Computational Mathematics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computational Mathematics is an advanced interdisciplinary field that bridges rigorous mathematical theory with the practical demands of computer science and algorithmic design. This program equips students with the analytical and technical skills needed to model complex systems, optimize computational processes, and develop efficient algorithms for real-world problem-solving across scientific, engineering, and technological domains.
- Computer Theory: Explores the foundational principles governing computation, including automata, formal languages, and computational complexity.
- Cybernetics: Focuses on systems control and communication, emphasizing feedback mechanisms and adaptive behavior in dynamic environments.
- Numerical Analysis: Involves the development and analysis of algorithms for solving mathematical problems using approximation techniques.
- Algorithm Development: Centers on designing, analyzing, and optimizing step-by-step procedures for data processing and problem resolution.
- Binary Structures: Studies mathematical systems based on two-state logic, essential for understanding digital computation and information encoding.
- Combinatorics: Deals with counting, arrangement, and selection of discrete structures, vital for algorithm efficiency and network design.
- Advanced Statistics: Applies sophisticated statistical models and inference methods to large-scale data analysis and predictive modeling.
Computational Mathematics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computational Mathematics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computational Mathematics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians and Data Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 341,190 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Computational Mathematics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,530 in Louisiana to $164,990 in California—a 134% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 341,190 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computational Mathematics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 27 institutions offering Computational Mathematics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computational Mathematics is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (97 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (44 graduates), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (31 graduates), Brown University (31 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 397 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
97 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
44 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Brown University |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | daytonabeach.erau.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Murfreesboro, Tennessee | Public | mtsu.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Simmons University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | simmons.edu |
| Claremont Graduate University (CGU) |
Master's
|
3 | Claremont, California | Private | cgu.edu |
| University of California (UCSD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| DePaul University |
Master's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Master's
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Southwestern University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Georgetown, Texas | Private | southwestern.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRH) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Humacao, Puerto Rico | Public | upr.edu |
| Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| Marquette University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | marquette.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computational Mathematics programs
How much can I earn with a Computational Mathematics degree?
Salaries for Computational Mathematics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Mathematicians earn around $121,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $164,990 compared to $70,530 in Louisiana. Approximately 341,190 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computational Mathematics programs?
Currently 27 accredited institutions offer Computational Mathematics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (97 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (44 graduates), and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (31 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Computational Mathematics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 132 in 2010 to 397 in 2023-24. This represents a 201% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Computational Mathematics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 341,190 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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