by our College Data Analytics TeamMathematics 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 degree in Mathematics & Computer Science involves the study of Mathematics And Computer Science. Continue reading for the essential details every mathematics & computer science major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mathematics & computer science programs.
Nationwide, mathematics & computer science is a widely-pursued major, with 1,604 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mathematics & Computer Science Schools ranking analyzes these 76 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mathematics & computer science students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mathematics & computer science programs later in this article.
Programs in Mathematics & Computer Science develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mathematics & computer science graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a mathematics & computer science program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a mathematics & computer science major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mathematics & computer science degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 25 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,167 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 403 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 9 |
People currently working in careers related to mathematics & computer science tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 42.0% |
| Master’s degree | 19.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 10.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.4% |
| Some college courses | 3.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.8% |
| Post-doctoral training | 1.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.5% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mathematics & computer science careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in mathematics & computer science prepares you for many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to mathematics & computer science.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics & computer science.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of mathematics & computer science graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $88,328 |
| 4 years | $77,832 |
| 5 years | $93,547 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mathematics & computer science graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mathematics & computer science grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
With 76 different mathematics & computer science programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mathematics & computer science school rankings to help you.
Those considering mathematics & computer science, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics and Computer Science | 1,604 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 30,141 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 28,033 |
| Data Analytics | 12,891 |
| MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | 10,355 |
| Data Science | 7,716 |
| International/Globalization Studies | 5,740 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 5,456 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 5,391 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4,374 |
| Cognitive Science | 3,121 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
