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If you enjoy working your brain on complex problems that involve logic and critical thinking, pursuing higher education options after high school for a career in math can be lucrative.
Math professions routinely rank among the best-paid jobs nationwide and include exciting employment prospects like an actuary, statistician, mathematician, finance analyst, and much more.
Let's look at some of the potential career paths for individuals who want to pursue a math degree and the available mathematics degree options for them.
Pursuing A Career In Math
Most careers in math pertain to statistics and finance, where assessing risk and performing mathematical predictions are involved.
Candidates looking to make it big in this field must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities coupled with adequate interpersonal and communicational skills.
And prospective candidates can find many lucrative career opportunities if they dedicate the time and money to getting a math degree.
Math occupations are projected to become more in-demand in the coming decades, outpacing other potential vacancies by a hefty percentage.
Moreover, most fields are shifting towards digital data, which increases the demand for mathematicians, statisticians, and analysts.
Remember that a professional with a degree from the best mathematics universities can expect to earn a median annual salary of $90,000 or upwards.
However, the salary raked in by Math graduates is justified because they have to:
- Review complex data sets
- Analyze them
- Compile potential solutions out of them
And they are equipped to execute these tasks because a math education inculcates skill-based learning, training students to incorporate their education into real-world scenarios.
Math Career Paths
Professionals pursuing a degree in math have many prospective career paths to choose from. If a math career appeals to you, research the available math degrees, considering:
- The program duration
- The qualification requirements
- The overall cost
- The rankings
Furthermore, candidates must learn the skills needed to qualify for potential jobs in the field during their degree.
While entry-level jobs might require just an associate degree, those looking to climb the ranks must opt for an advanced degree in math.
To choose a suitable degree program, candidates should carefully research individual departments and the best math universities they can apply to.
You can find out the standard requirements of most math degrees by looking up local listings and advertisements or talking to career advisors and college counselors.
For those asking, "what can you do with a math degree?" read on to learn about your employment prospects:
Actuarial Science
Math students who specialized in actuarial science can expect to find jobs in:
- Insurance
- Statistics
- Risk analysis
Furthermore, the curriculum will include economics, property analytics, casualty analytics, and corporate finance.
However, most institutions will expect students to complete an internship and pass a certification exam before making an offer.
Information Systems
Students majoring in information systems are equipped to work in:
- Cybersecurity
- Software development
- Game development
The course curriculum will be based on information technology, computer languages, and network fundamentals.
But it is worth remembering that some programs may require a final year project.
Computer Science
Math students majoring in computer science tend to study technical and mathematical aspects of computer science and computer engineering. They can apply to vacancies in:
- Technical engineering
- Computer coding
- System Design
- Data Analysis
Through their study, students are expected to garner problem-solving skills and gain an understanding of data structures.
Statistics
Majors in statistics enables students to apply for jobs in:
- Data science
- Biostatistics
- Qualitative research
Courses in this field include linear algebra, probability, and advanced calculus. Although, specialized health care statistics programs might require students to study public health and epidemiology too.
Math Education
Candidates looking to follow a math career in teaching must complete the education requirements set by their state authorities.
This generally involves a master's or doctoral degree in math if they wish to teach in colleges and a teaching license to find employment in K-12 schools.
Degrees In Math
Having discussed the vacancies in math-related fields, let's talk about the different kinds of degrees one can apply for and how qualified they can make you for a math career:
Associate Degrees In Mathematics
An associate degree in math can grant you opportunities in education and accountancy. In addition to that, it can be a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree or future educational opportunities in math.
It also functions as a prerequisite for degrees in other related fields like statistical research, engineering, accounting, and computer science.
With an associate degree in hand, professionals can also start tutorship or teaching assistant jobs until they pursue a higher certification and qualify for the requirements of a math teaching license.
Bachelor's Degrees In Mathematics
A bachelor's in math grants students the opportunity to embark on a lucrative career in advanced fields like computer engineering, actuarial science, and data science.
It equips them to develop strong skills in logical reasoning, data analysis, and statistics.
Additionally, aspiring math teachers can work towards a bachelor's if they want to qualify for a state teaching license. It is not uncommon to find individuals who take this route to start their career in education.
As of present, there is a shortage of qualified maths teachers; hence, this formula is oft-repeated, and this degree remains popular.
This degree can grant students an advanced understanding of the subject and qualifies them for numerous intermediate-level openings.
Master's Degrees In Mathematics
A master's degree qualifies students to gain entry into much more specialized careers like actuarial science, investment and financial analysis, and game theory.
Top professionals in management positions in the STEM field boast master's degrees in math or math-related fields.
Furthermore, math teachers can improve their pay scale and access a greater pool of teaching jobs with a master's in math.
A master's degree equips candidates to learn and teach math. It also sets a foundation for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics, which requires hefty research.
Doctoral Degrees In Mathematics
Doctoral students in math specialize in specific areas of study like applied mathematics, computational math, pure math, and math education.
Students studying pure math are trained to solve problems, while for math education, students must learn and develop new teaching styles to revolutionize math education.
Candidates hoping to pursue a doctoral in math must be prepared for extensive coursework and rigorous research.
Moreover, doctoral students who wish to teach math can apply as university professors in top mathematics universities and start a glittering career in math education.
Related Careers For Mathematics Graduates
Jobs in the math field aren't just restricted to teaching, finance, accounting, or statistics. Math majors can choose from various disciplines that require similar levels of problem-solving and logical skills.
Math degrees can also help people looking at careers in:
- Criminal justice
- Commerce
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- Meteorology
- Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Forensic science
Today's job market reflects an economy dependent on data, information, and precision. Hence, even the humanities-related fields and liberal arts-focused employers now look for quantitative research methodology and data sifting skills.
A bachelor's in math also provides a basis for post-graduate coursework in law, media, medicine, computer science, and business.
How To Advance Your Career In Math
Math careers are dynamic and often involve theories, methodologies, and techniques that evolve with time. In such an environment, it is necessary to maintain and update your skills as a professional.
Candidates can avail the benefits of many online courses, certificate and fellowship programs, and advanced degrees to stay ahead of the ever-changing professional space.
Plus, being a math professional at an esteemed organization, you get access to various networking opportunities
Even if you've already started your math career, continuing your education is pretty much mandatory to acquire certification or avail advancement opportunities.
The requirements for career advancement and certifications vary from position to position within the math profession.
Certifications And Licenses
Candidates who have earned a license distinguish themselves from other employers and show that they have the necessary training and experience to excel in their field.
While additional certification is not a mandatory requirement, most organizations require licenses for certain professions in math, such as a teacher or an accountant.
Therefore, if you're looking for a career in math education, you must have a teaching license, although some requirements may vary in different jurisdictions.
The most common requirements to earning a license are:
- Passing background checks
- Submitting transcripts from college
- Passing the Praxis exams
Keep in mind that a certificate is another indicator that you have the necessary skills in math to back up your work.
Resuming Education
Most candidates who wish to follow a math career opt for advanced degrees. However, you should know that this requires a massive amount of investment.
If you aren't ready to commit to it financially and mentally, you can boost your CV and opt for fellowships or online programs.
For the best online math courses, candidates have many options to choose from. These are called MOOCs, and they include:
- Coursera
- edX
These platforms offer courses from some of the best math universities and colleges, often granting a certificate at the end.
On the other hand, fellowship programs allow candidates to gain practical know-how and learn how to conduct research. And almost all of the top math universities offer these programs.
Prepare For A Future In Math With The Help Of A Professional
Whether you wish to become a teacher or an actuarial science expert, you will need to be on top of your math game.
And if you're just starting, the first step is to secure the grades that can help you get there. The best way to do this is by hiring a Superprof tutor!
With Superprof, you can access a wide range of math tutors who can help you prepare for a higher degree in math. Make a profile and start with your private math lessons today!
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