Typical Four-year Outline: Mathematics and Computer Science BS

The typical four-year outline for Michigan Tech's mathematics and computer science bachelor's degree provides a semester-by-semester guide to core courses, labs, and requirements.

The Interactive Degree Audit is the official method for tracking the completion of your specific degree requirements. Please be aware that there are multiple ways for students to progress through this major. This is just one sample and adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Students should work with their advisor to develop their individual plan. A full list of undergraduate course descriptions is available.

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Year One

Fall Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
UN 1015 Composition   3
MA 1160 Calculus with Technology I  Qualifying ALEKS/AP/ACT/SAT score 4
MA 19XX
Elementary Mathematics Topics, or other 19XX-coded courses
  3
CS 1121 Intro to Programming I MA 1031(C)/ 1032(C)/ 1120(C) 3
Essential Education: Natural and Physical Science   3
Total   16
Spring Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
Essential Education: Foundations of the Human World   3
Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success   1
MA 2330
Introduction to Linear Algebra
MA 1160/1161/1135/1121  3
MA 2160
Calculus with Technology II
MA 1160/1161/1135/1121 or qualifying AP score 4
CS 1122 
Intro to Programming II 
CS 1121 3
Total   14

Year Two

Fall Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
CS 1142 
Programming at HW/SW Interface
CS 1122/1131 3
Essential Education: SHAPE   3
MA 3160
Multivariable Calc with Tech
MA 2160 or qualifying AP score 4
MA 3210
Intro to Combinatorics
 MA 2320/2321/2330 3
Essential Education: Communication Intensive   3
Total   16
Spring Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
CS 2321 
Data Structures
CS 1122/1131 3
Essential Education: Arts & Culture    3
MA 3560
Math Modeling with Diff. Eq.
MA 2160 and MA 2320/2321/2330 3
MA 2710
Intro to Statistical Analysis
MA 1160/1161/1135/1121 3
Essential Education: Intercultural Competency    3
Total   15

Year Three

Fall Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
Essential Education: Experience    3
Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success   1
MA 3310 Intro to Abstract Algebra MA 2320/2321/2330 3
CS 3141 Team Software Project (CS 2311 or MA 3210) and CS 2321  3
CS 3311 Formal Models of Computation CS 2311 or MA 3210 3
Elective   3
Total   16
Spring Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
MA 3450
Introduction to Real Analysis
MA 2160 3
CS 3421
Computer Organization
(CS 1141 and CS 1040) or CS 1142  3
CS 3425 
Intro to Database Systems
(CS 2311 or MA 3210) and CS 2321 3
Elective    3
Elective    3
Total   15

Year Four

Fall Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
Essential Education: Activities for Well-being and Success   1
CS 4321
Introduction to Algorithms
(CS 2311 or MA 3210) and CS 2321 3
Advanced Elective (CS)   3
Advanced Elective (MA)   3
Elective   3
Total   13
Spring Semester
Course Prerequisites Credits
Advanced Elective (CS)   3
Advanced Elective (MA)   3
Advanced Elective (CS or MA)   3
MA 4900 Mathematical Sciences Project   3
Elective   3
Total   15

Grand Total = 120 Credits

Essential Education Requirements (24 total credits)

Required courses are:

  • Essential Ed Seminar (UN 1013 or UN 2013, 1 credit),
  • Composition (UN 1015-3 credits),
  • a Natural and Physical Science course (3 credits),
  • a Communication Intensive course (3 credits),
  • an Arts and Culture course (3 credits),
  • an Intercultural Competency course (3 credits),
  • an Essential Education Experience course (3 credits),
  • and 3 credits of Activities for Well-being and Success.

For specific courses, reference Essential Education on the Registrar's website.

Additional Notes

  • Prerequisite (pre-req) course must be successfully completed PRIOR to taking the subsequent course.
    • Concurrent Prerequisites (concurrent noted by (C) or ©) may be taken at the same time, although it is not necessary if the prerequisite course is completed first.
      • Required Corequisite (co-req) courses that MUST be taken together in the same semester.
      • Class Standing: So (Sophomore Standing earned 30 credits) Jr (Junior Standing earned 60 credits), Sr (Senior Standing earned 90 credits)
      • Semester Offered: Noted under electives with F (Fall), Sp (Spring), Su (Summer) or On Demand (no anticipated offering but may show in the schedule, consult with your advisor)
  • Math: Students are placed into an initial math course based on ACT/SAT math score, the online ALEKS assessment, or a math placement exam score for credit (AP, IB, CLEP).
  • Transfer, Advanced Placement, or study abroad courses are not included in credit hours used for GPA calculations. Transfer credit is awarded for Michigan Tech equivalent coursework only if a grade of ‘C’ or better (2.00/4.00) or equivalent is earned at a transfer institution. Study abroad credit will be awarded based on passing a course according to equivalent international standards. Advanced Placement credit is awarded according to published AP Exam score standards (also IB and CLEP).

This degree plan is not an official list of degree requirements. Adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes.

For 2025-2026. Revised 12/17/2025.