<p>I want to go into theoretical mathmatics and computer science (programming, software not hardware). I looked on Upenn's college of arts and science and there are a lot of humanities/ social studies graduation requirements, which I don't like. It seems that SEAS is more hands-on hardware computer science and applied math. is there a way for me to major in theoretical mathmatics and computer science w/o going through all the humanity stuff? can this be done through SEAS?</p>
<p>yeah. SEAS would be the way to do it i think.</p>
<p>you can major in math if you are in seas (as a second major). that would be the way to go.</p>
<p>Short answer: apply to SEAS and major in CIS, bachelor of applied science. This will give you the most flexibility to take the classes you're interested in, and easily allows you to double-major in math (without adding all of the humanities requirements) and gives you an easy option to switch to math or cognitive science as an alternative if you decide that's for you.</p>
<p>Long answer: Penn's CS is extremely theoretical. Even the hardware classes are very theoretical. You'll find that almost all of the Penn CS classes are either math-based or have some programming and lots of math. Any Ivy Computer Science program is going to be the same. If you're trying to avoid hardware, avoid programs that are called "Computer Engineering" and stick to programs that are called "Computer Science". (For what it's worth, Penn is also launching a computer engineering program in the next few years). If you have more specific questions about CS, feel free to follow up.</p>
<p>thanks, that clears things up. is it also true that upeen and columbia's engineering programs are less hard-core, pure engineering and more liberal arts, with a stress on the entrepreneurial side than say engineering programs at cmu?
Can upenn students still take classes at other the individual upenn schools(wharton,nursing,ect)?</p>
<p>hmm i'm kinda in the same situation as you, but I'm also interested in the humanities(not philosophy though). I want a well balanced schedual, but also a great education in math and computer science(programming) and (minor) finance. should I do SEAS as well? I'm not into hands on stuff, nothing robotics or the like.</p>
<p>To anyone with an interest in engineering but is unsure which school at Penn to target: I'd suggest applying to SEAS. It's much easier logistically to enter as an engineer and switch to a major in the college of arts and sciences.</p>
<p>To people with questions about the curricula: look them up at the respective websites! That's the best way to really answer the question of what the program is like.</p>
<p>CMU: SCHOOL</a> OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, Carnegie Mellon
Penn: Computer</a> & Information Science</p>
<p>You'rethevoice: anyone in any of Penn's undergraduate schools can take classes in the other undergraduate schools. I would say that Penn and Columbia offer a more liberal education than CMU (and the number of Penn grads that go into business compared with the number of CMU grads who go into engineering definitely reinforces that character). However, as I said before, the best way is to look at the sample curriculum on each site.</p>