Planning Guide

Every student’s academic plan will look different, and there is not one “correct” way to fulfill the requirements. With that being said, the following outlines are provided as samples to show how a student could complete the MCS degree.

Typical Program Outline (without AP Credit)

  • Year 1: Math 19, 20, 21; CS 106A & 106B
  • Year 2: MATH 51, 52, 53; CS 103 & 107; STATS 116 (after MATH 52)
  • Year 3: MATH 104 or 113; MS&E 221; MCS Elective; CS course from section; WIM course; STATS 191 (or STATS 203 in year 4)
    • (if desired, Year 3 is the ideal year for a quarter abroad - no MCS courses would be required during the quarter abroad.)
  • Year 4: MS&E 111x, STATS 200 ; 2 MCS Electives.

Typical Program Outline (with 10 units of AP credit from Calculus BC)

  • Year 1: Math 51, 52, 53; CS 106A & CS 106B/X
  • Year 2: Math 104 or 113; CS 103 & 107; Stats 116; 
  • Year 3: CS course from section; MS&E 221; MCS Elective; Stats 191(or STATS 203 in year 4); WIM course 
    • (if desired, Year 3 is the ideal year for a quarter abroad - no MCS courses would be required during the quarter abroad.)
  • Year 4: STATS 200; MS&E 111x; 2 MCS Electives.

Students who decide to pursue one of the MCS tracks, follow the same course scheduling (relatively) for year 1 and 2 as shown above.

Helpful Hints:

  • Take Math 52 before Stats 116.
  • Math 53 can be taken prior to Math 52.
  • Take Stats 191 and MS&E 221 before Stats 200.
  • MS&E 221 has a prerequisite of MS&E 120. However, Stats 116 or Math 151 will provide sufficient preparation, so you do not need to take MS&E 120.
  • Plan your WIM early; don't wait until your senior year.