Announcement

Discrete Math Placement Exam

By David Cash
April 23, 2025

Starting Spring 2025, the Computer Science Department will offer a placement exam to help students start in the best-fitting theory course. This exam will cover the skills in Discrete Mathematics (CMSC 27100) necessary to succeed in further theoretical computer science courses. Any student currently enrolled in the College is welcome to take the exam. The exam is completely optional, and no student is required to take it.

Based on this exam, students may be placed into:

  • Discrete Mathematics (CMSC 27100)
  • Theory of Algorithms (CMSC 27200) (or Honors Theory of Algorithms (CMSC 27230), at the student’s discretion)

Additionally, some students may be invited for priority registration in:

  • Honors Discrete Mathematics (CMSC 27130)

Students who place into, and enroll in, Theory of Algorithms (CMSC 27200) or Honors Theory of Algorithms (CMSC 27230) will have the option to complete a modified version of the BS or BA theory requirements:

  • BS students will fulfill the Theory B requirement (one course) and take two Theory C courses. In other words, they can replace the Theory A requirement with a second Theory C course.
  • BA students will fulfill the Theory B requirement (one course) and take one Theory C course. In other words, they can replace the Theory A requirement with a Theory C course.

The results of the exam are not binding. A student may always opt to start in Discrete Mathematics (CMSC 27100) regardless of the results of the exam.

In future years, the exam will be offered twice annually: once in the autumn quarter and once in the spring quarter.

Please see the theory requirement section of Catalog 2025-26 for more details.

Spring 2025 Details

We will update this page with further information about the exam, including the specific topics covered.

The exam will take place Thursday, May 15, 7pm-9pm, with a make-up date to be determined. The exam will be in-person, with no online option.

Students interested in the exam can request further updates and/or register here. Pre-registration is required, as we may not have space for students who do not register.