"Math for computer science"

[Owego]

I may be starting a computer science masters program this summer. Due to my limited math background (statistics, but no calculus) I'd start off with a math "catch up" course that would run me $5,000. The name of the course is "math for computer science" and it requires precalc but no calc.

It's possible to test out of this course, but I clearly wouldn't at this point. However, I'm wondering if taking a calculus at a community college this spring could get me up to speed and allow me to test out. It would be a much cheaper option than the catch up course, and I'm also wondering if it may look better to admissions committees if I ever apply for a PhD in the future (not a PhD in computer science, but something in the social sciences). Any thoughts? I have no idea how well calculus would align with "math for computer science."

[ace589]

Owego my guess is that it will cover topics in linear algebra and discrete math as well as calculus. So I would not assume that calculus is an alternative but it wouldn't hurt.

Edited December 26, 2013 by ace589

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

For the comp sci BS at my undergrad university and the MSs at my prospective grad universities, I needed to take Calc 1, Calc 2, Discrete Math, Stochastic Models for Computer Science (an upper-division probability and stats class), and Formal Languages and Automata Theory (a math-ish class). 

[whtchocla7e]

I'm not sure what computer science courses require more than calculus or discrete math. 

Basic linear algebra may be useful for a graphics-related course. 

 

Other than that, once you're in the program, I would image that you will be able to pick whatever math you're interested in, depending on your goals.

 

Numerical Analysis - that's a really good one. I have yet to take this course myself.

Number Theory - theory of congruences, prime numbers are useful in Cryptography, hashing, etc.

Edited December 28, 2013 by whtchocla7e

[billrach]

Owego, did you get accepted to an MS program without calc?