Applied Math and Computer Science, BS BS
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.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Mathematics major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
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.
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 | 4 |
| COMPSCI 251 | Intermediate Computer Programming | 4 |
| COMPSCI 317 | Discrete Information Structures 1 | 4 |
| Select one of the following Technology Ethics Courses: | 3 | |
| Social, Professional, and Ethical Issues | ||
| Technology, Values, and Society | ||
| Information Technology Ethics | ||
| 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 | 4 |
| COMPSCI 535 | Algorithm Design and Analysis | 3 |
| Select 9 credits in COMPSCI at the 300 level or above 2 | 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. 2 | 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 | 71 | |
- 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.
- 2
COMPSCI 395 may not be counted towards the upper division COMPSCI or mixed “CompSci, Math, MthStat, and ActSci courses at the 300 level or above”, regardless of whether COMPSCI 395 was used to satisfy the Technology Ethics course requirement.
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.
Mathematics Advising
Students considering a major in the Department of Mathematical Sciences need to come to the department to declare their major and be assigned a faculty advisor. All courses selected for the major must be approved by the advisor, and students should check regularly with their advisors to plan their courses of study in a coherent and timely fashion.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven’t enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.