What Are the Math Requirements for Computer Science?
What are the computer science math requirements you should expect when earning a computer science degree? We've got everything you need to know about math and other requirements.
Nearly every part of daily life involves technology in some way.
Most of us use cell phones, work on computers, and drive cars with computers inside of them.
As a result, computer scientists are incredibly important to society.
A degree in computer science can help you break into the field of computer science.
These degrees have several requirements, but what are the math requirements for a degree in computer science?
Most computer science math requirements include calculus, linear algebra, and statistics.
Keep reading to learn more about math and other requirements for a degree in computer science.
What are the Computer Science Math Requirements?
Computer science is generally a math-heavy field, and there are often several math requirements for a computer science degree.
While degree requirements vary between programs and institutions, common fields of math required for a computer science bachelor's degree include:
- Calculus: The mathematical study of continuous change
- Linear Algebra: The mathematical study of linear equations, often dealing with vectors and matrices
- Probability and Statistics: The mathematical study of collecting, analyzing, and inferring conclusions from data
Some of these math courses may be part of the computer science major, but often, they must be completed as part of your general education courses before you begin the major.
General education courses are core foundational courses that colleges and universities require bachelor's students to complete.
Most colleges require that these courses be completed before a student can move on to their major.
These courses help give students a well-rounded education as well as take any prerequisite courses needed for their program of study.
If you choose a concentration within your computer science degree, you may have additional math to do.
For example, some concentrations, like visual computing, require geometry courses.
Why Is There So Much Math in Computer Science?
The reason computer science degrees require so many math courses is because, at its core, the principles of computer science are based on math.
Math is required to create algorithms, process data, program computers and operating systems, and more.
In addition to the use of mathematical equations and principles, working in computer science also requires a mathematical way of thinking.
Computer scientists need to train their brains to use abstract reasoning, critical thought, and logic, all of which can be developed through mathematics courses.
Other Computer Science Degree Requirements
In addition to mathematics, there are many other required courses that computer science students must take either before they begin their major or while in their major.
Nearly all bachelor's degree students are required to complete their college or university's general education courses.
Often, students can choose the course so long as it fulfills one of the general education requirements.
For general education courses, many colleges require students to take courses in:
Students also get a certain number of electives they can take as well, usually to help them prepare for their major.
Prerequisite courses for a computer science degree may cover topics like:
- Computing Fundamentals
- Ethics and Professionalism in Computer Science
- Physics
- Programming Fundamentals
Once your general education and prerequisite courses are complete, you'll be able to move on to the courses in your major.
These courses may cover topics such as:
- Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems
- Database Systems
- Discrete Structures
- Operating Systems
- Robotics
- Software
If you've chosen a concentration, you'll also need to take a handful of courses for that concentration.
Common concentrations for computer science degrees include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Computer Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Systems and/or Security
- Networking
- Software Engineering
If your college or university does not offer a concentration, you will likely get to choose computer science electives that match your area of interest.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Computer Science Degree?
The length of time it takes to earn a degree in computer science depends on a few things, primarily the level of degree you're earning.
Bachelor's degrees are the most common type of computer science degree.
They usually require 120 credit hours and take about four years to earn.
Associate degrees and master's degrees both average about two years.
The number of credits you take each semester also influences how long it takes you to earn your degree.
Most colleges consider students full-time if they take 12 or more credits, but sometimes busy students prefer to pace themselves.
Additionally, most traditional colleges run on a 16-week semester schedule, but some, especially those that offer online programs, run courses in shorter terms of eight, six, or even four weeks.
Depending on the credit load, this can sometimes allow students to finish their program faster than they would in a traditional program.
Find a Computer Science Degree Program
There are several computer science requirements for math, although they vary between programs.
To learn more about computer science requirements and for help finding a program, contact Learn.org today.