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What are career pathways for those who want to major in mathematics?
I want to major in mathematics and I'm interested in the career pathways after acquiring a bachelor's degree.
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6 answers
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Andrew’s Answer
Mathematics is the language of science and technology. It is a door-opener to many disciplines and career paths.
Many people pick a discipline in science or technology and minor in mathematics. The mathematical training will add value to the specific discipline they choose.
On the other hand, a major in mathematics would pave your way to advanced degrees, from MS to PhD, in mathematics or other related fields such as computer science, data science, and statistics.
Many people pick a discipline in science or technology and minor in mathematics. The mathematical training will add value to the specific discipline they choose.
On the other hand, a major in mathematics would pave your way to advanced degrees, from MS to PhD, in mathematics or other related fields such as computer science, data science, and statistics.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Helen
Updated
anvitha’s Answer
Choosing to major in mathematics opens up a many career pathways. With a bachelor's degree, you could work in fields such as data analysis, actuarial science, or become a statistician. Alternatively, getting a master's or PhD could lead to a career in academia, research, or even applied mathematics in industries like finance or technology. With a mathematics degree, you have the opportunity to explore various sectors. It is important to network, intern, and gain experience as this will give you more clarity on what sector you would like to move into.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Helen
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Helen,
Exploring Career Avenues for Mathematics Graduates
Actuarial Science
As a mathematics graduate with a solid foundation in probability and statistics, you could consider a career as an actuary. Actuaries employ mathematical models to evaluate the financial implications of risk, especially in the insurance sector. To become an actuary, you will need to secure certification from either the Casualty Actuarial Society or the Society of Actuaries, which involves passing a series of tests.
Data Science
Data science is another profession well-suited to mathematics graduates. Data scientists apply mathematical and statistical methods to scrutinize large data sets and draw insights. This field demands a robust understanding of mathematics, coupled with programming abilities and familiarity with data analysis tools.
Mathematics Education
If teaching appeals to you, you might want to explore a career as a mathematics educator. Mathematics teachers are employed at elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities. To become a mathematics teacher, you will need to secure a teaching certification or license, usually involving completion of a teacher preparation program.
Operations Research
Operations research is a discipline that leverages mathematical models to aid organizations in making informed decisions. Operations researchers operate in diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, using mathematical methods like optimization, simulation, and queuing theory to dissect complex systems and devise problem solutions.
Research Mathematics
If you're inclined towards a career in research mathematics, you will need to pursue a postgraduate degree in mathematics. Research mathematicians are employed in academia, government, and industry, utilizing mathematical theory and methods to resolve intricate problems and further our comprehension of mathematics.
Statistician
Statisticians employ mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data and interpret outcomes. They are employed across various industries, including healthcare, government, and finance. Statisticians might work on tasks related to survey design, data analysis, or predictive modeling. To become a statistician, you will need a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.
Suggested Reading:
1. Careers in Mathematics: A Student’s Guide by Lee Sigelman and Donald Smalligan
2. A Career in Mathematics: What Can You Do With A Degree In Mathematics? by Steven Krantz
3. Mathematics Careers: Opportunities in the Mathematical Sciences by Andrew Sterrett
Best wishes,
James Constantine.
Exploring Career Avenues for Mathematics Graduates
Actuarial Science
As a mathematics graduate with a solid foundation in probability and statistics, you could consider a career as an actuary. Actuaries employ mathematical models to evaluate the financial implications of risk, especially in the insurance sector. To become an actuary, you will need to secure certification from either the Casualty Actuarial Society or the Society of Actuaries, which involves passing a series of tests.
Data Science
Data science is another profession well-suited to mathematics graduates. Data scientists apply mathematical and statistical methods to scrutinize large data sets and draw insights. This field demands a robust understanding of mathematics, coupled with programming abilities and familiarity with data analysis tools.
Mathematics Education
If teaching appeals to you, you might want to explore a career as a mathematics educator. Mathematics teachers are employed at elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities. To become a mathematics teacher, you will need to secure a teaching certification or license, usually involving completion of a teacher preparation program.
Operations Research
Operations research is a discipline that leverages mathematical models to aid organizations in making informed decisions. Operations researchers operate in diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance, using mathematical methods like optimization, simulation, and queuing theory to dissect complex systems and devise problem solutions.
Research Mathematics
If you're inclined towards a career in research mathematics, you will need to pursue a postgraduate degree in mathematics. Research mathematicians are employed in academia, government, and industry, utilizing mathematical theory and methods to resolve intricate problems and further our comprehension of mathematics.
Statistician
Statisticians employ mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data and interpret outcomes. They are employed across various industries, including healthcare, government, and finance. Statisticians might work on tasks related to survey design, data analysis, or predictive modeling. To become a statistician, you will need a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics.
Suggested Reading:
1. Careers in Mathematics: A Student’s Guide by Lee Sigelman and Donald Smalligan
2. A Career in Mathematics: What Can You Do With A Degree In Mathematics? by Steven Krantz
3. Mathematics Careers: Opportunities in the Mathematical Sciences by Andrew Sterrett
Best wishes,
James Constantine.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Helen
Updated
Apurba’s Answer
Mathematics is an expansive and diverse field. It branches out into areas such as Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Computational Mathematics. Other specializations include Statistics, which focuses on data analysis and modeling, Operations Research, which deals with decision optimization, and Financial Mathematics, which centers on finance modeling and risk assessment. There's also Mathematical Biology that involves modeling biological phenomena like population dynamics, and more.
The path you choose in this vast field can shape your future career. After studying mathematics, there are numerous avenues you can explore. You could delve deeper into academia, engage in research, become a statistician, join the IT sector, venture into Fintech, or even work as a BioStatistician. It's important to note that there might be even more opportunities in this field that I may not be aware of. The world of mathematics is vast and constantly evolving, offering an array of exciting possibilities.
The path you choose in this vast field can shape your future career. After studying mathematics, there are numerous avenues you can explore. You could delve deeper into academia, engage in research, become a statistician, join the IT sector, venture into Fintech, or even work as a BioStatistician. It's important to note that there might be even more opportunities in this field that I may not be aware of. The world of mathematics is vast and constantly evolving, offering an array of exciting possibilities.
Thank you, Apurba for the advice.
Helen
Updated
Elise’s Answer
There have been a lot of great responses above to this question but also wanted to highlight that I paired a mathematics major with an accounting major and now am a certified public accountant. The field of public accounting is moving more and more towards data analytics as part of assessing risk associated with audits of financial statements and developing and using more advanced data analytics techniques as part of our tools to perform audit procedures. It's been a great use of my combined degrees.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Helen,
According to Indeed.com, here are some Top Careers with a Mathematics Degree:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-math-majors
- Meteorologist
- Mathematics Teacher
- Purchasing Agent
- Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Insurance Underwriter
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Cost Estimator
- Financial Planner
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a list of the Best Global Universities for Mathematics in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/united-states/mathematics
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Columbia University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Washington (Seattle)
- New York University
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
While in high school, one will need to focus on math classes to prepare for a college degree in Mathematics. Advanced Placement (AP) math classes in high school will count as course credits in college. Here is a list of high school math classes to take:
- Algebra 1 and Algebra 2
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus and Calculus
These high school math classes will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc. Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mathematics. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mathematics.
Best wishes for your education and future career in Mathematics!
According to Indeed.com, here are some Top Careers with a Mathematics Degree:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-for-math-majors
- Meteorologist
- Mathematics Teacher
- Purchasing Agent
- Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Insurance Underwriter
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Cost Estimator
- Financial Planner
According to U.S. News & World Report, here is a list of the Best Global Universities for Mathematics in the United States:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/united-states/mathematics
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Columbia University
- University of California (Los Angeles)
- University of Washington (Seattle)
- New York University
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
While in high school, one will need to focus on math classes to prepare for a college degree in Mathematics. Advanced Placement (AP) math classes in high school will count as course credits in college. Here is a list of high school math classes to take:
- Algebra 1 and Algebra 2
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Pre-Calculus and Calculus
These high school math classes will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc. Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mathematics. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mathematics.
Best wishes for your education and future career in Mathematics!