What Can I Do With This Major

Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of relationships between numbers, structures and patterns. Courses encourage skill development in logic, analysis, abstract thinking and problem solving.

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Mathematics/Computational Science

Common Career Paths

  • Research:
    • Theoretical
    • Applied
  • Mathematical specialties:
    • Modeling and simulation
    • Numerical methods and analysis
    • Statistics and probability
    • Engineering analysis
    • Differential equations
    • Operations research
    • Discrete mathematics
  • Functional Areas Include:
    • Accounting and finance
    • Computer programming
    • Computer systems
    • Analysis operations
    • Sales and marketing management
    • Actuarial science
    • Engineering
    • Analysis and control of processes
    • Optimization and scheduling of resources

Employers

  • State government agencies
  • Federal government:
    • National Security Agency
    • Department of Defense
    • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    • Social Security Administration
    • Department of Homeland Security
    • Department of Energy
    • Military
    • Government laboratories
  • Scientific research and development services
  • Consulting firms
  • Computer services companies and software publishers
  • Electronics and computer manufacturers
  • Engineering firms
  • Insurance companies
  • Financial services firms
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical companies
  • Aerospace and transportation equipment manufacturers
  • Airlines and airports
  • Communications firms
  • Energy companies and petroleum producers
  • International government agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations (e.g., American Institute of Mathematics, Mathematical Association of America, American Mathematical Society)

Strategies

  • To work in applied mathematics, consider earning a double major in a scientific or technical area. Many students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in math work in related fields (e.g. computer science, engineering, science, or economics.
  • Some entry-level jobs in industry and government may be available at the bachelor’s level.
  • Develop substantial knowledge of computer programming and software administration. Seek experience with relevant software packages.
  • Learn to work well with a team of people from diverse backgrounds and differing technical specialties.
  • Gain experience in an area of interest through internships or research programs (e.g. those sponsored by National Science Foundation).
  • Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to gain graduate school admittance.
  • Plan to earn a doctoral degree to work as a mathematician.
  • Research government hiring processes and internship opportunities if the public sector appeals to you.

Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Higher education administration

Employers

  • Public and private K-12 schools
  • Universities and colleges

Strategies

  • Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
  • Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring.
  • Acquire appropriate state teacher certification for K-12 teaching opportunities. Math majors may be eligible for alternative certification programs in certain public school systems.
  • Private schools may hire candidates with degrees in mathematics who don’t hold certification.
  • Earn a doctoral degree in math to teach at four-year institutions. A master’s degree may be sufficient for two-year colleges.
  • Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations to prepare for graduate school. Assist a professor with research.
  • Seek appropriate graduate degree to enter higher education administration. Gain experience on campus in student leadership roles such as Resident Assistant or Orientation Leader.

Computers

Common Career Paths

  • Programming
  • Systems development
  • Systems analysis
  • Software development
  • Network administration
  • Web administration
  • Technical support
  • Training

Employers

  • Most areas of business:
    • Examples of areas of businesses:
      • Computer companies:
      • Computer services companies
      • Software publishers
      • Internet related companies
      • Consulting firms
  • Businesses that hire computer competence:
    • Financial & insurance companies
    • Manufacturers
    • Telecommunications companies
    • Retailers
    • Healthcare organizations
    • Hotels and restaurants
    • Entertainment companies
    • Environmental management firms
    • Education institutions
    • City, state, and federal government

Strategies

  • Develop substantial knowledge of computer programming and software administration.
  • Take classes to earn relevant certifications.
  • Gain related experience through internships, part- time positions, or summer jobs.
  • Work with campus information technology department or volunteer to develop/maintain the website for a student organization.
  • Learn effective listening and verbal communication skills and how to work well with end users.
  • Stay attuned with developments in computer technology.
  • Consider earning an advanced degree in computer science or management information systems, especially if interested in management.

Insurance

Common Career Paths

  • Actuarial Science
  • Risk management/Assessment
  • Loss management/Control
  • Underwriting

Employers

  • Insurance carriers
  • Insurance agents and brokers
  • Professional, scientific, and technical consulting firms
  • Government agencies

Strategies

  • Take additional courses in statistics and finance.
  • Complete an internship with an insurance agency to gain relevant experience.
  • Actuarial science is a good career path for those who want to extensively use math on the job.
  • Areas such as claims, underwriting, and risk management are less math-intensive. Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about various positions.
  • Develop strong communication skills, as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely.
  • Learn how to use statistical analysis software and various computer programming languages.
  • Plan to take a series of actuarial exams to gain licensure from either the Society of Actuaries or the Casualty Actuarial Society. The type of
    insurance you deal with will determine which path to pursue. Most actuaries take these exams while working full-time, and the process takes several years.
  • More than half of actuaries work for insurance carriers.

Banking and Finance

Common Career Paths

  • Corporate and consumer credit analysis
  • Commercial lending
  • Trust management
  • Capital services and mergers and acquisitions
  • Mortgage loans
  • Originations and packaging
  • Branch management
  • Operations
  • Cash management
  • Credit scoring and risk management
  • Private banking
  • Financial analysis
  • Investment banking

Employers

  • Regulatory agencies:
    • Federal Reserve
    • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
    • Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
    • Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS)
  • Commercial banks
  • Credit unions
  • Savings and loan associations
  • Savings banks
  • Mortgage banks
  • Captive finance companies
  • Brokerage firms

Strategies

  • Double major or minor in business to build a solid background in marketing, finance, and accounting.
  • Gain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions in a financial services firm.
  • Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.
  • Serve as the financial officer or treasurer of a student organization.
  • Plan to earn a graduate business degree to enter investment banking.
  • Be geographically flexible when job searching.

Other Business Areas

Common Career Paths

  • Sales:
    • Industrial sales
    • Consumer product sales
    • Financial services sales
    • Services sales
    • Advertising sales
    • E-commerce
    • Customer service
    • Sales management: District, regional, and higher
  • Buying
  • Purchasing

Employers

  • Retailers
  • Wholesalers
  • Hospitals
  • Universities and schools
  • Local, state, and federal government
  • For-profit and nonprofit organizations
  • Product and service organizations
  • Manufacturers
  • Financial companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Print and electronic media outlets
  • Software and technology companies
  • Internet companies

Strategies

  • Obtain experience through part-time, summer, or internship positions.
  • Seek leadership positions in campus organizations.
  • Become highly motivated and well-organized.
  • Develop strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Take additional courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
  • To prepare for a buying position, work in a retail store to learn about the industry.
  • Research certification options within the purchasing field.
  • For sales:
    • Work for the campus newspaper, directory, or radio station selling advertisements.
    • Learn to work well under pressure and to be comfortable in a competitive environment.
    • Prepare to work independently and to be self-motivated.
    • Plan to work irregular and/or long hours.

Getting Started and Advancing in Major

  • Math can be found in almost every sector of the world of work. Students majoring in math should consider if they want to use math skills directly or indirectly in the work place. This may determine the types of experiences and further education necessary to prepare for area of interest.
  • Math backgrounds may work in a variety of settings and jobs such as analyst, researcher/research assistant, technical consultant, computer scientist, or systems engineer.
  • Math majors develop many transferable skills including critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills. Other important skills to develop include good reasoning, persistence, and communication, both verbal and written.
  • Seek relevant experiences through internships, part-time, and summer positions.
  • Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased opportunities.
  • Consider earning a graduate degree in a related area such as statistics, computer science, science, business, engineering, or other integrated degrees. Some examples of specialties that utilize a background in math combined with study in another field include bioinformatics, computer animation and digital imaging, climatology, or financial mathematics.
  • Join relevant organizations and seek leadership roles. Learn to work well in a team environment.
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to enhance knowledge and make contacts.
  • Stay informed of new developments and current trends in the field.

Professional Associations

Related Resources

Occupational Outlook

Employment Opportunities