Joint Math/CS Program Search

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello again CC,</p>

<p>Quick Background:</p>

<p>Double Major Math and C.S.
Small public university in Texas (not well known)
Graduate May 2011
GPA: 4.0
GRE: 790Q/600V/4.0A</p>

<p>I am searching for graduate programs that fit my interests. My interests lie somewhere between theoretical computer science and pure mathematics. I am not interested in practical computing issues (i.e. no software engineering or mathematical modeling) or applied mathematics. The further I have progressed as an undergraduate, the more interested in mathematics I have become. Ideally, I would like to explore the foundations of mathematics and computer science. </p>

<p>I intend on pursing a PhD, but I would really like to pinpoint my interests before committing to a program. So, I am focusing my attention on masters programs that will allow me to explore theoretical computer science and mathematics. Also, it gives me the opportunity to propel myself to a higher quality program. I have not found many schools that seem to fit my criteria, so any suggestions are welcome. The best fit I have found is the Dual MS in Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh ([Dual</a> MS Degree | Department of Computer Science | University of Pittsburgh](<a href=“http://www.cs.pitt.edu/grad/dualms.php]Dual”>http://www.cs.pitt.edu/grad/dualms.php)). The only other programs I have found are Emory ([Math/CS](<a href=“http://www.mathcs.emory.edu/]Math/CS[/url]”>http://www.mathcs.emory.edu/)</a>), Wesleyan ([Wesleyan</a> University Mathematics and Computer Science Department](<a href=“Welcome, Mathematics and Computer Science - Wesleyan University”>http://www.math.wesleyan.edu/)), and UT Austin (not a joint program in any way but they emphasize the right parts of CS).</p>

<p>Another option I hadn’t considered until recently was a graduate minor. Are graduate minors common? Thanks for any help!</p>

2

<p>So are you interested in discrete math then? If so, I’m sure most CS programs have theory groups. I really would not be such a stickler for the right “program” and just look for a school that lets you take a lot of electives but also has good theory groups.</p>

3

<p>gthopeful, I suppose that I fall pretty heavily into discrete and saying so would have made my original post much shorter. Ha ha. Actually, I never really realized how well discrete categories my interests. The reason I am interested in Emory is because of their “Discrete Mathematics & Theoretical Computer Science” research area. I am looking for other programs like that.</p>

4

<p>Any good theory group would suit your needs.
Don’t just look at programs with “Math and Computer Science” in the title-- you can get what you’re looking for in many good CS departments, MSCS or PhD.</p>

<p>Also, ACO programs: Combinatorics + Algorithms (this is often applied to operations research but not necessarily):
GA Tech ACO
CMU ACO
Waterloo ACO</p>

5

<p>trout,</p>

<p>In a practical sense, I should be looking for less prestigious programs. I’m not doubting myself, but I understand the difficulty involved in getting into schools like CMU and GA Tech. Do you know of schools that are more mid-tier?</p>