MathCareers

What can I do with a degree in Mathematics?

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences. Mathematics is also fun, challenging, and rewarding. It is logical yet creative. it is important for applications yet enjoyable in its own right. As you learn about mathematics, you will see that the logical structure of theorems, proofs, and classifications has a certain aesthetic appeal. Mathematics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences. Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve problems in economics, science, engineering, and business.

Education and Skills Needed

A bachelor's degree in mathematics is required. (Some jobs required a master's degree or higher.) A double major in mathematics and another related discipline is particularly desirable to many employers. The following additional experience is suggested:

Learn to program a computer and learn how to use mathematical symbolic manipulation packages, such as Mathematica, Maple, or MatLab.
Learn statistics.
Obtain some job experience, preferably in the summer following your junior year.

Example Occupations

Architect
Business Application Specialist
Civil Engineer
Computer Programmer
Database Administrator
Economist
Experimental Physicist
Financial Analyst
Industrial Designer
Industrial Researcher
Mathematican
Network Administrator
Statistician
Teacher

Types of Employers

Banks
Investment Firms
Business/Industry
Colleges/Universities
Engineering Firms
Insurance Agencies
Research and Development Firms
State/Federal Government
Schools (Public or Private)
Technical Journals
Utility Companies

Salary

The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported in 1999 that the average starting salary for a mathematics major with a bachelor's degree was $37,300 a year.

Organizations

Americal Mathematical Society
Americal Statistical Association
Mathematical Association of America
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics