What Can I Do with a Math Degree?

What Can I Do with a Math Degree?

An undergraduate major in mathematics is good preparation for a variety of careers, many of which make no special use of mathematics itself, but do require the ability to reason carefully and express oneself clearly. Listed below are careers that make explicit use of undergraduate training in mathematics, followed by suggested choices of upper level course work for individuals with these career goals.

Actuary

An actuary works in the insurance industry on problems associated with insurance rates. The profession is closely regulated, and advancement through the actuarial ranks is achieved by passing a series of tests administered by the Society of Actuaries. The first five tests measure knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, statistics, numerical analysis, and operations research. Resource: Society of Actuaries.

The following courses are helpful in preparing for these tests: :

• Numerical Analysis 514, 515, 516
• Applied Math Practicum 517
• Linear Programming 524, 525
• Non-linear Optimization 526
• PDE & Fourier Analysis 553, 554
• Numerical Methods in applied Math 561
• Calculus of Variations 583

Applied Mathematician

In industry mathematicians work with specialists from different disciplines to solve complex problems that are too broad in scope for engineers to tackle alone. To prepare for a possible career in applied mathematics outside of academia, build your program around the skills that employers need: breadth and depth in mathematics, computational skills, knowledge of a relevant area outside of mathematics, and problem-solving ability. Resources: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.

Typical courses required for a degree in applied math:

• Numerical Analysis 514, 515, 516
• Applied Math Practicum 517
• Linear Programming 524, 525
• Non-linear Optimization 526
• PDE & Fourier Analysis 553, 554
• Numerical Methods in applied Math 561
• Calculus of Variations 583

Pure Mathematician

Pure mathematicians work on abstract problems independent of any practical applications – they create new mathematics, build new mathematical structures, and unravel new mathematical patterns. Because it grows out of internal motivations to create, this aspect of mathematics is often likened to art. However, mathematical research developed without reference to real-world problems often ends up being extremely useful in practical situations. Pure mathematicians find employment at universities, government agencies such as the National Security Agency, or companies such as Bell Labs. Resource: American Mathematical Society

Courses central to pure mathematics are:

• Advanced Calculus 504, 505, 506
• Abstract Algebra 511, 512, 513

Secondary School Mathematics Teacher

Today there is an increasing need for secondary school teachers with excellent training in mathematics. As national leaders call for sweeping reforms in the way mathematics is taught, this is an exciting and challenging time to enter the mathematical education profession.

Math courses required for a degree in secondary education are:

• Introduction to Analysis 408, 409
• Introduction to Abstract Algebra 401, 402
• History of Mathematics 404
• Introduction to Geometry 406, 407

Statistician

Statistics deals with the problem of making inductive inferences in the face of uncertainty. It provides the reasoning and the methods for producing and understanding data. It is learning from data and includes collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting results. Statisticians identify patterns in data to understand it and make decisions in business and industry and in biological, physical, psychological, and social sciences. Statisticians provide the methodology for making important advances in medical and other scientific research arenas, and work at various tasks such as market research, opinion polling, survey management, data analysis, designing statistical experiments, and teaching statistical techniques and theories. Resource: American Statistical Society.

Typical courses required for a degree in statistics:

• Probability & Statistics 361, 362
• Mathematical Statistics 521, 522, 523
• Applied Statistical Inference 531
• Applied Regression Analysis 532
• Analysis of Variance 533
• SAS Programming 534
• Time Series 571

Other possibilities for careers in mathematics are Mathematical Biology, Management Science (Operations Research), Mathematics of Medicine, Mathematics of Finance, Etc. For more details about these and other careers in Mathematics students should visit the American Mathematical Society or contact our Undergraduate Program Director:

Dr. Tara L. Smith
Rm: 811-B Old Chem
Ph: 513-556-4048



About the Department Undergrad Studies What Can I Do With a Math Degree? The Mathematics Major Mathematics as a Second Major The Mathematics Minor Financial Aid / Scholarships Scholarships for Majors/Second Majors Internships McMicken College Requirements General Education Requirements Graduate Studies Research Faculty & Staff News & Events Alumni & Friends Course Information Statistical Consulting Mathematics Learning Center	What Can I Do with a Math Degree? An undergraduate major in mathematics is good preparation for a variety of careers, many of which make no special use of mathematics itself, but do require the ability to reason carefully and express oneself clearly. Listed below are careers that make explicit use of undergraduate training in mathematics, followed by suggested choices of upper level course work for individuals with these career goals. Actuary An actuary works in the insurance industry on problems associated with insurance rates. The profession is closely regulated, and advancement through the actuarial ranks is achieved by passing a series of tests administered by the Society of Actuaries. The first five tests measure knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, statistics, numerical analysis, and operations research. Resource: Society of Actuaries. The following courses are helpful in preparing for these tests: : • Numerical Analysis 514, 515, 516 • Applied Math Practicum 517 • Linear Programming 524, 525 • Non-linear Optimization 526 • PDE & Fourier Analysis 553, 554 • Numerical Methods in applied Math 561 • Calculus of Variations 583 Applied Mathematician In industry mathematicians work with specialists from different disciplines to solve complex problems that are too broad in scope for engineers to tackle alone. To prepare for a possible career in applied mathematics outside of academia, build your program around the skills that employers need: breadth and depth in mathematics, computational skills, knowledge of a relevant area outside of mathematics, and problem-solving ability. Resources: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Typical courses required for a degree in applied math: • Numerical Analysis 514, 515, 516 • Applied Math Practicum 517 • Linear Programming 524, 525 • Non-linear Optimization 526 • PDE & Fourier Analysis 553, 554 • Numerical Methods in applied Math 561 • Calculus of Variations 583 Pure Mathematician Pure mathematicians work on abstract problems independent of any practical applications – they create new mathematics, build new mathematical structures, and unravel new mathematical patterns. Because it grows out of internal motivations to create, this aspect of mathematics is often likened to art. However, mathematical research developed without reference to real-world problems often ends up being extremely useful in practical situations. Pure mathematicians find employment at universities, government agencies such as the National Security Agency, or companies such as Bell Labs. Resource: American Mathematical Society Courses central to pure mathematics are: • Advanced Calculus 504, 505, 506 • Abstract Algebra 511, 512, 513 Secondary School Mathematics Teacher Today there is an increasing need for secondary school teachers with excellent training in mathematics. As national leaders call for sweeping reforms in the way mathematics is taught, this is an exciting and challenging time to enter the mathematical education profession. Math courses required for a degree in secondary education are: • Introduction to Analysis 408, 409 • Introduction to Abstract Algebra 401, 402 • History of Mathematics 404 • Introduction to Geometry 406, 407 Statistician Statistics deals with the problem of making inductive inferences in the face of uncertainty. It provides the reasoning and the methods for producing and understanding data. It is learning from data and includes collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting results. Statisticians identify patterns in data to understand it and make decisions in business and industry and in biological, physical, psychological, and social sciences. Statisticians provide the methodology for making important advances in medical and other scientific research arenas, and work at various tasks such as market research, opinion polling, survey management, data analysis, designing statistical experiments, and teaching statistical techniques and theories. Resource: American Statistical Society. Typical courses required for a degree in statistics: • Probability & Statistics 361, 362 • Mathematical Statistics 521, 522, 523 • Applied Statistical Inference 531 • Applied Regression Analysis 532 • Analysis of Variance 533 • SAS Programming 534 • Time Series 571 Other possibilities for careers in mathematics are Mathematical Biology, Management Science (Operations Research), Mathematics of Medicine, Mathematics of Finance, Etc. For more details about these and other careers in Mathematics students should visit the American Mathematical Society or contact our Undergraduate Program Director: Dr. Tara L. Smith Rm: 811-B Old Chem Ph: 513-556-4048