Mathematics & Computer Science, BSLAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Mathematics & Computer Science

The Math & CS major provides students with the mathematical background to be able to solve complex problems, while incorporating computer science techniques that are immediately useful in a variety of fields. The duality of this joint program aids students in building skills to become flexible professionals who are confident to take on new systems and technology.

Math&CS students are trained in the tools of both disciplines — formal methods, analysis, and computer programming — with the aim of acquiring the appropriate skills required by the field. The combination of coursework offers students an integrated program where their knowledge in both curricula is complementary and intertwined. Research opportunities include the Illinois Mathematics Lab and PURE.

Students in this major are welcome in both Computer Science and Mathematics student organizations.

This background is suitable for graduate work in computer science, mathematics, and many related areas, including financial engineering, software engineering, theoretical computer science, and data analysis.

Undergraduate programs in Mathematics

Actuarial Science, BSLAS

Mathematics, BSLAS

Mathematics & Computer Science, BSLAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Mathematics & Computer Science

Departmental distinction: To graduate with distinction requires a specified minimum grade point average in all Computer Science and Mathematics courses listed below. A GPA of 3.25 is required for Distinction, 3.5 for High Distinction, and 3.75 for Highest Distinction. In addition, students must complete at least three semester hours of additional Computer Science or Mathematics courses selected from the following:CS 196, CS 296, CS 397, CS 492, CS 493, CS 499, any CS course numbered 411 or higher, MATH 412, MATH 414, MATH 417, MATH 418, MATH 423, MATH 432, MATH 448, MATH 482, MATH 484, MATH 496.


NOTE: A student taking a cross-listed course in this major may designate it as either mathematics or computer science.

General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.


Minimum required major and supporting course work: Normally equates to 71-75 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level in the major must be taken on this campus.


Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

Requirements

CS 100Computer Science Orientation (recommended)1
Calculus through MATH 241-Calculus III11-12
CS 124Introduction to Computer Science I3
CS 128Introduction to Computer Science II3
MATH 347Fundamental Mathematics3
CS 173Discrete Structures3
CS 225Data Structures4
CS 222Software Design Lab1
Choose one of the following combinations8-11
CS 233
& CS 341
Computer Architecture
and System Programming
OR
CS 340
Introduction to Computer Systems
& two CS courses at the 400 level above CS 403, excluding CS 421 and CS 491. These two courses must be distinct from all other courses used to fulfill program requirements or options.
CS/MATH 357Numerical Methods I3
CS 374Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation4
CS 421Programming Languages & Compilers3
CS 450Numerical Analysis3
MATH 415Applied Linear Algebra3
or MATH 416 Abstract Linear Algebra
400-level mathematics and computer science requirements:18
Students must select at least six 400-level mathematics and computer science courses, including one from each of the following groups:
GROUP I
CS 361
Probability & Statistics for Computer Science (recommended)
MATH 461
Probability Theory
STAT 400/MATH 463
Statistics and Probability I
GROUP II
MATH 412
Graph Theory
MATH 413
Intro to Combinatorics
MATH 417
Intro to Abstract Algebra
MATH 427
Honors Abstract Algebra
GROUP III
MATH 441
Differential Equations
MATH 446
Applied Complex Variables
MATH 484
Nonlinear Programming
GROUP IV
MATH 424
Honors Real Analysis
MATH 444
Elementary Real Analysis
MATH 447
Real Variables
GROUP V
MATH 414
Mathematical Logic
CS/MATH 473
Algorithms
CS/MATH 475
Formal Models of Computation
CS 476
Program Verification
CS 477
Formal Software Development Methods
Total Hours71-75

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Mathematics & Computer Science

Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHours
CS 1001
MATH 220 or 2214
General Education course3
Composition I or General Education course4
CS 1243
 15
Total Hours 15
First Year
Second SemesterHours
MATH 2313
CS 1283
CS 1733
General Education course or Composition I3
General Education course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Second Year
First SemesterHours
MATH 2414
CS 2254
CS 2221
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
General Education course3
 16
Total Hours 16
Second Year
Second SemesterHours
MATH 3473
MATH 415 or 4163
CS 233 or 3403
Language Other Than English (4th level)4
Free Elective course2
 15
Total Hours 15
Third Year
First SemesterHours
CS 361, MATH 461, or STAT 4003
CS 341 (or CS 4XX if CS 340 was chosen)4
MATH 441, 446, or 4843
General Education course3
General Education course3
 16
Total Hours 16
Third Year
Second SemesterHours
CS 3744
CS 3573
MATH 444, 447, or 4243
General Education course3
Free Elective course2
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
First SemesterHours
CS 4503
CS 4213
MATH 412, 413, 417, or 4273
General Education course3
General Education course3
 15
Total Hours 15
Fourth Year
Second SemesterHours
CS 473, 475, 476, 477, or MATH 4144
Additional 400-level MATH or CS course from Groups I-V3
General Education course3
Free Elective course or CS 4XX (if CS 340 was chosen)3
 13
Total Hours 13

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Mathematics & Computer Science

By the time of graduation, students will have the ability to:

Computer Science:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions. 
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline. 
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. 
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline. 
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions. 

Mathematics:

  1. Construct proofs and recognize when proofs are complete
  2. Use theorems in order to solve problems
  3. Demonstrate technical proficiency in calculus and linear algebra

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Mathematics & Computer Science

Mathematics & Computer Science
Mathematics & Computer Science: Math website
Mathematics & Computer Science: Computer Science website

Mathematics Department website
Mathematics faculty

Overview of LAS Admissions & Requirements

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website
The Grainger College of Engineering website

Math email
Computer Science email