How to Declare

Important Announcement: The MCS program stopped accepting new majors and minors on September 1, 2022. All students currently enrolled in the MCS major or minor will be able to complete these degree programs. Starting on September 1, 2022, students interested in Mathematical & Computational Science should explore the opportunities in the new Data Science program. The Data Science B.S. has requirements very similar to those of MCS.  

1. Explore the Program.
   • Use the website to explore the program and requirements. 
   • If you’re interested in the program, have questions, or want to learn more, feel free to meet with one of our Peer Advisors (during autumn, winter, or spring quarters) or our mcs-inquiries [at] stanford.edu (SSO) (typically available throughout the year).
   • Request to join the mailing list for prospective MCS majors.   
      
2. Complete the planning sheet.
   • Make yourself a copy of the MCS Planning Sheet. Fill in the grades for classes you’ve already completed, and highlight the classes that you plan to complete in the future. Then, use this information to map out your four-year plan.
   • Meet with one of our peer advisors to go over your worksheet and plan. Ask them questions about the program, course sequencing, electives, inside tips, and anything else you’re curious about. **Our peer advisors are available during the autumn, winter, and spring quarters. If you're declaring in the summer, you can temporarily skip this step. We strongly encourage students who declare over the summer to meet with a peer advisor the following autumn.**
   • Normally, prior to declaring MCS, students should have taken 2 of the required Math courses (51-52-53) and either have taken or are currently enrolled in STATS 116 or Math 151 (or another Statistics core course). However, because of some upcoming changes to the program, we are currently making exceptions for this rule. Students who have not taken all of those classes could still be able to declare MCS.
   • Note that students are required to have a GPA of 3.0 to graduate.  Students with less than a B average upon declaration will be asked some additional questions and may have their major declaration held. Major declarations will not be approved if a student has an outstanding Incomplete on their transcript.
3. Share your planning sheet with the SSO, make an appointment with the SSO, and declare in Axess.
   • Before your meeting, share your planning sheet with the SSO (Amanda) at aekuhn [at] stanford.edu. Please give editing privileges. 
   • Use this link to schedule a meeting with the SSO. It will be an informal meeting during which we talk more about the program, go over your MCS planning sheet, talk about connecting you with a faculty advisor, and address any questions. 
   • Declare your major in Axess.
      
4. Keep us updated.
   • Keep your MCS planning sheet updated throughout your time at Stanford. After each quarter, enter your grades into this sheet. If one of your class selections changes, please make that change on this sheet too.
   • Feel free to meet with the SSO or your MCS faculty advisor at any point to check in or ask questions. 

For MCS Honors requirements please check out the honors section.

1. Submit a MCS program Honors Proposal form to their faculty advisor by the final study list deadline at least two quarters prior to the quarter the student expects to graduate.
2. Once the form is signed, declare honors in Axess and submit to the MCS student services officer 
3. The final report is due by the last day of classes of the quarter the student expects to graduate (minimum 1 page).
4. Once coursework and final report are completed, have the student’s faculty advisor sign the second page of the MCS program Honors Proposal form.
5. Students should verify that honors appear on their unofficial transcript.

For more information, please visit the University Registrar's website on Undergraduate Honors programs.

Important Announcement: The MCS program stopped accepting new majors and minors on September 1, 2022. All students currently enrolled in the MCS major or minor will be able to complete these degree programs. Starting on September 1, 2022, students interested in Mathematical & Computational Science should explore the opportunities in the new Data Science program. 

At the time of your declaration, students must fill out the MCS Minor form and submit it to the Student Services Officer via mcs-inquiries [at] stanford.edu (email).

Once your minor form has been approved, your declaration in Axess will also be approved. 

More information on undergraduate minors can be found on the University Registrar's website.

If you are interested but unsure if MCS is the right minor for you, check out the comparison of Minors offered by the Statistics department below.

Comparison chart of Minors