Computer Science and Mathematics

Directors of undergraduate studies: Ruzica Piskac [Fall 2022] and Y. Richard Yang [Spring 2023](Computer Science), AKW 208A, 432-6400; Andrew Neitzke (Mathematics) DL 425; associate director of undergraduate studies: Miki Havlickova (Mathematics), DL 446; Math DUS email

Computer Science and Mathematics is an interdepartmental major for students who are interested in computational mathematics, the use of computers in mathematics, mathematical aspects of algorithm design and analysis, and theoretical foundations of computing.

Requirements of the Major

The major requires fourteen term courses as well as a senior project. Six of the fourteen courses must be in computer science: CPSC 201; CPSC 223, 323; and CPSC 365 or 366; one advanced course with significant mathematical content; and one additional advanced course other than CPSC 490. The remaining eight courses must be in mathematics: MATH 120, either MATH 225 or 226, MATH 244, and five additional term courses numbered above MATH 200 other than MATH 470. MATH 222 is not recommended as a substitute for MATH 225 or 226, as it does not provide an introduction to proof writing, which is an essential skill for completing upper level mathematics courses. 

Students who completed multivariable calculus during high school may consult the DUSes about replacing MATH 120 with a higher level mathematics course. MATH 230 and MATH 231 may replace (but do not count in addition to) MATH 120 and MATH 225 or 226. 

A course must be listed with a MATH number to count toward the mathematics requirements and must be listed with a CPSC number to count toward the computer science requirements-substitutions from other departments are not allowed.

Credit/D/Fail Courses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the major.

Senior Requirement

The senior requirement is a project or an essay on a topic acceptable to both departments. Students typically enroll in CPSC 490 or MATH 475. An oral report on the mathematical aspects of the project must be presented to the Mathematics faculty. Permission must be obtained in writing from the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) of both departments before embarking on the project or the essay.

Advising

The entire program of each student majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics must be approved by the DUS in each department. 

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

Prerequisites None

Number of courses 14 term courses, 6 in computer science and 8 in math (not incl senior req)

Specific courses required CPSC 201; CPSC 223, 323; CPSC 365 or 366; MATH 120; MATH 225 or 226; MATH 244

Distribution of courses 2 addtl courses in computer science with 1 adv course with significant mathematical content and 1 adv course other than CPSC 490; 5 addtl courses in math numbered above 200 (may not be MATH 470)

Substitution permitted: MATH 230 and MATH 231 for MATH 120 and MATH 225 or 226

Senior requirement Senior project or senior essay on topic acceptable to Comp Sci and Math depts with written approval from both DUSes; oral report to Math dept on mathematical aspects of the project

• $80 application fee or fee waiver
• Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor
• School Report with transcript
• Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) - not required for fall 2023 admission. (See below)
• English proficiency test results - required for non-native English-speakers (See below)
• Mid-Year Report & Final Report

See additional details about these required application components below.

Please note that if your application materials include any documents that are not in English, you must provide an official English translation in addition to the original documents.

$80 application fee or fee waiver

Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website.

Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived. Learn more on the fee waiver page. The fee waiver scale is based on family size and income in US dollars but is applicable to all international students.

Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

Request recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is preferable, but not required, that recommendations come from teachers who have taught you during your final or next-to-final year of secondary school.

Also request a recommendation from your school’s college counselor. If your counselor does not know you well, the recommendation may still provide helpful contextual information about your school and its academic programs. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator such as a house master, principal, or academic advisor. 

School Report with transcript

Your counselor or other school official should submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses. If a question on the School Report form is not applicable to your secondary school, leave it blank. 

Recommendations and transcripts should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. If necessary, teachers and counselors may also submit their recommendations and transcripts via mail or digital upload. Recommendations may be sent before or after you submit your application; materials that arrive before your application will be kept on file. The admissions office will make reasonable allowances for late school documents in situations where it is not possible for teachers and counselors to meet the application deadlines.

Standardized test results

In response to the extraordinary circumstances associated with the pandemic, Yale has temporarily suspended its requirement that first-year and transfer applicants submit results from the ACT or SAT. The change will be in effect during the 2022-23 admissions cycles for applicants who intend to matriculate in fall 2023. 

More information on Yale’s test policies is available on the standardized testing page. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

English proficiency exams

Yale requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below.

The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

Applicants may submit the Duolingo English Test (DET), which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

Mid-Year Report & Final Report

Students who do not receive new secondary school grades by February 1, including students who have already completed secondary school, are not required to submit a Mid-Year Report. This includes many international students. Applicants who receive new grades by February 1 should submit a Mid-Year Report.

Only admitted students are required to submit the Final Report, which provides final secondary school grades and examination marks. Admitted students submit the Final Report in the summer before fall matriculation.

If your secondary school provides predicted results for external exams such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and other international or national testing organizations, they should be submitted by your school alongside your transcript or Mid-Year Report.

All applicants for first-year admission must submit one of the following:

• The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The QuestBridge National College Match Application

Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one—and only one—application per admissions cycle.