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Daily Digest Archive for January 10, 2003

Q: (Initially posted on January 9, 2003) FROM MENTEE MEGHAN E. IN TN
How many years of calculus are necessary for a computer science major?

January 10, 2003
A: FOM MENTOR JONI BLAKESLEE IN WA
Typically, one year of calculus is required. Additional math
courses in linear algebra, differential equations and a number of credits in
300 (college Jr) and 400 (college senior) level Math courses are also
required - calculus was a pre-requisite for these additional math courses.
********************
A: FROM MENTOR REGINA SIZEMORE IN KY
I think that the amount of calculus will vary with different programs but
all will require at least a complete year of calculus for a computer science
degree. I do know that many computer science majors end up getting a double
major or minor in math because of the math required for the degree. The math
that is taken is beyond calculus (calculations are done in calculus -
applied such as engineering requires) . Courses such as abstract and
discreet math are the ones that are required for computer science. These
type of math classes are not usually offered until college and therefore
many students think of math as calculus. These courses in the higher level
math which are very different from calculus is where computer science majors
will spend a great deal of their time.

I have known students that took calculus and hated it but once they were
able to take these abstract and discreet math courses, they really developed
a love for math.

The best of luck. There are a great many opportunities for girls in this
area. It is definitely an area where there are few women.

 

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