Exceptional students with an interest in the highly theoretical nexus of math and computer science will find challenging opportunities from the BS in Math and Computer Science degree.

Mathematics is a key element to the theory and practice of computer science and technology:

• Number theory forms the basis for encryption algorithms for messages sent over the Internet.
• Facts from projective geometry and multivariable calculus underlie the computer algorithms that control computer animation.
• Properties of abstract groups are instrumental in correcting transmission errors that occur when information is sent from one computer to another.
• Graph theory and combinatorics are used to create algorithms for Internet search engines and analyze Internet routing protocols.

This joint major program is intended to appeal to academically talented students.  It is designed to prepare them for graduate study in various areas of computer science such as theoretical computer science, graphics, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and computational methods and in areas in applied mathematics such as numerical analysis or discrete mathematics.

The program is also designed to prepare students to compete for the more theoretical complex jobs found in computer software development.

What students learn from the program:

• theory of computation
• computational mathematics
• artificial intelligence
• data analysis
• graphics
• computer vision

It is highly recommended that students concentrate on one or two areas for their advanced classes to achieve depth, but they are not required to do so.  Faculty advisors are available to assist students in their selection.

The BS in Math and Computer Science consists of five parts:

• The DePaul Liberal Studies program (19 courses, not including the capstone course). 
  
  Click here to view the CDM courses that qualify for liberal studies credit.

• Core Classes (14 courses)
• Advanced Classes (7 courses)
• Capstone (1 course)
• Open Electives (7 courses)

The courses in the Core build the necessary foundation in discrete and continuous mathematics, problem solving, algorithmic thinking and programming.  The Advanced Classes allow the student to explore the differenct areas of mathematics and computer science in more depth.

CORE CLASSES (14 courses)

Mathematical Foundations

MAT 140 Discrete Mathematics I   
MAT 141 Discrete Mathematics II   
MAT 260 Multivariable Calculus I   
MAT 262 Linear Algebra   
  
In addition, students must complete one of the following three-course sequences:
 
MAT 150 Calculus I   
  AND  MAT 151 Calculus II   
  AND  MAT 152 Calculus III  
or
  MAT 160 Calculus for Mathematics and Science Majors I  
  AND  MAT 161 Calculus for Mathematics and Science Majors II    
  AND  MAT 162 Calculus for Mathematics and Science Majors III  
or
  MAT 170 Calculus I with Scientific Applications    
  AND  MAT 171 Calculus II with Scientific Applications  
  AND  MAT 172 Calculus III with Differential Equations   
  
(MAT 147, MAT 148 and MAT 149 may also be used to satisfy this requirement)

CSC 224 Java for Programmers  Self Placement Test Available 
  or  CSC 309 Object-Oriented Programming in C++   
  
Computer Systems
 
CSC 373 Computer Systems I   
CSC 374 Computer Systems II   
  

ADVANCED CLASSES (7 Courses)

Students can choose advanced computer science and mathematics classes from different areas including theory of computation, computational mathematics, artificial intelligence, data analysis, graphics, and computer vision. It is recommended that students concentrate on one or two areas for their advanced classes to achieve depth, but they are not required to do so. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss course selection with an advisor.

Students choose seven courses from the following area lists. At least three of the courses have to be in computer science (or graphics) and at least three in mathematics. Courses not on this list need to be approved by an advisor. In particular, students may wish to arrange with a professor to take an independent study or a research experience (MAT 399 or CSC 399 or IT 300) in order to explore a subject more deeply than is possible in a scheduled course.

Theory of Computation Area
The courses in the theory area explore the mathematical and logical foundations of computer science.
 
MAT 302  Combinatorics   
MAT 303  Theory of Numbers   
MAT 351  Probability and Statistics I   
MAT 310  Abstract Algebra I   
MAT 311  Abstract Algebra II  
MAT 312  Abstract Algebra III   
MAT 335  Real Analysis I    
MAT 372  Logic and Set Theory   
CSC 235  Problem Solving   
CSC 327  Problem Solving for Contests   
CSC 333  Cryptology   
CSC 344  Automata Theory and Formal Grammars   
CSC 347  Concepts of Programming Languages   
CSC 348  Introduction to Compiler Design   
CSC 387  Operations Research I: Linear Programming    
  or  MAT 387  Operations Research I:linear Programming   
CSC 389  Theory of Computation   
CSC 358  Symbolic Programming    
  

   
Data Analysis Area
For students who are interested in statistical and computational Analysis of data. Many of the courses in this area require the student to take MAT 351-353.
 
CSC 328  Data Analysis for Experimenters   
CSC 334  Advanced Data Analysis    
  or  MAT 354  Multivariate Statistics   
CSC 332  Simulation and Modeling    
  or  MAT  359 Simulation Models and the Monte Carlo Method   
CSC 367  Introduction to Data Mining   
MAT 261  Multivariable Calculus II   
MAT 351  Probability and Statistics I   
MAT 352  Probability and Statistics II   
MAT 353  Probability and Statistics III   
MAT 355  Stochastic Processes   
MAT 357  Nonparametric Statistics   
MAT 370  Advanced Linear Algebra   
MAT 356  Applied Regression Analysis   
MAT 358  Applied Time Series and Forecasting    
  

Graphics Area
The graphics courses are intended for students who want to study the technical and mathematical foundations of computer graphics and animation.
 
MAT 337  Complex Analysis   
MAT 261  Multivariable Calculus II   
MAT 370  Advanced Linear Algebra   
CSC 385  Numerical Analysis   
  or  MAT 385  Numerical Analysis I  
GPH 211  Perceptual Principles for Digital Environments I  
GPH 212  Perceptual Principles for Digital Environments II  
GPH 325  Survey of Computer Graphics  
GPH 329  Computer Graphics Development II  
GPH 336  Smooth Surface Modeling for Graphics and Animation  
GPH 372  Principles of Computer Animation   
  

Computer Vision Area
Computer vision studies the mathematical and algorithmic underpinnings of image analysis and image processing.
 
MAT 261  Multivariable Calculus II   
MAT 335  Real Analysis I  
MAT 381  Fourier Analysis and Special Functions   
MAT 370  Advanced Linear Algebra  
MAT 384  Mathematical Modeling  
CSC 381  Introduction to Digital Image Processing  
CSC 382  Applied Image Analysis  
CSC 384  Introduction to Computer Vision   
  

CAPSTONE COURSES (1 course)

Students can choose from several capstone courses, depending on their interest and coursework:
 
CSC 378  Software Projects for Community Clients   
CSC 394  Software Projects   
GPH 395  Computer Graphics Senior Project   
MAT 398  Senior Capstone Seminar  
  
Students need to make sure that they cover all prerequisites of their respective capstone (possibly using open electives).

OPEN ELECTIVES (7 courses)

Students choose seven (7) open electives. Open Electives may be taken from any department or program. These are the only courses that may be taken under the pass/fail option (see the undergraduate Bulletin for details). If you wish to pursue a minor, most minor field courses will be credited as open electives.

Note: Grades for all courses in the students major (i.e. non-Liberal Studies and non-Open Elective) must be 'C' or better. Grades of 'C-' may be accepted provided the overall grade point average in the major is 2.0 or better.