By CSDH Staff
As the future rapidly approaches, ageless mathematics and state-of-the-art computer science are being combined to create some of the most exciting (and high-paying!) careers. Indeed, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, careers in computational mathematics are expected to increase a whopping 33% before 2030. This is nearly three times faster than most other industries!
It is easy to understand why you might want a piece of the action by earning a B.A. or B.S. in computational mathematics. That’s why Computer Science Degree Hub went on the hunt for the very best computational mathematics undergraduate degree programs.
To put together our ranking, we began by compiling a list of every university in the country that offers just such a degree. We then narrowed down our findings to just the 30 best by implementing the following points-based system:
Annual Out-of-State Tuition:
Under $10,000: 5 points
Under $20,000: 4 points
Under $30,000: 3 points
Under $40,000: 2 points
Under $50,000: 1 point
20-Year Return on Investment (ROI):
9% and more: 5 points
7%-8%: 4 points
5%-6%: 3 points
3%-4%: 2 points
1%-2%: 1 point
Undergraduate Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points:
80% and above: 4 points
75% and above: 3 points
60% and above: 2 points
50% and above: 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and better: 5 points
12:1 and better: 4 points
15:1 and better: 3 points
18:1 and better: 2 points
21:1 and better: 1 point
U.S. News and World Report Ranking of the Best Global Universities for Mathematics:
Top 5: 5 points
Top 10: 4 points:
Top 20: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point
In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was awarded to the degree program with the lower annual tuition for out-of-state students. All tuition numbers are accurate as of October 2021.
30 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Computational Mathematics
#30. University of California, Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics w/ concentration in Computational Mathematics
Santa Cruz, California
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $14,025 (in-state), $43,779 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 6
U.C. Santa Cruz is one of three University of California institutions to make our list of the best bachelor’s in computational mathematics degree programs. UCSC offers a B.A. in Mathematics with a concentration in Computational Mathematics. Potential coursework includes:
- Introductory Chaos Theory
- Complex Analysis
- Computational Methods and Applications, to name but three.
#29. Loyola University New Orleans
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
New Orleans, Louisiana
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $42,278
Total Points: 6
Students at Loyola University in New Orleans have the opportunity to pursue a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Completing the degree requires a student to complete a foundational mathematics core, along with adjunct computation courses. Classes include:
- Math Probability
- Electromagnetism and Relativity
- Applied Scientific Computing
A research project is also required before graduation.
#28. CUNY Brooklyn College
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Brooklyn, New York
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $7,440 (in-state), $15,390 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 7
Brooklyn College, part of New York City’s public university system, offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Earning this degree requires completing 61-69 credit hours beyond the required undergraduate core curriculum. Students may choose between two degree tracks: Computational or Theoretical. In either case, coursework covers topics ranging from math and computer science, to economics and philosophy.
#27. Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Rochester, New York
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $51,240
Total Points: 8
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. The degree emphasizes “problem solving using mathematical models to identify solutions in business, science, engineering, and more.” The 122-credit program includes classes like:
- Numerical Analysis
- Mathematical Modeling
- Differential Equations
Seminars on job searching are also offered as part of the curriculum. Students also have the option of pursuing an accelerated dual-degree to earn their master’s as well.
#26. Southwestern University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Georgetown, Texas
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $45,120
Total Points: 8
Southwestern University in Texas offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. To earn this degree, students must complete a total of 127 credits. This includes general education courses such as a social justice class and a foreign language. Major-specific classes include Discrete Mathematics and Database Management. Students may also earn 30 additional credits to graduate with a dual degree.
#25. DePaul University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Computer Science
Chicago, Illinois
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $41,202
Total Points: 8
DePaul University students have the option of earning a B.S. in Mathematics & Computer Science. The unique degree blends the College of Computing and Digital Media with the College of Science and Health. Coursework covers a wide variety of topics, including:
- artificial intelligence
- linear algebra
- graphics
DePaul reports that 93% of its Mathematics and Computer Science graduates were employed or accepted to graduate school within six months of graduation.
#24. Asbury University
Bachelor of Arts in Computational Mathematics
Wilmore, Kentucky
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $32,028
Total Points: 8
Asbury University is a small private Christian university located near Lexington. The university offers a B.A. in Computational Mathematics that focuses on applied mathematics and computer programming. Earning the degree requires completing 124 credit hours of coursework. Required classes include Logic & Sets and Numerical Analysis, to name but two.
Students are also encouraged to choose a minor area of study within the computational and/or mathematics department. A Senior Seminar is also required before graduation.
#23. Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Lynchburg, Virginia
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $21,587
Total Points: 8
Liberty University is a private Christian university that offers a unique-to-our-list online B.S. in Computational Mathematics. The degree can be completed from anywhere in the world, at the online student’s own pace. Earning the degree requires completion of 120 credit hours, and coursework includes:
- Matrix and Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Statistical Analysis, to name but three.
#22. Kennesaw State University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics w/ concentration in Computational and Applied Mathematics
Kennesaw, Georgia
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $6,436 (in-state), $17,690 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 8
Kennesaw State University offers a brand new B.S. in Mathematics degree that allows students to choose to concentrate in computational mathematics. Students complete 18 credit hours of coursework specific to their chosen concentration. These classes include:
- Mathematical Modeling
- Complex Analysis
- Linear Algebra II
A total of 120 credit hours are required to earn the full B.S. in Mathematics from Kennesaw.
#21. Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Computation
Boone, North Carolina
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $7,410 (in-state), $22,217 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 9
Appalachian State University offers a B.S. in Mathematics Computation as part of its Department of Mathematical Sciences. Earning this degree requires the completion of coursework covering such topics as:
- math
- statistics
- economics
- operations research
- computational chemistry
Students also have the option of taking graduate-level courses during their senior year in order to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years.
#20. Bowie State University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics w/ a Concentration in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Bowie, Maryland
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $8,444 (in-state), $19,136 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 9
Bowie State University offers a B.S. in Mathematics with a concentration in Applied and Computational Mathematics. The degree program prepares students for career success, and to provide them with a solid foundation for graduate school. Earning this degree requires completing 120 to 125 credit hours, which includes 27 to 30 credits of undergraduate core curriculum. Potential courses include:
- Applied Cryptography
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Discrete Structures, to name but three.
#19. Missouri Southern State University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Joplin, Missouri
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $9,694 (in-state), $13,928 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 9
Missouri Southern State University offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Earning this degree requires that students complete 120 credit hours. Potential coursework includes:
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Networks
- Introduction to Advanced Calculus, to name but three
Those who enter the degree program as an Honors student will also attend various seminars throughout the program.
#18. University of California, Davis
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Scientific Computation
Davis, California
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $14,597 (in-state) $44,351 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 10
U.C. Davis, located near Sacramento, offers a B.S. in Mathematical and Scientific Computation. Students begin major-specific coursework right from their first year on campus, beginning with:
- calculus
- abstract math
- computer programming
There are two concentration options from which to choose: Computation and Mathematics or Computational and Mathematical Biology. An undergraduate thesis is also required before graduation. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks U.C. Davis in the top 100 best global universities for studying math.
#17. New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Old Westbury, New York
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $39,760
Total Points: 10
New York Institute of Technology, located about one hour east of New York City, offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics. The 120-credit degree program includes, among others, coursework in:
- numerical methods
- linear algebra
- numerical optimization
Students completing this degree may choose between two concentration options: Mathematical Modeling or Scientific Computation.
#16. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Daytona Beach, Florida
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $37,964
Total Point: 10
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Students pursuing this degree may choose between two tracks: Data Science or Engineering Applications. In either case, students receive “a solid foundation in the application of mathematics across disciplines that require quantitative analysis.” Earning the degree requires completing 120 credits of coursework.
#15. Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematical Sciences
Tempe, Arizona
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338 (in-state), $29,428 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 10
Arizona State University offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematical Sciences that’s available both online and on campus in Tempe. Most students pursuing this 120-credit degree are able to start on math and computer science courses from their first semester. Required classes include, among others:
- Principles of Programming
- Modern Differential Equations
- Advanced Calculus
Quite a few advanced science and research courses are included on the major map, and students also have access to some internship opportunities before graduation.
#14. University of Illinois at Chicago
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science
Chicago, Illinois
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $14,098 (in-state), $28,448 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 10
University of Illinois at Chicago offers a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credit hours of coursework, 81-82 of which are in major-specific courses. Potential classes include, among others:
- Computer Algorithms
- Programming Tools and File Management
- Graph Theory
Even some undergraduate core requirements, such as Writing for Mathematics, are tailored towards math and computer science.
#13. West Chester University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics w/ concentration in Computational Mathematics
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $10,471 (in-state), $22,295 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 10
West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a B.S. in Mathematics program in which students can choose to concentrate in Computational Mathematics. The bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours of coursework. Potential classes include, among others:
- The Nature of Mathematics
- Applied Statistics
- Computer Algebra
Through selected coursework, students also gain experience in business writing.
#12. Marquette University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $45,666
Total Points: 11
Marquette University offers a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. From their very first semester on campus, students learn from professors who are themselves principal investigators in bio-mathematical research. In addition to courses like Numerical Analysis and System Modeling, students pursuing the computational mathematics degree from Marquette also participate in internships and paid co-ops.
#11. Western Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Danbury, Connecticut
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $11,781 (in-state), $25,185 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 11
Western Connecticut State University offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics. Students pursuing this degree may choose from three concentration options:
- Mathematics of Data Science and Machine Learning
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Differential Equations and Scientific Computing
Regardless of their choice of concentration, students must complete 120 credit hours of coursework ranging from Probability to Ethics in Computing. Before graduation, students must also complete a senior seminar and submit a project, thesis, or internship hours.
#10. Michigan State University
Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics
East Lansing, Michigan
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $14,460 (in-state), $39,766 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 12
U.S. News & World Report ranks Michigan State University as one of the top 100 best universities in the world at which to study mathematics. Students at MSU have the option of pursuing a B.S. in Computational Mathematics. Earning the degree requires completing 120 credits of courses such as Introduction to Algebraic Coding and Numerical Analysis. Before graduation, a Mathematics Capstone is also required.
#9. University of Washington, Seattle
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Math Sciences
Seattle, Washington
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $11,745 (in-state), $39,114 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 12
U.S. News & World Report ranks University of Washington in Seattle as the 22nd best college in the world for studying mathematics. The university offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Math Sciences. Students pursuing this degree have their choice of seven different concentration options. Three of these options include:
- Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis
- Discreet Mathematics and Algorithms
- Data Science and Statistics.
#8. University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Los Angeles, California
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $60,275
Total Points: 13
University of Southern California (USC) is currently ranked by U.S. News & World Report has the 123rd best university in the world at which to study mathematics. The university offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics. To earn this degree, students must complete a series of pre-major requirements, mathematics courses, and computing courses. A Bachelor of Arts in Applied and Computational Mathematics is also offered.
#7. University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics
Notre Dame, Indiana
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $57,699
Total Points: 13
Top-ranked University of Notre Dame offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics. Earning this degree requires completing 130 credit hours. Students begin working on major-specific coursework from their first semester on campus. Among the courses are:
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Scientific Computing
- Mathematical/Comp Modeling in Neuroscience
Students may also choose to concentrate their bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences.
#6. University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics of Computation
Los Angeles, California
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $13,249 (in-state), $43,003 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 14
UCLA consistently ranks as one of the top institutions in the world, and its reputation for computational mathematics is no exception. Indeed, U.S. News & World Report ranks UCLA as the 12th best university in the world for math. The university offers a B.S. in Mathematics of Computation. Earning the degree requires 13 pre-major courses and 14 major-specific courses.
#5. Rutgers University, Camden
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Camden, New Jersey
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $15,003 (in-state), $31,785 (out-of-state)
Total Points: 14
The Rutgers University in Camden offers a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics through its highly respected Department of Mathematical Sciences. Students complete 57 credits of major-specific coursework. Three of the many classes offered are:
- Object Oriented Programming
- Statistical Models
- Introduction to Functions of a Complex Variable.
#4. Brigham Young University
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Provo, Utah
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $5,970
Total Points: 14
Brigham Young University (BYU) offers its students the option of earning a B.S. in Applied and Computational Mathematics. Completing this degree requires 70-75 credit hours of coursework. Among the classes offered are:
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Algorithm Design and Optimization
- Modeling with Dynamics and Control
During the summer between their junior and senior years, students are also encouraged to participate in an internship.
#3. Brown University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics w/ a concentration in Computer Science
Providence, Rhode Island
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $60,696
Total Points: 15
Ivy League Brown University offers a B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Computer Science. The degree is considered a Professional Track, and uniquely prepares students to begin their careers shortly after graduation. In addition to the credit hours for earning the degree, students are also required to participate in two summer internships related to applied mathematics and computer science.
Computational mathematics students at Brown University are sure to benefit from the school’s incredible 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Brown as the 32nd best university in the world at which to study mathematics.
#2. Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences w/ a concentration in Computational and Applied Mathematics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $58,810
Total Points: 15
Carnegie Mellon University offers a B.S. in Mathematical Sciences with a concentration in Computational and Applied Mathematics. The degree program follows a set schedule of courses, though there is flexibility for students who have completed AP work and/or who intend to continue on to graduate school. Coursework includes Matrix Theory and Algebraic Structures.
Students at Brown benefit from a 5:1 student/faculty ratio. U.S. News & World Report currently ranks Carnegie Mellon as the 66th best university in the world for the study of mathematics.
#1. California Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Pasadena, California
Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $56,862
Total Points: 15
Top-ranked CalTech offers an undergraduate major in Applied and Computational Mathematics that provides students with both a thorough training in the subject and the opportunity to develop subject-specific research skills. Most students begin major-specific coursework during their second year of college.
Required classes include Classical Analysis and Introduction to Probability Models. A technical seminar is required before graduation. Students are encouraged to both double major and study abroad.
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