Computer Science Math Requirements at UCSD
Find out the math requirements for the various computer science programs at the University of California - San Diego (UCSD). Get answers to related questions about UCSD courses and major options.
<p>Are you interested in studying <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/Computer_Science.html">computer science</a> at the University of California - San Diego (UCSD)?
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<p>Perhaps you're wondering what kinds of math classes you'll have to take to complete your chosen major.
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<p><b>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.</b>
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<p>Keep reading for a deep dive into the math requirements for computer science programs at UCSD.
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<h2 id="section---WhatAreTheMathRequirementsForAnUndergraduateComputerScienceProgramAtUCSD">What Are the Math Requirements for an Undergraduate Computer Science Program at UCSD?</h2>
<p>UCSD offers a Bachelor of Science in computer science degree. Students can complete an optional concentration in bioinformatics.
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<p>A minor in computer science is also available.
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<p>Let's take a look at the math requirements for each of these programs.
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<h3 id="section---BachelorOfScienceInComputerScience">Bachelor of Science in Computer Science</h3>
<p>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.
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<p>The required math courses are as follows:
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<ul><li>Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
</li><li>Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems
</li><li>Calculus for Science and Engineering
</li><li>Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Science and Engineering
</li><li>Linear Algebra
</li><li>Statistics
</li></ul><p>A variety of math electives are also available in the fields of theory and abstraction and applications of computing.
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<h3 id="section---BachelorOfScienceInComputerScienceBioinformatics">Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Bioinformatics</h3>
<p>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.
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<p>Here are the math requirements for this program:
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<ul><li>Calculus for Science and Engineering
</li><li>Calculus and Analytical Geometry for Science and Engineering
</li><li>Linear Algebra
</li><li>Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems
</li><li>Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Bioinformatics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ComputerScienceMinor">Computer Science Minor</h3>
<p>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:
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<ul><li>Discrete Mathematics
</li><li>Math/Algorithms and Systems Analysis
</li></ul><p>These courses can be substituted with 'Introduction to Discrete Mathematics' and 'Mathematics for Algorithms and Systems', respectively.
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<h2 id="section---WhatAreTheMathRequirementsForAGraduateComputerScienceProgramAtUCSD">What Are the Math Requirements for a Graduate Computer Science Program at UCSD?</h2>
<p>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.
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<p>Check out the math requirements for each program below.
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<h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInComputerScienceAndEngineering">Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering</h3>
<p>The Master of Science in computer science and engineering is a highly customizable program encompassing three basic variations:
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<ul><li>MS Thesis
</li><li>MS Standard Comprehensive Exam
</li><li>MS Interdisciplinary Comprehensive Exam
</li></ul><p>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.
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<p>No math courses are specifically required, but a few advanced courses related to math are available to choose from.
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<p>These courses include:
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<ul><li>Algorithm Design and Analysis
</li><li>AI: Probabilistic Reasoning and Learning
</li><li>Parallel Computation
</li></ul><h3 id="section---DoctorOfPhilosophyInComputerScienceAndEngineering">Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering</h3>
<p>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.
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<p>No specific math courses are required to complete this degree.
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<p>Instead, all required courses focus on topics such as theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.
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<p>That said, students can choose to take additional math courses as electives if desired.
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<h2 id="section---WhatAreTheUpperDivisionComputerScienceCoursesAtUCSD">What Are the Upper Division Computer Science Courses at UCSD?</h2>
<p>Let's go back and talk about the bachelor's degree programs discussed earlier.
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<p>Each program is divided into lower-division and upper-division courses.
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<p>Lower-division courses are more basic and typically cover <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_General_Education_Courses.html">general education course</a> requirements, while upper-division courses are more advanced and focus more specifically on major core courses.
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<p>In the computer science bachelor's degrees, upper-division math-related courses courses include:
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<ul><li>Applications of Computing
</li><li>Design and Analysis of Algorithms
</li><li>Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Bioinformatics
</li></ul><p>Some of the other upper-division courses necessary to complete your bachelor's degree in computer science include:
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<ul><li>Software Engineering
</li><li>Advanced Data Structures and Programming
</li><li>Metabolic Biochemistry
</li><li>Genetics
</li><li>Applied Genomic Technologies
</li></ul><h2 id="section---DoesUCSDHaveAMathematicsMajor">Does UCSD Have a Mathematics Major?</h2>
<p>Since computer science degree programs require so many math courses, perhaps you would like to consider double-majoring in computer science and mathematics.
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<p>Is that even an option at UCSD? Does the school offer a mathematics major, and can it be combined with a computer science degree?
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<p>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.
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<p>That said, you will be required to take additional math courses.
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<p>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.
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<p>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.
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<h2 id="section---EnrollInAComputerScienceProgramAtUCSDToday">Enroll in a Computer Science Program at UCSD Today</h2>
<p>A variety of advanced math courses are required to complete a computer science degree at UCSD.
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<p>These courses include topics such as advanced algebra, calculus, statistics, and linear equations.</p>