What can you do with a Mathematics and Computer Science degree?

First, some facts. Of the Mathematics and Computer Science graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 347 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 79%, Mathematics and Computer Science graduates have a much higher likelihood (+12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 79%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Mathematics and Computer Science graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Mathematics and Computer Science graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2021 from Osmania University with a Bachelor's of sciences in Mathematics and Computer Science. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Programmer Analyst
Cognizant
Dec 2021 - Aug 2023
As a Programmer Analyst at Cognizant, the job extensively utilizes the mathematical and computational skills acquired during the Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, meeting the core qualifications for the role.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master's degree
Governors State University
2023 - 2025
ABOUT

As a Business Analytics student at Governors State University, I aspire to become a business analyst who can leverage data for business improvement. I am passionate about learning new technologies and applying analytical skills to generate strategic insights and drive operational excellence.My academic pursuit is complemented by my 2-year experience as a programmer analyst at Cognizant Technology Solutions, where I honed my technical and problem-solving skills. I was involved in multiple software development and testing projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables and test coverage. I also collaborated with various stakeholders and clients, gaining valuable exposure to different business domains and scenarios.I am eager to utilize my programming skills and business analytics knowledge to facilitate informed decision-making and deliver value-added solutions. I am open to networking opportunities and collaborative endeavors in the field of business analytics.

What jobs can you get with a Mathematics and Computer Science degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When it comes to job prospects for graduates with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, it's clear that many paths are available, but not all are equally relevant to the core skills gained during their studies. Through a thorough analysis of various LinkedIn profiles of individuals who have completed degrees in this field, several common job roles and trends stand out.

A significant number of graduates have secured roles as Software Engineers or Software Developers. These positions are highly relevant since they directly utilize programming, data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills that are fundamental in Mathematics and Computer Science. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and various tech startups frequently hire graduates for these roles. Internships in software engineering also represent valuable experiences that often lead to full-time positions post-graduation.

Another trend observed is the emergence of jobs in data analysis and data science. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, graduates who can apply statistical methods and computational techniques find themselves in high demand. Positions such as Data Scientist or Analyst are increasingly common among these graduates, particularly at tech firms and in industries where data plays a crucial role, like finance or healthcare. However, while roles like these are certainly relevant, not all of them require deep mathematical expertise beyond core statistics or computing concepts.

Moreover, there’s a notable number of graduates who entered consulting, project management, and roles focused on business applications of technology. Although these positions may involve some analytical and problem-solving elements derived from their studies, they often do not demand frequent application of advanced math or computer science skills. Roles within financial services or IT project management also reflect this trend, where the emphasis is more on strategic thinking rather than direct application of their technical skills.

On the flip side, it’s apparent that numerous graduates have taken roles outside of their specialization, like in hospitality, customer service, and sales. Jobs in these fields, albeit valuable for developing soft skills like communication and teamwork, do not leverage the core competencies of a Mathematics and Computer Science degree. Examples include roles such as customer service representative, bank teller, and project manager in non-tech industries. This discrepancy emphasizes a gap for some individuals who either did not pursue a career aligned with their degree or followed alternate interests despite having a technical educational background.

Overall, while many Mathematics and Computer Science graduates found relevant and fulfilling positions closely aligned with their technical skills, others ventured into fields where those skills were underutilized. The most promising and relevant career paths remain in software development, data analysis, and technical consulting, where the application of mathematics and computer science knowledge is fundamental to day-to-day duties. However, it's crucial for graduates to recognize and seek out roles that will genuinely leverage their hard-earned skills and knowledge to ensure a satisfying career journey.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mathematics and Computer Science graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, it’s fascinating to see a mix of outcomes. Many of these individuals have moved into strong, relevant positions in technology and engineering, often starting at companies renowned for their emphasis on innovation, like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Graduates from top schools such as Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley tend to land well-paying roles as software engineers, data scientists, or in structured programming positions right after graduation. These first jobs often leverage their technical skills and set the stage for promising career paths in the tech industry.

Generally speaking, graduates fresh out of school tend to start in either software engineering roles or similar technical positions. For instance, many recent alumni from 2023 are landing internships or entry-level jobs at large tech firms right away, indicating a robust demand for talent in these fields. However, there are also individuals who, despite holding degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, have opted for less conventional routes or encountered challenges transitioning into relevant roles. Some graduates report jobs outside their fields, like sales or teaching, which may highlight a disconnect between their training and the available job market, or they might just be exploring different interests post-college.

Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates who started off strong often ascend to higher-skilled positions, such as senior engineers or team leads. Several have even transitioned into leadership roles, showcasing the typical growth path within tech, where skills and experience quickly translate into opportunities for advancement. However, there are also cases of individuals whose careers have drifted from the initial technical trajectory, suggesting that while the path can be linear for many, others might take more unconventional routes or face setbacks in landing their desired jobs in tech.

Overall, it's clear that graduates with Mathematics and Computer Science backgrounds have a vast array of options, largely skewed towards fulfilling and relevant careers in tech. While there are exceptions where some may find themselves in unrelated fields, the general trend indicates that those who remain aligned with their computational roots are likely to enjoy substantial career growth and a lasting impact in their chosen domains.

How hard is a Mathematics and Computer Science degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and have a knack for math, you might find some aspects exciting and manageable. However, be prepared for some tough courses, especially when you dive into algorithms, proofs, and complex mathematical theories. It’s definitely more rigorous than a lot of other majors, so you’ll have to put in a decent amount of effort to keep up with the workload. Overall, if you're passionate about the subjects, it'll feel rewarding despite its challenges!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the career paths of these graduates, it seems like many have landed solid jobs that could potentially pay well, especially those in tech and engineering. For instance, graduates from notable schools like Stanford and MIT are working at major companies like Google and Microsoft, which are known for offering competitive salaries. Even entry-level positions in companies like Amazon and Intel usually come with decent pay and benefits, making a substantial impact on their earnings early in their careers.

However, not everyone’s journey seems equally lucrative. Some graduates are still on the lower end of the pay scale, like those entering internships or starting roles in retail and education. For example, jobs that involve teaching or customer service may not pay as much as those in software engineering. Overall, while a good chunk of these graduates are likely making decent money, perspectives vary widely based on their industry choices and specific job roles. So, it really depends on where they land after school!

What buzzwords do Mathematics and Computer Science graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Mathematics and Computer Science?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Computer Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Mathematics and Computer Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count