Math Requirements in STEM and Broadening Participation: An Analysis of the Math Requirements of 199 CS degrees in the U.S.

Program Abstract: For many years, there has been debate and disagreement as to the role of mathematics in some STEM disciplines. This paper attempts to answer this question for computer science and presents the results of an analysis of the math requirements of 199 Computer Science BS/BA degrees from 158 U.S. universities, looking not only at which math courses are required, but how they are used as prerequisites (and corequisites) for computer science (CS) courses. Our analysis shows that while there is consensus that discrete math is critical, and further that calculus is almost always required, there is little consensus as to when a student should have mastered these subjects. Based on our analysis of how math requirements impact access, retention and on-time degree completion for the BS/BA in CS, we provide recommendations for CS departments to consider that also have implications for the larger STEM higher-ed community.