Minors
The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science offers a minor in Mathematics and a minor in Mathematics and Computer Science. See below for details on each minor.
To declare a minor, use the “Add/Update LAS Minor/Certificate” form linked from the LAS Major & Minor Advising page, pictured to the right.
Important note for Engineering Students: Because of the substantial overlap in degree requirements, Computer Science majors in the Engineering College are not allowed to minor in Mathematics and Computer Science. All Engineering students may minor in Mathematics, but have additional special requirements for completing the minor. Due to substantial duplication of courses and/or content in the major and minor, Engineering Students who minor in Math must take at least two courses (6 credit hours) that are not already required for their Engineering major. Additionally, at least half of the credit hours for the minor must be taken at UIC. Note that Math 215 is reserved for MCS majors. Students interested in taking this course will need to seek approval from the Math Department.
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Mathematics is the abstract study of number, pattern, quantity, systems, and space, as well as the language of science and all fields in which patterns and systematic processes are analyzed. Taking courses in the mathematical sciences helps students learn to conceptualize abstract structures and provides them with the framework and analytical tools necessary for understanding our technology-based and data-intensive society. Both the MATH major and minor sequences help prepare students for a wide range of opportunities in the natural sciences, social sciences, business, finance, and government; for professional schools, such as law school; and for almost any job or career in which strong analytical and communication skills are valued.
The minor requirements for non-Engineering students are listed in the undergraduate catalog.
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The MCS curriculum fosters the development of logical and analytical thinking and is designed to provide a basic foundation for a career in the forefront of computing. Emphasis is given to the mathematical theory of computer science and computational methods but includes both practical and theoretical aspects of computer science.
Minor requirements are listed in the undergraduate catalog.
Important Information for Engineering Students
Students majoring in Computer Science may not minor in MCS due to duplication of courses and/or content.
Other Engineering majors who wish to minor in MCS should follow the course requirements as listed in the undergraduate catalog.
Math Minor Requirements for Engineering Students
See below for minor requirements for various Engineering Programs
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Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering
- Math 180, 181, 210, 220, 310
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Chemical Engineering
- Math 180,181, 210, 220
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Civil Engineering
- Math 180,181,210, 220
- Pick one from Math 310 or Stat 381
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Engineering Management
- Math 180, 181, 210, Math 310, STAT, 362
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Engineering Physics
- Math 180, 181, 210, 220
- Pick one from Math 310, 417 480,481 MCS 471, ECE 341
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Mechanical Engineering
- Math 180, 181,210,220, STAT 361
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
Math 310 is optional for ME majors. Students who take this course will still be required to follow the two-course rule as outlined above
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Industrial Engineering
- Math 180, 181, 210, 220, 310, STAT 362
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
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Computer Science and CS with Computer Systems Concentration
- Math 180, 181, 210
- Select one from IE 342 or STAT 381
- Select two more from Math 215, 220, 310, 320, 430 435 436, MCS 421, 423, 471, STAT 401, 473
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
No other MCS courses other than the three mentioned above will be allowed for the minor. Students who have credit in IE 342 will not receive credit for STAT 381 or STAT 401.
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Computer Science with Software Engineering Concentration
- Math 180, 181, 210
- Select two from: MATH 215, 220, 310, 320 430 435, 436, MCS 421, 423, 471 STAT 473
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
No other MCS courses other than the three mentioned above will be allowed for the minor. Students who have credit in IE 342 will not receive credit for STAT 381 or 401.
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Computer Science with Human-Centered Computing Concentration
- Math 180, 181, 210, 220
- Pick one from IE 342 or STAT 381
- Pick one from Math 310 or Math 320
- Plus, two more courses in Math or Statistics at the 200, 300, or 400-level
Students who have credit in IE 342 will not receive credit for STAT 381 or 401.