Codes, computers and courses: UC system correct in not counting Computer Science as math credit

Recently, the University of California (UC) has been pressured by a coalition of state politicians, high school teachers and technology leaders to count AP Computer Science toward the system’s required math credits.

For some, the reasoning behind counting the computer science class as “advanced math” is that the its classification as an elective does not provide enough of an incentive to make enough students want to sign up for it. The goal of the change would be to encourage more students to take the class, since it would count toward their required credits.

However, the committee that sets the course requirements for admission to UC and California State University (CSU) has resisted any reforms attempting to elevate the computer science class. Because of the class’ focus on coding and not math, it doesn’t significantly advance students’ mathematical preparation for college

Despite the uproar from petition supporters, the committee’s steadfast resistance to any sweeping changes is the right move.

In fact, according to the UC Office of the President, only 11 of the more than 1,500 classes offered this year in California high schools make the cut meet the rigorous standards needed to be considered a math course.

Unless a computer science course builds on basic mathematical concepts learned in algebra and geometry courses, it will be classified as an elective. Professor Ralph Aldredge, the leader of the UC Board of Admissions, said that AP Computer Science is “too heavy on coding” and “simply not mathematical enough to count as math.”

Additionally, for some students, a computer science class may seem like an easy way to avoid a challenging math class such as statistics, leading them away from an important part of their high school education.

Currently, the UCs require admitted applicants to take four years of high school math. In most college math classes, these high school courses serve as a basic foundation for academic success. If students begin to not take these math classes in high school, they are more likely to struggle in college classes that require these foundational subjects.

And if the goal is to promote the subject of computer science as a whole, there are better ways to achieve this end than watering down the UC math requirement for the entire pool of applicants.

For example, UC could consider requiring just students who declare a major in computer science or engineering to have taken at least one computer science course while in high school, and to allow exceptions for students where such coursework is unavailable.

Although a background in computer science is important for jobs in the tech industry, it is not required for all jobs, meaning not all high school students should have to take it. For example, students aiming for careers in the humanities would not benefit from taking another required STEM course. Future authors and diplomats don’t need to learn programming languages to operate their work computer.

And contrary to the backlash and accusations that the UC system is receiving for its decision, it in no way means to undermine the importance of computer science by rejecting the petition. Students who have a passion for the subject and are genuinely interested in programming and technology still have the ability to take the computer science class as an elective.

The UCs shouldn’t have to cave into a request that will cater only to part of the student body and also undermines vital standards.