According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for Mathematicians and Statisticians are expected to increase by 30% from 2018 to 2028. Thus, this line of work offers rewarding employment opportunities.
Studying Mathematics can help you develop your decision making, problem-solving, and logical thinking skills. Read this article to learn about some popular Mathematics degrees being offered in the U.S.
What Is Mathematics?
The science that deals with the logic of arrangement, quantity, and shape is called Mathematics. This discipline uses a variety of different approaches including basic arithmetic, calculus, and algebra.
What Can You Do with a Mathematics Degree?
After obtaining a Mathematics degree, individuals can work as Actuarial Analysts, Data Analysts, Investment Analysts, Statisticians, School Teachers, Research Scientists, and Financial Traders.
This section will give you a glimpse of what it is like being a Mathematics graduate. We will discuss different career options in this field and will share some interesting occupational data. The statistics given below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
These individuals apply statistical and mathematical techniques and analyze complex data to solve real-world problems in healthcare, engineering, business, or other fields. Some of their job duties include designing opinion polls, experiments, or surveys to collect data, developing statistical or mathematical models to analyze data, conducting analysis to improve and support business decisions, and developing new mathematical concepts, theories, and rules
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 |
$92,030 |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 |
30% |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$107,280 (Mathematicians) |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 |
California |
550 (Mathematicians) |
| State with the Highest Salary Level, 2019 |
District of Columbia |
$134,190 (Mathematicians) |
Postsecondary Teachers – Mathematical Science Teachers
These individuals teach courses beyond high school level. After completing a Mathematics degree, students can choose to start their careers as Postsecondary Mathematical Science Teachers. These instructors teach students courses related to actuarial science, statistics, and mathematical concepts. These teachers are not only involved in teaching but also engaged in conducting research.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 |
$73,690 |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 |
3% |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$86,330 |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 |
California |
5,460 |
| State with the Highest Salary Level, 2019 |
California |
$126,550 |
Actuaries
These professionals use financial theory, statistics, and mathematics to analyze the financial costs of uncertainty and risk. Some of their job duties include administering, testing, and designing pension plans, investments, policies, and other business strategies to maximize profitability and minimize risk. They mostly work for insurance companies.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 |
$108,350 |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 |
20% |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 |
$120,970 |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 |
New York |
2,330 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
New York |
$152,920 |
What to Expect from a Mathematics Degree?
The Associate of Science (A.S.) program in Mathematics teaches students how to perform mathematical procedures correctly and how to solve problems by applying different analytical methods. This program introduces students to a range of topics such as Linear Algebra, Calculus, and Discrete Mathematics.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics helps individuals obtain a firm grounding in mathematical principles and concepts. Some of the modules offered to students at the undergrad level include Introduction to Statistical Theory, Mathematical Statistics Theory, Regression Analysis, Differential Equations, and Design of Experiments.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Mathematics or Master of Science (MSc.) in Mathematical Research generally takes around two to three years to complete. The length of program completion varies from degree to degree. The curriculum of these degrees include basic courses in linear algebra, complex analysis, and real analysis, and also includes other fundamental courses such as differential equation and scientific computing.
Students can also pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Mathematical Sciences. This program prepares candidates for advanced research in Mathematical Sciences.
How to Choose a Mathematics Degree?
Before enrolling in a Mathematics degree, individuals should consider factors like, the reputation of the program, college ranking, the cost of the degree, duration of the program, course content, and accreditation status.
Mathematics Degree Requirements
To enroll in a Mathematics degree, applicants are required to send their high school/bachelor’s/master’s transcripts to the admissions office, along with their GRE/TOEFL scores (if required), motivation letter, recommendation letter/s, and an admissions application. The CGPA requirements usually vary from program to program.
You should check each program’s admission requirements before applying because the admission process and criteria vary from school to school.
