Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BS)

Study Computer Science and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Montana

If you love both coding and math, and want to set yourself for a marketable and potentially lucrative career path, you’ll love what the combined mathematics and computer science bachelor’s program delivers — a thorough background in both disciplines and a deeper understanding of their goals and methods.

As a math and computer science major at UM, you’ll be part of a program that’s small enough to get to know the faculty, but large enough to offer many opportunities in computer science and mathematics. Because we also offer graduate program options in computer science and mathematics, advanced coursework is yours for the asking even as an undergraduate. You can also participate in research projects, many of which are well-funded, in many areas.

What can you do with a math and computer science degree?

A combined degree in computer science and math opens up a world of career and graduate studies opportunities in mathematics, computer science and other sciences such as biochemistry.

Mathematics and computer science jobs

Here are a few of your options with the bachelor’s in computer science and mathematics:

• Software engineer
• Research assistant
• Software developer
• Business analysis manager
• Data scientist

Mathematics and computer science salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers earn an average of $110,140 per year, nationally. Average salaries for other jobs you might pursue with a major in computer science and math include:

• Computer programmer: $89,190
• Mathematicians and statisticians: $93,290
• Computer and information systems managers: $151,150 

Based on our own research, graduates of the bachelor’s in computer science and mathematics at UM earn an average of $80,756 per year.

Experiential learning in the computer science and mathematical science degree program

Gain practical experience to prepare for a successful career path. Internships, study abroad and research opportunities are available to help you develop a complete understanding of the computer science and mathematical space — to use out in the field, in your career and in life.

Internships for mathematics and computer science majors

Participate in computer science internships at local and national tech firms. Aside from gaining invaluable experience, they’re almost always paid internships.

Study abroad opportunities in the computer science and math degree

Take your study of computer science and mathematics overseas. We’ll help you find coursework at your host institution so that you can make good progress toward your degree.

Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UM.

Undergraduate research experiences for the bachelor's in computer science and math

Research opportunities through the computer science department provide hands-on exposure to real-world problems that demand novel data structures and algorithm development, and provide experience collaborating to creatively solve problems in a team. These opportunities are very often paid.

For instance, statistics professor Jon Graham is director of the Data and Modeling Core that supports UM’s Center for Population Health Research and provides opportunities for students interested in applied mathematics, data science and statistics. Researchers are currently investigating the effects of PM from wildfires on birth outcomes and children’s respiratory health, factors that lead to low vaccination rates, and models for the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Montana. 

Geometry and combinatorics is another ongoing research area that offers the opportunity to learn topology, combinatorics, and algebra through a research project. Specifically, the projects explore the intimate connections between knotted curves and the geometries of 3-dimensional spaces and hopes to answer some of the many questions in this highly active research field.

Career development in the computer science and mathematical science major

Our graduates are well versed in problem solving as well as programming, thanks to active faculty involvement and opportunities to engage in paid, rewarding undergraduate research. This not only makes them strong assets when solving new problems, but also strong candidates for jobs.

Clubs and student organizations for computer science and math majors

The University of Montana Computer Science Club welcomes all computer science majors to meet peers, ask questions and have fun in the Computer Science Department's Student Lounge.

Computer science and mathematical science degree requirements

The combined computer science and mathematics degree is an intensive program, requiring students to complete about 30 credits in both areas, for a total of 60 credits. The curriculum offers such courses as Design and Analysis of Algorithms, preparing students in conceptual thinking on algorithms and problem solving.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematical science.