Should I Get a Computer Science Degree If I'm Bad at Math?

The need for computer scientists continues to rise as society becomes reliant on technology. Many students are considering pursuing computer science degrees, but a computer science degree isn't just about using computers. Studying computer science includes multiple related disciplines, including high-level math. For a lot of people, careers that use less math are preferred. You might wonder if computer science is the right career, especially if you don't love math.

Mathematics is an essential component of a computer science major making it a major that isn't right for everyone. If you don't like math, computer science might not be a viable degree program for you.

Is a Computer Science Degree Suitable for Someone With Limited Math Skills?

If you have limited math skills, but are willing to learn and work at it, you could still make a good computer science student. Math requirements are a major part of computer science and you'll be using math daily in real-world applications of your education.

Some of the most common math classes that a computer science study will take include:

• Multivariable Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Statistics and Data Science
• Discrete Mathematics
• Differential Equations
• Trigonometry
• Graph Theory

Ultimately, you need to ask yourself 'Am I bad at math or do I just not like it?' If you don't like math, you probably should consider other degree options, even other branches of information technology. Even though math can never be truly avoided in life, especially in a technology-based field, some careers within information technology will have less math than others.

Computer programming is a math-heavy field of study and career path. If you think you're bad at math but are passionate about pursuing a degree in computer science, there are several steps you can take to achieve your goals, despite your perceived weakness.

Tips for Improving Your Math Skills for a Computer Science Degree

Being bad at math is something you can change. You won't be able to avoid math, because math and science courses are essential prerequisites to computer science courses. Instead, consider taking multiple steps to improve your skills and become more comfortable.

Use Online Resources

Start with online resources, from forums to tutorial videos, the internet has no shortage of mathematics teaching tools. Many of these tools are free, meaning you can get the help you need without spending any money. There are many tools for mathematicians, but you'll probably benefit most from resources that relate directly to computer science if you can find them. You can even find practice tests and exams that you can take to identify subject weaknesses to work on and practice. Consider enrolling in free mathematics courses as a supplement to your formal classes. Even though you'll be increasing the amount of math work you must complete, this added practice could be beneficial.

Find a Math Tutor

If online resources aren't providing you with the help you need, you might want to reach out to a math tutor. Start by talking to officials at your school, they can probably connect you with the contact information you need for an adult or fellow student tutor. Some schools include free tutor programs, which is best to avoid additional costs. You might even be able to talk to some of your classmates and set up informal tutoring sessions with people you know and like. There are even online tutors if all else fails. Finding someone who can explain the concepts to you is an important step to becoming better at math.

Collaborate With Professors

Your professors want you to succeed, no matter how tough they or their class is. Talk to your professors to get insight into your work and the material. Many college professors have office hours where they meet with students to discuss their course's material. Take advantage of this and try to learn from your professors whenever possible. You also should take advantage of class time, as well. Asking questions during lectures or study sessions can help you address weaknesses or insecurities more quickly than waiting until you're working on homework alone.

Practice Consistently

Very few people who are good at math got that way by accident. Most have put in long years of practice and work to develop their skills. Basic math courses are a common part of the elementary to high school curriculum. However, you may want to practice more to enhance any skills you picked up before you began university courses. In a computer science program, you'll encounter more advanced math like discrete math used in algorithms and other software development.

Explore Math in Programming

Most math courses students take throughout their lives are math-focused, making it harder for students to form a connection with the subject matter. Try looking at your math classes through the lens of computer science. Learning the real-world applications of your math courses can help you connect differently with the material. In a program like computer science, math is inescapable, and finding new ways to see and work within the space is crucial.

Are Good Math Skills Required for a Computer Science Career?

Good math skills are required for a career in computer science, but the job is more than just doing calculations. Computer engineering and development is built around programming languages and programmers must understand advanced math to use these languages fully.

Algorithms particularly are essentially giant math equations used for high-speed problem solving and identification. If you stop at college algebra or a similar level of mathematics, you won't perform some of these advanced calculations needed for software engineering. Algorithms have been used in many forms of computing, they are becoming more complicated with the rise of machine learning.

Programming isn't just about making your programs work, though. Cybersecurity is a rapidly expanding subsection of computer science that uses an advanced math called cryptography. Cryptography protects data across networks, and proper encryption requires high math understanding.

It's important to remember that even if you're not good at math right now, that doesn't mean you can't become better. You must improve your math skills if you have a passion for computer science. Work with your fellow students, tutors, professors, and online resources to help identify your weaknesses and begin working to become a stronger computer scientist.