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2023 Mathematics & Computer Science Degree Guide

Mathematics and Computer Science as a major is an ideal combination of two fields. Students will use skills, tools, theories, and concepts from both fields to complete projects and solve tough problems.

Students will use complex mathematics, and concrete and abstract concepts to help design computer systems. You will also learn how to create computer programs and software. You could be involved in anything from designing computer games, to implementing systems that help handicapped and disabled people lead more productive lives.

Courses you can expect to see in your studies include: differential equations, calculus, linear algebra, number theory, real analysis, geometry, artificial intelligence, computer system organization, mathematics for computer science, and software engineering.

A Recent Jump in Mathematics & Computer Science Degrees

#221 Most Popular Major
1.3k Degrees Awarded
12.9% Increase in Graduates

Mathematics & Computer Science was the 221st most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,302 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 12.9% increase in math and compsci degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 1,134.

Our 2023 Best Mathematics & Computer Science Schools ranking analyzes 29 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for mathematics and computer science students. Explore this or one of our many other custom math and compsci rankings further below.

2023 Best Colleges for Mathematics & Computer Science
2023 Overall Best Mathematics & Computer Science Colleges >

Best Mathematics & Computer Science Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Mathematics & Computer Science
Bachelor's Degrees in Mathematics & Computer Science
Master's Degrees in Mathematics & Computer Science
Doctorate Degrees in Mathematics & Computer Science

Mathematics & Computer Science Degree Requirements

This is a great major for logical thinkers with strong analytical skills. Students will need to take abstract ideas and apply them to real life problems. Pay strong attention to detail in order to catch errors in computer code, troubleshoot programs and debug a program. This type of work takes dedication and concentration.

Students should work on their communication skills in order to effectively communicate with peers and professors. Learn to collaborate with others to make group projects even stronger. These teamwork skills will serve you well in a future career.

Getting Accepted Into a Mathematics & Computer Science Program

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most math and compsci degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic mathematics and computer science program qualifications, to serve in some math and compsci careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.

Mathematics & Computer Science Degree Types

There are various different levels of math and compsci degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in mathematics and computer science to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the mathematics and computer science degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to math and compsci, with approximately 52.1% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to math and compsci tend obtained the following education levels.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree 51.8%
Master’s Degree 19.7%
Doctoral Degree 8.1%
Post-Doctoral Training 5.0%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) 3.7%

90.4% of math and compsci workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in mathematics and computer science have received.

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This of course varies depending on which math and compsci career you choose.

Career Opportunities for Math & CompSci Majors

Average Number of Jobs
$80.9k Average Starting Salary
9% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

Mathematics and Computer Science will prepare you to work in a variety of fields. You can easily apply your skills to work as a computer and information researcher or as a computer programmer. Grads also find work as statisticians or financial analysts. Some of these fields may require an advanced degree.

Solid Growth Projected for Math & CompSci Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your math and compsci degree? Mathematics & Computer Science careers are expected to grow 9.4% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics and computer science.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Computer Workers 313,800 9.3%
Natural Sciences Managers 62,300 9.9%

How Much Money Do People With a Math & CompSci Degree Make?

Recently graduated mathematics and computer science students earned an average of $80,867 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $40,536 to as high as $118,973. As you might expect, salaries for math and compsci graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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Highest Paid Math & CompSci Careers

Salaries for mathematics and computer science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers math and compsci grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Natural Sciences Managers $139,680
Computer Workers $93,350

Getting Your Mathematics & Computer Science Degree

With over 145 different math and compsci degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased math and compsci school rankings to help you with this.

Mathematics & Computer Science is one of 44 different types of Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies programs to choose from.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Other Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies 34,975
Biological & Physical Science 30,075
Interdisciplinary Studies 9,074
International Studies 7,368
Nutrition Science 5,330

View All Math & CompSci Related Majors >

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