Mathematics
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Mathematics used to be one of the most popular college major options, but as more college majors have emerged--often heavily concentrated in mathematics to begin with--it has decreased in popularity. However, there is still a broad range of careers available for mathematics majors, from engineers to accountants, actuaries, and economists. Math teachers are also always in high demand. There are also careers available as mathematicians, which come in two types: applied mathematicians and pure mathematicians. An applied mathematician collaborates with engineers, chemists, or anyone else who is in need of complex mathematics assistance. These mathematicians must be able to solve real-life, practically applicable math problems. A pure mathematician usually works in academia, creating and contributing to new mathematical disciplines, solving complex theoretical problems, and work with patterns. Pure mathematicians are relatively rare and usually have doctoral degrees that allow them to work as professors.
Every mathematics major has to take courses that address both applied mathematics and pure mathematics, but they should tailor their curriculum as much as possible to reflect their own interests and career goals. All mathematicians must be extremely talented at math, and have mastered the basics of trigonometry, algebra, and calculus before beginning their college level studies. Being patient, detail oriented, and a self-starter with a strong work ethic is essential for mathematics careers. Pure mathematicians, especially, may dedicate years of their lives to working on a single complicated problem. Pure mathematicians must enjoy teaching, also, as most will teach college courses at some point in their careers.
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Career Specializations
- Applied Mathematics: Applied mathematics is the most popular option for math majors, as it involves working with numbers to solve difficult but practical problems. Applied mathematicians may work for engineering firms or can act as individual consultants, contracting their services to those who need mathematical assistance.
- Pure Mathematics: Pure mathematicians work primarily in theory. They choose to work with complex patterns and some of the most difficult problems in the history of mathematics. Their primary goal is not to create practical solutions and apply them in a real-world setting, but to expand the field of academic mathematics. Pure mathematicians usually work for research universities, and attend conferences around the world where they present their work and findings to other mathematicians.
- Statistics: Statisticians conduct surveys and collect statistical information, which they then interpret and apply to practical situations. Statistics professionals work in many different disciplines, ranging from politics to biology, and must be able to think logically and work accurately.
- Economics and Finance: Economists and financiers work, quite simply, with money. They track global economic trends to make predictions about the future of a nation's trade and commerce. Financiers help develop financial plans and make recommendations to individuals or companies about their financial futures.
- Teaching: Students in the United States struggle on the math segments of standardized tests more than they do in any other subject. Qualified teachers with innovative and motivating approaches to math education are always in high demand.
Degree Levels
- Associate Degree: 2 years to earn
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to earn
- Master's Degree: 2 years to earn
- Doctoral Degree: 4-5 years to earn
Education & Certification Requirements
Mathematicians must have, at the very minimum, a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Any mathematician interested in working in academia, whether as a professor or researcher, must plan on pursuing a doctoral degree from a top university. Applied mathematicians or other professionals should strongly consider a master's degree program, especially if they are planning on pursuing a competitive career.
The courses that a math major should expect to take include many different types of algebra, as this is one of the fundamental disciplines in all of mathematics. Courses in trigonometry, analytic geometry, calculus, multivariate calculus, introductory analysis, and differential equations. Once students reach the graduate level, a majority of their classes will be in their chosen area of study and will involve in-depth research.
There are many certification options available to math professionals. These certificates are not required for employment but can prove to be good options for anyone who is interested in networking or seeking employment. The American Mathematical Society is the most popular certifying organization, requiring a series of exams and completion of a degree. There are other available organizations that are more specialized, geared toward statisticians, applied mathematicians, engineers, or even women, minorities, or Europeans. (AMS)
Salary Information
Truly qualified mathematicians are rare, so they are paid accordingly. The average annual earnings of mathematicians equals about $95,150. Those who work for the federal government usually earn over $100,000 per year. (BLS)
Job Outlook
Employment of mathematicians is expected to grow about 22 percent by 2018, a number that is significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the growing reliance on technology. However, these high paying careers will remain competitive. (BLS)
Related Careers
There are many careers that require employees to be adept at working with numbers. For example, a person who loves math may become an accountant. Accountants help companies or individuals manage their money, by keeping track of their budgets and keeping financial records. Accountants are most in-demand around tax season, as they can help file tax returns. Financiers similarly enjoy working with numbers, and may also help design and maintain budgets for individuals or companies. Finance professionals keep track of the state of the economy, and give advice on everything from insurance to investments. Successful financiers can command high salaries. Economists are similar to both accountants and financiers, but tend to work as consultants on a larger scale, usually for government agencies. They may advise on various investment or taxation issues, helping decide where the government places its money to yield the greatest benefits. Economists also predict depressions, recessions, and recovery rates.
Engineering is a popular career choice for those who loved math classes in high school, and want to continue to study math as college students, but do not want to make it their major. Engineers come with many specialties, including mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and electrical engineering. Engineers do much more these days than just build bridges, but overall engineers command high salaries and enjoy their work. Of course, math majors always have the option of becoming secondary math teachers, as good teachers with math training are in high demand. Secondary teachers perform an essential job in today's world, and are highly respected for the work they do.
