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Declaring an MSCS Major or Minor

NOTE: It is the policy in our department to not declare MSCS majors and minors for first-semester, first-year students.

Completing multiple programs of study within the MSCS Department:

Because the MSCS Department offers multiple majors and minors, with some overlap between programs, we have put in place some restrictions on how many and which majors and minors you can declare together.

  1. You may complete at most two programs of study in the MSCS department: two majors, one major and one minor, or two minors.
  2. The table below indicates which double-majors are permitted:
      Major
    Major   Mathematics Computer Science Data Science Statistics
    Mathematics No Yes No No
    Computer Science Yes No No Yes
    Data Science No No No No
    Statistics No Yes No No
  3. Any major-minor combination is permitted, other than pairing a major with the same-named minor (Math and Math, for example). This is subject to the constraint that no more than two courses for the minor may appear on any other major, minor, or concentration plan.
  4. All minor-minor combinations are permitted.

To declare a Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Data Science major in the MSCS Department:

To declare a major, please follow the steps below in the order listed.

  1. Review the Major Requirements.
  2. Fill out the MSCS Major Planning Form as follows:
    • You will need to be logged in to Google using your Macalester email address to access this form. Then make a copy of the form and name the file with your name. NOTE: You will not be able to edit the posted form, but can edit your copy.
    • Fill in your copy with the MSCS courses you have taken so far (including those in which you’re currently enrolled) and what courses you plan to take in order to complete the major.
    • This form is only for planning purposes; it is not an official major declaration, nor will you be required to do exactly what is on the plan. The point is to start thinking about what courses are needed, as well as when those courses are typically offered and what prerequisites they have.
  3. Meet with an MSCS faculty member to discuss and update your form as follows:
    • This need not be your official college advisor. It is typically someone with whom you have taken a class or two. If you do not know someone to serve in this role for you, email the appropriate MSCS co-chair or Data Science coordinator.
    • Share the copy of your major planning form with this faculty member before you meet. They will move your plan to a shared MSCS folder.
    • The faculty member will review the plan with you, and connect you with the appropriate MSCS co-chair (or Data Science coordinator) to get your major declared. The major cannot be declared until the final step is complete…
  4. Fill out the MSCS advisor request / information form after steps 1-3 above.
    • Each MSCS major is expected to have an official primary or secondary advisor for their MSCS major(s). This is important to stay on track with your major, receive informed career or graduate school advice related to your MSCS major(s), and connect to others in the department. 
    • If you already have an official MSCS advisor in the area(s) of your MSCS major(s), this form will collect that information. If you do not yet have an official MSCS advisor in the area(s) of your MSCS major(s), your responses to this form will help us connect you to an appropriate advisor.

To declare a Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or Computer Science minor in the MSCS Department:

  1. Review the Minor Requirements.
  2. Make the following 3 lists: (1) a list of the courses for the minor you have taken or are currently taking; (2) a list of the courses for the minor that you plan to take; and (3) any courses in the above 2 lists that double count toward any other minor, major, or concentration that you’re pursuing (at most 2 courses can double count).
  3. Review the lists with an MSCS faculty member. Bring or email that list to a faculty member in the area (or the chair in the area). They’ll review the plan and help you get your minor declared on DegreeWorks.

The MSCS Capstone Experience

Review the MSCS Capstone Experience for more information.