A major chosen after arrival
Yale says every student begins undeclared and has until the end of sophomore year to choose from over 80 majors. The pages read describe no separate application to Computer Science and Mathematics.
Undergraduate · Yale College
Yale Computer Science and Mathematics: theoretical computing with a mathematics core
Yale College admits students without a declared major, and Computer Science and Mathematics is an interdepartmental major they can choose once enrolled. Yale's catalogue describes computational mathematics, algorithm design and analysis, and the theoretical foundations of computing, with more mathematics than computer science courses. This guide makes no claim of a separate application to the major.
Official information · read 1 November 2026, no entry-year label
What Yale says about Yale Computer Science and Mathematics
Taken from the Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027 entry for Computer Science and Mathematics and Yale Undergraduate Admissions' Majors, Standardized Testing and International pages, read on 1 November 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Yale's pages for the 2028-entry details.
Fourteen courses and a senior project
Six are in computer science and eight in mathematics.
Strict course labels
Only courses numbered MATH count for mathematics and CPSC for computer science; substitutions from other departments are not allowed.
Theory-oriented
The catalogue names algorithm analysis and the theoretical foundations of computing.
The SAT or ACT is required
Yale's testing policy requires scores from either test; international applicants meet the same requirements.
Official sources
- Yale Undergraduate Admissions: Majors & Academic Programsadmissions.yale.edu
- Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027: Computer Science and Mathematicscatalog.yale.edu
- Yale Undergraduate Admissions: Standardized Testingadmissions.yale.edu
Read on 1 November 2026 on the Yale College Programs of Study 2026–2027 entry for Computer Science and Mathematics and Yale Undergraduate Admissions' Majors, Standardized Testing and International pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Yale's department website, the course listings behind each course code, deadlines and financial aid were not read, and the admissions pages do not mention A-levels or the IB by name and are not stated.
The major
What the catalogue says the major is
Yale's catalogue describes an interdepartmental major for students interested in computational mathematics, the use of computers in mathematics, mathematical aspects of algorithm design and analysis, and the theoretical foundations of computing. Six of the fourteen courses are in computer science and the remaining eight in mathematics, with a senior project; courses must carry the MATH or CPSC label to count. This guide does not list individual courses.
Is it the right major?
Computer Science and Mathematics beside Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and Economics
Yale describes these as separate majors, so the choice is made after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
This major fits if
you want more mathematics than a standard computer science degree, with theory at the centre.
Applied Mathematics fits if
you want mathematical modelling in a field of application. Avandy's Yale Applied Mathematics guide covers it.
Computer Science and Economics fits if
your second field is economics. Avandy's Yale Computer Science and Economics guide covers it.
Admission and testing
A Yale College application and the SAT or ACT
Yale requires first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores and has no preference between them. International applicants complete the same application with the same requirements, and the admissions pages read do not mention A-levels or the IB by name. The major is chosen after admission, not applied for separately. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Yale's.
Do you enjoy proof and algorithm analysis?
The catalogue emphasises mathematical aspects of algorithms and theoretical foundations.
Is a mathematics-heavy split right for you?
Eight of the fourteen courses are in mathematics.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT with your A levels or IB?
Yale requires one of them for first-year applicants.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Yale's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Yale's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 1 November 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Yale has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Yale for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Computer Science and Mathematics entry in Yale's Programs of Study and plan the SAT or ACT alongside your A levels or IB.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Yale College or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Yale College. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Yale Computer Science and Mathematics?
The pages read describe admission to Yale College. Students begin undeclared and choose a major by the end of sophomore year.
How is the course load split?
Six of the fourteen courses are in computer science and eight in mathematics.
Can I count courses from other departments?
The catalogue says substitutions from other departments are not allowed for the MATH and CPSC requirements.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Yes. Yale's testing policy requires scores from either test.
Does Yale name A-levels or the IB on these pages?
No. The admissions pages read do not mention them by name.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Yale's wording with no entry-year label. Check Yale's pages again when Yale publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Yale Computer Science and Mathematics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, how they weigh theoretical computing against applied computing and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.