer Science program through Engineering is ABET accredited (well CAC) whereas Mathematical Computer Science is not. That may be important if a certain graduate program REQUIRES a ABET BS degree.</p>
<p>Of course me being the Math/CS guy I am would opt for the Mathematical Computer Science program.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply!
And yes, it is Mathematical Computer Science</p>
<p>anyone else have anything to add to the MCS vs CS question? Are there any jobs that an MCS degree holder can get that a CS degree can’t and vice versa?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>bump… I’m going to decide on a major soon</p>
<p>The easiest way to see the difference is to compare the curricula. Let me take a look…</p>
<p>Whoa, danger Will Robinson. Check the links…
[Main</a> - BachelorOfScienceProgram](<a href=“http://www.cs.uic.edu/bin/view/Main/BachelorOfScienceProgram]Main”>http://www.cs.uic.edu/bin/view/Main/BachelorOfScienceProgram)
<a href=“http://www.math.uic.edu/undergrad/degrees/majors/mcs/mcs-curriculum-2007.pdf[/url]”>http://www.math.uic.edu/undergrad/degrees/majors/mcs/mcs-curriculum-2007.pdf</a></p>
<p>The programs are completely different. I would only consider the MCS program if you want to make a power play into scientific computing (almost to the extent that your primary job wouldn’t even be writing software). The CS curriculum at your school looks very good, and very much what I’d expect.</p>
<p>I don’t know how employers would view a student applying for software jobs after an unaccredited major that doesn’t require a course in Algorithms, Automata, or Architecture. I would be vary wary of doing that if you want a strong CS background… now, if you want a strong scientific computing background, and don’t really want to do general-purpose CS stuff, then you can’t go wrong with the MCS.</p>
<p>(sorry if this has made your decision harder)</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply… I’ve thought about it and I think I’ll go for the CS Major… either way it’ll take me 4 years to complete so I might as well get the stronger overall degree</p>
<p>What I actually intend on doing is after getting my B.S. in CS go to Pharmacy school… we’ll see where that path leads me :P</p>
<p>Anyone out there doing the same thing or something similar?</p>
<p>^ Will you be able to do all of the prerequisites for pharmacy school as a CS or MCS major?</p>
<p>Yup, I don’t see why not</p>
<p>I’ve got 1 years worth of AP credits and the other 1 years worth of pharm pre reqs can help fulfill the CS reqs too (chemistry, bio, gen eds) so that should bring everything to 4 years even. If anything there’s a slight possibility of maybe 1 semester of summer school but otherwise it should fit. (I’m a freshman at UIC with sophomore standing… I’ll be a sophomore next year)</p>
<p>As long as my GPA doesn’t fall below 3.5 I should be okay… it’s at 3.5 right now though due to orgo 
I don’t think it’ll drop with at least the beginning CS classes…</p>
<p>If you were wondering why 3.5 I’m in the GPPA program</p>