The Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (AMCS) program is a special degree program that blends courses from both the College of Letters & Science and the College of Engineering & Applied Science. It is a structured curriculum offering courses from both applied math and computer science so that students get the benefit of both majors without having to double major.
The job outlook for individuals with math majors is extremely favorable, as is the job outlook for computer science majors. A student with combined knowledge in both areas is likely to be in high demand on the job market.
Our program is highly technical in nature yet still retains elements of a classic liberal arts degree. Students take courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences on their way to a degree. Why? Because math and computer science are not applied in a world without humans. Regardless of the type of industry, the applications being worked on have impact and consequences for human beings. A broad world view of cultures, history, and society only leads to better decision-making in scientific careers, and strong communication skills only make our graduates even more attractive.
Applied Math and Computer Science Major Requirements
Students who intend to complete the program in four years will need to begin taking mathematics in their first semester. Such students should have a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee mathematics placement level of 30 (ready for precalculus) or better.
Admission
As soon as students realize their interest in the AMCS degree, they should consult with an AMCS advisor either in College of Engineering and Applied Science or College of Letters and Science, who assists in planning a program.
Degree Requirements
For the BS (AMCS) degree, 120 credits are required, of which 60 must be taken from the College of Letters and Science. Students must satisfy the general education requirements (GER) of the University. Students must take at least 8 credits of natural sciences outside of mathematics or mathematical statistics.
An overall GPA of 2.000 on all coursework attempted at UWM is required for this degree. In addition, students must achieve a 2.000 GPA on all coursework attempted, including transfer work. A GPA of at least 2.500 in 8 credits of mathematics courses at or above the 200-level and 6 credits of computer science courses at or above the 200-level is also required. A minimum 2.000 GPA must be earned on all 300-level and above courses taken to satisfy the advanced requirements.
Students satisfy the residency requirement for the degree by completing at UWM both a minimum of 15 credits of the required advanced courses in the major and a minimum of 30 credits overall.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| COMPSCI 250 | Introductory Computer Programming | 3 |
| COMPSCI 251 | Intermediate Computer Programming | 3 |
| COMPSCI 317 | Discrete Information Structures 1 | 3 |
| Select the following (or an equivalent sequence): | 12 | |
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry III | ||
| MATH 234 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 4 |
| or MATH 240 | Matrices and Applications | |
| MATH 341 | Seminar: Introduction to the Language and Practice of Mathematics | 3 |
| Advanced Requirements | ||
| COMPSCI 351 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| COMPSCI 535 | Algorithm Design and Analysis | 3 |
| Select 9 credits in COMPSCI at the 300 level or above | 9 | |
| Select 12 credits from MATH and/or MTHSTAT and/or ACTSCI at the 300 level or above | 12 | |
| Select 9 additional credits from CompSci, Math, MthStat, and ActSci courses at the 300 level or above, beyond the "Core" as well as the above "Advanced" Requirements; included in these 9 cr must be a Capstone or Internship Course. | 9 | |
| Capstone and Internship courses | ||
| Internship in Mathematics, Upper Division | ||
| Internship in Mathematical Statistics, Upper Division | ||
| High School Mathematics from an Advanced Viewpoint | ||
| Capstone Experience | ||
| Actuarial Internship | ||
| Capstone Experience | ||
| Capstone Project Preparation | ||
| Capstone Project | ||
| Senior Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 64 | |
- 1
COMPSCI 317 is waived for students who earn credit for MTHSTAT 361, which counts towards the math electives for the program. Students who have COMPSCI 317 waived in this case do not need to take any additional credits.
Additional Requirements
Students completing a Data Science BS who wish to also earn an AMCS BS must complete 9 credits upper division ActSci/Math/MthStat/CompSci beyond the courses in those curricular areas used to fulfill the Data Science Major requirements.
Potential Course of Study
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| COMPSCI 250 | Introductory Computer Programming | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 | Introduction to College Writing | 3 |
| MATH 115 | Precalculus | 4 |
| 1st semester foreign language | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMPSCI 251 | Intermediate Computer Programming | 3 |
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research (OWC-A GER) | 3 |
| MATH 231 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry I | 4 |
| 2nd semester foreign language | 3-5 | |
| Credits | 13-15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMPSCI 351 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3 |
| MATH 232 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| MATH 341 | Seminar: Introduction to the Language and Practice of Mathematics | 3 |
| Humanities + Cultural Diversity GER | 3 | |
| Arts GER | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMPSCI 317 | Discrete Information Structures | 3 |
| MATH 233 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry III | 4 |
| MATH 234 or MATH 240 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations or Matrices and Applications | 3-4 |
| Natural Science with lab (NS+ GER) | 4-5 | |
| Credits | 14-16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMPSCI 535 | Algorithm Design and Analysis | 3 |
| CompSci advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math or Comp Sci advanced elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science GER | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CompSci advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math or Comp Sci advanced elective | 3 | |
| Social Science GER | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CompSci advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math advanced elective | 3 | |
| Math or CompSci capstone or internship, plus Math/CS advanced elective if needed to get to 3 cr min | 3 | |
| Humanities + OWCB | 3 | |
| Electives as needed to reach cr requirements | 6-0 | |
| Credits | 18-12 | |
| Spring | ||
| Electives as needed to reach cr requirements 1 | 13-12 | |
| Social Science GER | 3 | |
| Credits | 16-15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
Select a sufficient number of elective credits from the College of Letters and Science to earn a minimum of 60 L&S credits.
Applied Mathematics and Computer Science BS Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from this program will be able to:
- integrate applications, problem-solving and theory.
- apply the analytical and critical thinking skills required for efficient use, appreciation, and understanding of the mathematical sciences.
- communicate mathematical sciences in technical and non-technical terms.
- engage in a continuing study and application of the mathematical sciences.
- associate and synthesize knowledge from different areas of the mathematical sciences.
Honors in the Degree
Students in AMCS who meet all of the following criteria can be awarded honors in the degree upon graduation:
- A 3.000 cumulative GPA in all UWM graded credits;
- A 3.500 GPA over all UWM courses attempted that count toward the AMCS degree;
- A 3.500 GPA over all upper division UWM courses counting toward the AMCS degree;
- A grade of B+ or better in one of: MATH 599, MATH 699, COMPSCI 595, or COMPSCI 699;
- Completion of 3 credits in Mathematical Sciences (curricular areas MATH or MTHSTAT) or Computer Science in a course numbered 600 or higher that is different from MATH 699 and COMPSCI 699.
Students who believe they may qualify for honors in Applied Mathematics & Computer Science should apply to the Department of Mathematical Sciences during their last semester of study.
College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.500 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.