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Mathematics

Career Information

Often, when discussing a major in mathematics, many students (and parents) will ask, “What can you do with a mathematics degree?” In part, this question is difficult to answer since most students with a mathematics degree often do not take jobs with titles of "mathematician." Rather, mathematics graduates entering the business, industrial, or governmnet sectors are often hired as analysts with such titles as business, computer, financial, numerical, and research analyst.

Below are listed a few resources for those interested in exploring the possible careers for those with mathematics degrees.

(*) The Careers Page maintained by the Mathematical Association of America.
(*) The Careers Section of the Undergraduate Mathematics Majors Resource Page maintained by the American Mathematical Society.
(*) The Careers in Mathematics Video put out by the American Mathematical Society.
(*) 101 Careers in Mathematics, 2nd Edition, Andrew Sterrett, ed., Mathematical Association of America, Washington DC, 2003.

Career counseling is offered by academic advisors and faculty. Sample programs help students majoring in mathematics to plan their programs in accordance with their career objectives, and the Department of Mathematics sponsors career nights when alumni and others share their knowledge of careers which use mathematics.

For students interested in careers in Secondary Mathematics Teaching, Actuarial Science, or Statistics, please see our corresponding web pages which can be found on our Undergraduate Programs page.

Employment of graduates is a serious concern of department advisors and faculty members. Data show that graduates have a high placement rate in education, business, industry, and government. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians can expect favorable employment opportunities as actuaries, operations research analysts, statisticians, and computer systems analysts during the coming decade