Mathematics & Computer Science, BSLAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences 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
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences 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.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
Minimum required major and supporting course work: Normally equates to 72-75 hours. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. The major requirements themselves cover this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required) | 0-20 | |
Orientation and Professional Development
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| LAS 101 | Design Your First Year Experience | 1 |
| or | ||
| LAS 100 & LAS 101 | Success in LAS for International Students and Design Your First Year Experience | 3 |
| or | ||
| LAS 102 | Transfer Advantage | 1 |
| Highly recommended, optional 1 credit hour course, CS 100, Computer Science Orientation. | ||
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 220 | Calculus | 5 |
| or MATH 221 | Calculus I | |
| MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 |
| CS 124 | Introduction to Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 128 | Introduction to Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 314 | Introduction to Higher Mathematics | 4 |
| or MATH 347 | Fundamental Mathematics | |
| CS 173 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 225 | Data Structures | 4 |
| CS 222 | Software Design Lab | 1 |
| Choose one of the following combinations | 8-11 | |
| Computer Architecture and System Programming | ||
| OR | ||
| Introduction to Computer Systems | ||
| CS/MATH 357 | Numerical Methods I | 3 |
| CS 374 | Introduction to Algorithms & Models of Computation | 4 |
| CS 421 | Programming Languages & Compilers | 3 |
| CS 450 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 257 | Linear Algebra with Computational Applications | 3 |
| or MATH 415 | Applied Linear Algebra | |
| or MATH 416 | Abstract Linear Algebra | |
| Mathematics and Computer Science Requirements: | 18 | |
| Students must select at least six advanced mathematics and computer science courses, including one from each of the following groups (1-5) and one additional 400-level course from CS or MATH with the exception of CS 400; CS 401; CS 402; CS 403; CS 491; MATH 492; or MATH 499. | ||
| GROUP I | ||
| Probability & Statistics for Computer Science (recommended) | ||
| Probability Theory | ||
| Statistics and Probability I | ||
| GROUP II | ||
| Graph Theory | ||
| Intro to Combinatorics | ||
| Intro to Abstract Algebra | ||
| Honors Abstract Algebra | ||
| GROUP III | ||
| Differential Equations | ||
| Applied Complex Variables | ||
| Nonlinear Programming | ||
| GROUP IV | ||
| Honors Real Analysis | ||
| Elementary Real Analysis | ||
| Real Variables | ||
| GROUP V | ||
| Mathematical Logic | ||
| Algorithms | ||
| Formal Models of Computation | ||
| Program Verification | ||
| Formal Software Development Methods | ||
| Total Hours | 72-75 | |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences 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 Semester | Hours |
| LAS 101 | 1 |
| CS 100 | 1 |
| CS 124 | 3 |
| MATH 220 or 221 | 4 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 4 |
| 17 | |
| Total Hours 17 | |
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 231 | 3 |
| CS 128 | 3 |
| CS 173 | 3 |
| General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (4th level) | 4 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| MATH 241 | 4 |
| CS 225 | 4 |
| CS 222 | 1 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Second Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| MATH 314 or 347 | 3 |
| MATH 257, 415, or 416 | 3 |
| CS 233 or 340 | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| Group I Course | 3 |
| CS 341 (or CS 4XX if CS 340 was chosen) | 4 |
| Group II Course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 13 | |
| Total Hours 13 | |
| Third Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| CS 374 | 4 |
| CS 357 | 3 |
| Group III Course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 16 | |
| Total Hours 16 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours |
| CS 450 | 3 |
| CS 421 | 3 |
| Group IV Course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| 15 | |
| Total Hours 15 | |
| Fourth Year | |
|---|---|
| Second Semester | Hours |
| Group V Course | 4 |
| Additional 400-level MATH or CS course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 |
| 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 in Mathematics & Computer Science
By the time of graduation, students will have the ability to:
Computer Science:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
- Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program's discipline.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program's discipline.
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
Mathematics:
- Construct proofs and recognize when proofs are complete.
- Use theorems in order to solve problems.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in calculus and linear algebra.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Mathematics & Computer Science
Department of Mathematics
Mathematics & Computer Science: Math website
Mathematics faculty
mathadvising@illinois.edu
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website
Overview of LAS Admissions & Requirements
Siebel School of Computing and Data Science
Mathematics & Computer Science: Computer Science website
undergrad@cs.illinois.edu