[Discuss] OT: Do CS grads need calculus?

[dbarrett at blazemonger.com (Daniel Barrett)]

Programmers definitely benefit from higher mathematics, but there's
nothing magical about calculus in this regard. I majored in math in
college (and have a Ph.D. in computer science) and learned more about
proofs and rigorous thinking in my junior year algebra courses,
studying groups, rings, and fields, than in my calculus classes. The
math classes that had the most lasting value in my software career --
regarding rigorous thinking -- were senior courses in combinatorics
and graph theory. Theoretical computer science courses in grad school
(finite automata, context-free grammars, NP-completeness,
undecideability, etc.) have also been extremely valuable.

I was also fortunate to have an algebra professor who appreciated
music.  He introduced me to the ways that Bach applied algebraic
operations in his compositions. That was mind-expanding for an
undergrad!

--
Dan Barrett
dbarrett at blazemonger.com