Careers in Computational and Applied Mathematics

With a Master’s in Computational and Applied Mathematics (MCAM) from the University of Chicago, you’ll be prepared for impactful careers in science, technology, finance, and beyond. 

Students graduate from the MCAM program prepared to pursue professional careers in applied mathematics and computation—including data analysis, scientific computing, imaging, and many of today’s engineering fields—or to pursue applications to a PhD in computational and applied mathematics and other math-intensive applied sciences.

Careers in Applied Mathematics and Computation

Career outcomes in applied mathematics and computation are very strong. Math & data roles are among the fastest-growing U.S. careers through 2034 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Two graduates waving at the camera

MCAM alumni hold roles such as:

  • Data & ML: Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Data Analyst, ML Engineer, Experimentation/Causal Scientist, Geospatial DS, Bioinformatics.
  • Optimization & Operations Research: OR Analyst/Scientist, Optimization Engineer, Decision Scientist, Supply-Chain Scientist, Risk Modeler.
  • Scientific Computing: Computational Scientist, Numerical Analyst, HPC Engineer, Imaging/Inverse Problems Engineer, Energy/Climate Modeler.
  • Finance: Quantitative Analyst, Quantitative Developer, Trader.
  • Systems & Control: Software/Algorithm Engineer, Robotics & Control Systems Engineer.

PhD Programs

UChicago CAM graduates are also admitted to the best applied math PhD programs, as well as related doctoral programs in operations research, industrial engineering, finance, and other related areas. 

Recent alumni have gone on to positions as PhD students at UC Berkeley, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Stony Brook, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, the University of North Carolina, Michigan State University, UC Davis, the University of Southern California, the Booth School of Business at UChicago, the University of Michigan, the University of Utah, RPI, Washington University in St. Louis, UIUC, Northwestern University, and more.

Career Support Services

The Physical Sciences Division has a dedicated Career Services team to support graduate students and alumni in their academic and post-graduation careers.

  • GRADUCon: The university’s annual spring career conference for graduate students, postdocs, and recent graduate alumni. The event features a full day of career-themed panel discussions and informal networking opportunities.
  • STEM Master’s Career Fair: The STEM Master’s Career Fair supports UChicago master’s students who seek engineering or scientific research careers.
  • Career Advising: Explore jobs for master’s in applied mathematics and computation, get advice on job application materials, and network with others in your field.

Alumni Stories

Graduates waiting in line

Computational and applied mathematicians turn mathematical ideas into real-world impact—designing algorithms, analyzing systems, and developing solutions used by scientists, businesses, and policymakers alike. 

Read Alumni Stories

Launch Your Career in Applied Mathematics and Computation

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