How vital are math skills for computer science?
An understanding of advanced mathematics is only required in a few specialized areas of computer science. However, a strong foundation in math is highly recommended for any computer science student.
Mathematical skills are strongly linked to and help develop problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, which are essential for computer scientists. Knowing algebra and calculus is not crucial to study computer science, though it does help. The more critical factor is the ability to define a problem precisely, break it down into smaller pieces, and then solve it logically. One of the best ways to learn this mindset is through mathematics.
On the other hand, cryptography, machine learning, scientific computing, and computer graphics all make extensive use of mathematical concepts such as discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and calculus. These are some of the most exciting and lucrative fields within computer science, and math skills are necessary to enter them.