4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
MIT’s Course 18-C is an interdisciplinary program that combines the depth and logical rigor of mathematics with the practical applications of computer science. This degree equips students with a strong foundation in mathematical theory while developing the computational skills necessary for solving complex problems across industries such as technology, finance, data science, and research.
Core Curriculum Components:
Mathematics Core
18.01: Single Variable Calculus
18.02: Multivariable Calculus
18.03: Differential Equations
18.06: Linear Algebra
18.701: Algebra I or 18.100A/B: Real Analysis
Computer Science Core
6.100A: Introduction to Computer Science Programming in Python
6.1010: Fundamentals of Programming
6.1200[J]: Mathematics for Computer Science
6.1210: Introduction to Algorithms
Restricted Electives (choose from advanced topics in mathematics or computer science)
Examples may include:
18.701: Algebra I
18.100C: Real Analysis
6.1220[J]: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
6.3700: Introduction to Probability
Communication-Intensive Subject (CI-M)
Students must complete at least one CI-M course within the Department of Mathematics, such as:
18.100W: Real Analysis (CI-M version)
18.200W: Principles of Discrete Applied Mathematics
MIT’s Course 18-C strongly emphasizes experiential learning, integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world problem-solving. Students have numerous opportunities to apply their skills beyond the classroom through a variety of avenues:
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP): Students are encouraged to participate in research projects alongside MIT faculty and researchers, often contributing to cutting-edge advancements in fields such as cryptography, machine learning, optimization, and computational biology. UROP fosters mentorship, collaborative inquiry, and independent investigation, allowing students to explore research interests early in their academic journey.
Capstone Projects and Independent Studies: The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to undertake independent study courses or project-based experiences, tailored to their academic and career goals. These projects enable students to delve deeper into specialized areas, integrating advanced mathematical theory with practical computing applications.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Given MIT’s collaborative academic culture, students in Course 18-C frequently work across departments—including electrical engineering, economics, biology, and mechanical engineering—applying computational and mathematical approaches to diverse challenges.
Competitions and Hackathons: Course 18-C students often participate in national and international competitions such as the Putnam Mathematical Competition, ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest, and MIT-hosted hackathons. These experiences sharpen problem-solving skills under pressure while fostering teamwork and innovation.
Internships and Industry Partnerships: MIT’s global reputation facilitates access to competitive internship opportunities with leading technology firms, financial institutions, research labs, and startups. Many Course 18-C students gain hands-on industry experience during the summer or academic year, working in roles that blend software development, data science, and quantitative analysis.
Graduates of MIT’s Mathematics and Computer Science (Course 18-C) program are exceptionally well-positioned for a wide range of professional and academic pathways. Employers highly value the program’s combination of analytical rigor, computational expertise, and problem-solving versatility.
Career Prospects Include:
Software Engineering and Development: Designing, building, and optimizing software systems across industries such as technology, healthcare, defense, and aerospace.
Data Science and Machine Learning: Developing predictive models, analyzing large-scale datasets, and implementing AI-driven solutions in sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
Quantitative Finance: Applying mathematical modeling and algorithmic strategies in roles such as quantitative analyst, risk manager, or algorithmic trader at investment banks, hedge funds, or fintech firms.
Cybersecurity and Cryptography: Developing secure systems, encryption protocols, and cybersecurity defenses for government agencies and private-sector organizations.
Operations Research and Optimization: Designing and optimizing complex systems and processes in logistics, supply chain management, and industrial operations.
Many graduates pursue advanced studies in highly competitive graduate programs in mathematics, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, economics, or computational science. Alumni frequently enroll in top-tier Ph.D. or master’s programs to deepen their expertise or pivot into interdisciplinary research fields such as bioinformatics, computational neuroscience, or financial engineering.
Beyond technical roles, Course 18-C also cultivates transferable skills in logical reasoning, structured problem solving, and quantitative analysis, opening doors to consulting, product management, public policy, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Overall, Course 18-C graduates emerge as adaptable, analytical thinkers prepared to lead in an increasingly data-driven, technologically complex world—whether in academia, research, industry, or beyond.
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