Algorithms are just number manipulation. While not all mathematics is algorithms, it could be debated that all algorithms are math - and people who are strong in one subject are usually strong in both, since mathematics and programming draw upon the same talents of logic and spatial thinking.

I'm sure anyone with a degree in mathematics would be able to learn Perl and mySQL to an adequate level within a week or two. Perl isn't really a difficult language to program in, as long as you aren't trying to write CPAN-level modules.