Math and Computer Science Major

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
1

<p>Everyone knows that University of Illinois is one of the top CS schools in the country but how does Mathematics and Computer science compare. I know that the admission standards are much lower for Math and Computer Science in LAS than they are for Computer Science in the college of Engineering. My question is not in regard to the selectivity but the value of the program. What exactly does a degree in Math and Computer Science prepare you for? How do employers view the differences between these two degrees? If one wanted to go on to graduate study in either of the two disciplines (Math or Computer Science) how prepared would they be? As this major is relatively new its hard to find solid information on it so any information you may have would be greatly appreciated. </p>

2

<p>If there is any out there who has any experience with the math and computer science or the stats and computer science major at university of illinois I would love to hear your thoughts.</p>

3

<p>I’ve read that it’s just as good because you take the same exact CS classes.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for your reply. I have looked at the required courses for all three of the majors (Computer Science, Mathematics, and Math and Computer Science.) In comparing the coursework for Math and CS and computer science, I noticed that the only difference was that the required science (physics and chemistry) classes in the CS major were replaced by math classes in the Math and Computer Science major. Are these science classes important for CS? So now my question isn’t as much will I gain the knowledge in computer science but will employers look at the degree any differently. Also if I decided I wanted to go on to graduate study in Mathematics would the degree in Math and CS give me less options?</p>

5

<p>They won’t, because someone with either degree can program just the same. If you are looking at a job where you have to mix software with hardware as well, then the BS degree will definitely look better for employers. This is because hardware stuff can require knowledge of sciences as well.</p>