Computer Science Math Requirements at UCSD

Are you interested in studying computer science at the University of California - San Diego (UCSD)?

Perhaps you're wondering what kinds of math classes you'll have to take to complete your chosen major.

UCSD offers several graduate and undergraduate programs in computer science and engineering. Each program has its own set of required math courses; common options include calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics and probability.

Keep reading for a deep dive into the math requirements for computer science programs at UCSD.

What Are the Math Requirements for an Undergraduate Computer Science Program at UCSD?

UCSD offers a Bachelor of Science in computer science degree. Students can complete an optional concentration in bioinformatics.

A minor in computer science is also available.

Let's take a look at the math requirements for each of these programs.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in computer science is a comprehensive, widely applicable degree program featuring an array of required courses, primarily in math and science.

The required math courses are as follows:

• Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
• Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems
• Calculus for Science and Engineering
• Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Science and Engineering
• Linear Algebra
• Statistics

A variety of math electives are also available in the fields of theory and abstraction and applications of computing.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Bioinformatics

Completing a concentration in bioinformatics will allow you to explore more natural sciences, integrating them with computer science for a rewarding career in collecting and analyzing biological data.

Here are the math requirements for this program:

• Calculus for Science and Engineering
• Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Science and Engineering
• Linear Algebra
• Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Bioinformatics

Computer Science Minor

If you're looking to pair a computer science minor with another major, you can do that at UCSD. The minor requires two basic math courses:

• Discrete Mathematics
• Math/Algorithms and Systems Analysis

These courses can be substituted with 'Introduction to Discrete Mathematics' and 'Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems', respectively.

What Are the Math Requirements for a Graduate Computer Science Program at UCSD?

Two basic graduate programs are available in computer science through UCSD: a Master of Science in computer science and engineering, and a Doctor of Philosophy in computer science and engineering.

Check out the math requirements for each program below.

Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering

The Master of Science in computer science and engineering is a highly customizable program encompassing three basic variations:

• MS Thesis
• MS Standard Comprehensive Exam
• MS Interdisciplinary Comprehensive Exam

In each version of the program, students select required courses from a variety of options, building their degree program according to their interests and career aspirations.

No math courses are specifically required, but a few advanced courses related to math are available to choose from.

These courses include:

• Algorithm Design and Analysis
• AI: Probabilistic Reasoning and Learning
• Parallel Computation

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in computer science and engineering is the most customizable degree available on this list, as students choose their courses from a wide variety of options and conduct their research.

No specific math courses are required to complete this degree.

Instead, all required courses focus on topics such as theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.

That said, students can choose to take additional math courses as electives if desired.

What Are the Upper Division Computer Science Courses at UCSD?

Let's go back and talk about the bachelor's degree programs discussed earlier.

Each program is divided into lower-division and upper-division courses.

Lower-division courses are more basic and typically cover general education course requirements, while upper-division courses are more advanced and focus more specifically on major core courses.

In the computer science bachelor's degrees, upper-division math-related courses courses include:

• Applications of Computing
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Bioinformatics

Some of the other upper-division courses necessary to complete your bachelor's degree in computer science include:

• Software Engineering
• Advanced Data Structures and Programming
• Metabolic Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Applied Genomic Technologies

Does UCSD Have a Mathematics Major?

Since computer science degree programs require so many math courses, perhaps you would like to consider double-majoring in computer science and mathematics.

Is that even an option at UCSD? Does the school offer a mathematics major, and can it be combined with a computer science degree?

UCSD does offer a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, and it is possible to obtain a double major by combining it with computer science.

That said, you will be required to take additional math courses.

Choosing from the available math electives in your computer science program will serve a dual purpose by helping you satisfy the requirements for a mathematics degree.

Additionally, a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a concentration in computer science is available for students looking to study both subjects without obtaining a dual major.

Enroll in a Computer Science Program at UCSD Today

A variety of advanced math courses are required to complete a computer science degree at UCSD.

These courses include topics such as advanced algebra, calculus, statistics, and linear equations.