math is neccesary depending on what field you are going into, i think with programming and CS (computer science) which is a very broad scope of a major, will require math because of all the mathmatical applications of computers, and basically without our extensive knowledge of math, computers wouldn't work how they work. also some college's have you doing course work that deals with the course itself right off the bat, but some are a more "traditional" school, and so they require all the calc, lab sciences, etc, even though there isn't a need for it in what you plan on doing with your life.