<p>So I'm pretty bad at math (Currently taking Algebra 2 as a Senior in High School), but Computer Science has been the most interesting sounding major to me. I love computers and I would think I possess a fair amount more knowledge of utilizing one more than the average person. However, a major like this sounds like it takes a lot of math to work with. Would I be able to handle the math workload in CS? And if not, is there an "easier" course similar but with less math?</p>
<p>Also, what would be the best CSU or lower-tier UC to enroll in for CS or other suggested courses if I do end up choosing it? I've heard San Jose State and Cal Poly are some of the better ones, but I'd like some definite answers.</p>
<p>Hey vave. As a CS major, you will be required to take some math courses, but the exact number of required math courses can vary from school to school. If the math courses are big concern for you, you may want to look at the school’s CS curriculum before you apply to it. I may be wrong, but I’m guessing that research institutions like the UCs will have more math-centric CS program than the CSUs and Polys, but I wouldn’t let that discourage you from applying to UC schools.</p>
<p>Aside from you lower division courses, you can basically decide what direction you want to go. If you don’t like math, you may want to go more toward systems, networking, and security and things like that. I have a coworker who specialized in network security in grad school and he says it was all programming and very little math (he didn’t like math or theory courses so he avoided them). In contrast, most of my grad courses so far have involved a lot of math and what little programming I’ve done was usually in Matlab.</p>
<p>The Good: Over the last 10 years or so, the amount of REQUIRED math courses has been reduced for most CS programs in many schools.</p>
<p>The Bad: You will STILL have to take at least Calculus I, Calculus II, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math and possibly Statistics.</p>
<p>It seems that you won’t be ready to take Calculus I about the time you start college.</p>
<p>Question?..will you complete Trigonometry in high school? In that case, you can take a Pre-Calc course (fall term freshman in college) and Calculus I (spring semester in college) and still graduate within 4 years (may have to use a summer). The thing about the Computer Science nowadays is that it is probably the ONLY engineering-related degree where not starting off with Calculus will not impact you much like EE, ME and even CompE.</p>
<p>A lot of core CS courses will require sophisticated mathematical thinking to get the fundamental concepts and do well. Programming languages, OS, networks, formal languages, algorithms, automata, architecture, etc. require everything from discrete math, to logic, to probability & statistics…</p>
<p>Alright, thanks for the answers guys. Cleared up a lot of stuff for me.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if I will be completing Trigonometry this year. I’m thinking that it’s taught aside Algebra 2 in my school since there’s no actual Trigonometry course, but I don’t really know. I’m most likely going to San Jose State (I’m still applying to UCs and such though to give it a shot) so if anyone knows the math req. for their CS program, I’d be very grateful.</p>
<p>Well, apparently right after my Algebra 2 class in High School, I’m supposed to go on to learn Pre-Calc. Does this mean I can go with your plan of taking Pre-Calc for fall semester and Calc 1 in spring semester?</p>
<p>The good news is that a lot of lower division math course like calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations are offered every summer. Since you’re behind in math compared to other engineering students, it would be a good idea to use your summers to catch up. In fact, you may even want to look into taking a math course this summer at a community college.</p>
<p>I would take Mokonon’s advice and take a course during this summer at a CC. You may also want to take a test by the college you select for the Fall to see which math course THEY feel you should start at.</p>
<p>You really need to know the basics of Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry before tackling Calculus I…and that is JUST to barely get a decent grade in Calculus I.</p>
<p>Summer school. UCs all require Calc I, II, and III, plus Linear Algebra and Diff Eqs for their CS majors. Except for Cal - they don’t require Calc III. </p>
<p>Some UCs have a separate vector calc course that you have to take in addition to Calc III (UCSD and UCSB come to mind). </p>
<p>These are just lower division pre-reqs. You’ll have to take at least one Discrete Math course, as well as some courses on algorithms.</p>
<p>Really, get started on your math now. You have to be comfortable with computation, and it’ll be easier if you get acclimated early. As global said, take an assessment test at a CC and see what you get placed into.</p>