Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics and Computer Science: Explore My Major Heading link
Mathematics and Computer Science Heading link
The Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science (MSCS) at UIC is a Top 50 world-ranked research program spanning a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics education. Mathematics is an excellent doorway to a future of possibilities. Employers are eager for applicants that have solid analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, as well as advanced technical training and an understanding of the role that “big data” plays in today’s complex society.
MSCS, an AMS Group I Mathematics department, offers undergraduate and graduate programs. At the undergraduate level, students may pursue a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. The program is designed for those who seek careers in computer science and/or computer related fields requiring a strong mathematical background. The program fosters the development of logical and analytical thinking and is designed to provide a basic foundation for students looking to join the forefront of computing.
MSCS faculty have research interests spanning theoretical computer science, discrete math, combinatorics, numerical analysis, machine learning, and optimization. The department has eight active National Science Foundation Career awardees! The awards are among the Foundation’s most prestigious and celebrate faculty for their commitment to serving as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.
See how other students found their fit below with this major!
Alumni Highlights Heading link
Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their Mathematics and Computer Science major to a professional path!
- Advisory Associate in Cybersecurity, PwC
- Bank Examiner, Office of the Comptroller of Currency
- Mathematical Ecologist, UCSC Computational Media
- Provider Database Coordinator, Ann and Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
- Quantitative Trader, TransMarket Group
- Senior Manager, Discover Financial Services
- Site Support Specialist, Duff & Phelps
- Software Developer, Deublin
- Software Engineer, Cisco Systems
- Support Engineer, Aceyus
- Technical Support Associate, Metra Rail
Unique Skills and Competencies Heading link
In addition to the foundation set of skills and competencies you will gain in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your Mathematics and Computer Science major. Review the list below to learn more:
- Problem solving in a variety of settings
- Applying logical thinking to real world problems
- Understanding and describing phenomenon that at first might seem random
- Interpreting and analyzing data
- Learning to argue effectively and rigorously
- Familiarity with state of the art computational tools and programming languages
Industry Clusters Heading link
There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other Mathematics and Computer Science majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?
- Actuarial Science
- Banking, Business, and Finance
- Biomathematics
- Digital Communications
- Education
- Engineering and Technology
- Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
- Health Care and Health Systems
- Manufacturing
- Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
- Operations Research
- Social Services
Meet Tim Gietl! Heading link
“In an increasingly automated world, I believe that having strong computer science & programming skills will provide a strong edge in future employment opportunities and ability to add value in my career. I found that the major allowed me to learn more about the areas of math and computer science that I cared most about, such as statistical modeling, applied mathematics, and algorithms.”
Meet Jacob Krol! Heading link
“This major allows me to choose my path, whether it me in a field of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, or computer science. This versatility is crucial, I believe, to keeping students engaged and allowing them to choose courses that best fit their future.”