Mathematics is a large field that applies to many different things such as airline flights, home loans, and building construction. A bachelor degree in mathematics is the typical minimum requirement for careers in mathematics fields. Mathematical concepts can also be applied to many other professions and a mathematics degree opens the door to many job opportunities. Online mathematics degrees provide students with a broad mathematics education focusing on the core mathematical concepts. Students typically choose a mathematical specialty, but can usually transfer to many different career areas. Read more about online mathematics degree programs.
Some Stats
In 2006, there were 827 associate degrees conferred in mathematics. There were also 14,954 bachelor, 4,884 master, and 1,351 doctorate degrees conferred in mathematics and statistics with 13,146 bachelor, 2,680 master, 866 doctorate degrees in general mathematics and 894 bachelor, 524 master, and 164 doctorate degrees in applied mathematics (1). In 2006, mathematicians held 3,000 jobs and many people with backgrounds in mathematics worked in other fields. For example, postsecondary mathematical science teachers held 54,000 jobs (2).
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for jobs in mathematics varies greatly on discipline and position, but employment of mathematicians is projected to grow as fast as average for all professions from 2006 to 2016, increasing by 10% and adding 300 new jobs (2). The average annual salary for mathematicians with less than 1 year experience is between $41,164 and $61,109 (3).
Specialties
Mathematics is a large field with many different areas. Students interested in a mathematics career can select from a wide variety of specializations. Mathematics specializations include algebra, geometry, number theory, analysis, applied mathematics, logic, combinations, topology, statistics, fractals, dynamical systems, probability, operations research, mathematical programming, mathematical physics, computations, intervals, inverse problems, and linear equations. There are many possibilities and students interested in a particular specialty should choose a school that has a strong program that concentrates on that area.
What to Expect
Many individuals who purse mathematics careers have a bachelor degree in a specific mathematical specialty. All undergraduate mathematics degree programs include a solid background in general education courses in the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities. Mathematics degree programs focus on numbers and applying them in a variety of different ways. Coursework varies by discipline, but most areas require courses in mathematical concepts, mathematical principles, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, analysis, and physics. Graduate degrees prepare students for teaching and research positions.
The End Result
An undergraduate degree in mathematics gives graduates a variety of career options. Mathematics is an important concept that is essential in many different areas so mathematics graduates work in many different fields such as finance, operations research, healthcare, accounting, business, and physics. Careers for mathematics degree graduates include:
- Mathematician
- Actuary
- Statistician
- Operations Researcher
- Math Teacher
- Programmer
- Risk Analyst
- Healthcare Consultant
- Mathematical Modeler
- Mathematical Numerical Analyst
- Visualization Developer
A mathematics career will be rewarding for individuals who enjoy working with numbers, applying mathematical principles to every day problems, and finding new solutions to existing problems. Graduates of mathematics degree programs use their strong educational background and apply to their careers.
(1) SOURCE: U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics
(2) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition
(3) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report