What Jobs can you get with a Mathematics Degree?

Mathematics is a very broad subject which can lead to various careers in diverse fields such as science, research, engineering, academic, and government establishments.

This post provides exhaustive answer to the question, what jobs can you get with a mathematics degree, that most students usually ask when contemplating a career in mathematics.

Mathematics has long been an important factor in the perception of the universe, little wonder why Galileo Galilei declared, “Nature is written in mathematical language”.

Why Mathematics Degree is Attractive

In recent times, mathematics degree has experienced increased demand in the business, I.T. and even in the social science sector; this is as result of the important role mathematical concepts play in the solving of world’s urgent problems, such as issues of renewable energy, risk management, and changing climate.

A degree in mathematics provides various essential skills among which include general problem solving skills, computing skills, and experience with mathematical tools (graphing tools, math software) along with a sense of responsibility and dedication.

These skills prepare one for employment in a variety of careers such as positions in communications, computer sciences and engineering field.

According to Matchcollege, mathematics degree ranks 34th most popular college degree in the U.S. with 23,363 degrees awarded from 2013 to 2014.

It is famed to be a highly paying degree with a median salary projected at $110,000 and an amazing job growth rate of 23% from 2012 to 2022.

What can you do with Mathematics Associate’s Degree?

An Associate’s degree in mathematics is vital in pursuing a career as a mathematician. It equips an individual with basic problem-solving skills, which is one of the key attributes employers look out for.

A 2-year Associate’s program helps provide a strong mathematics foundation, which is applicable in almost every sphere of profession.

With an Associate’s degree in mathematics, you can find jobs in various fields, such as a:

• Loan Officer: They assess loan applications from businesses and individuals and recommend loan approval for qualified applicants based on the personal and financial information they’ve collected. They are estimated to earn up to $43,000 annually.
• Operations Assistant: They provide analytical and mathematical assistance to Operations manager in a manufacturing establishment. They can also work with consultants rendering help with analysis of an industry’s financial performance. Their wage is pegged at $46,000 annually.
• Administrative Assistant: They are capable of working in various areas such as the healthcare or management industry where they perform administrative tasks such as maintaining records and database, calculating information, processing of documents, and relating with clients. They earn an average of $36,000 yearly. See detailed administrative assistant job description.
• Real Estate Broker: They specialize in assisting clients to either rent, buy or sell a property, ensuring that the needs of clients are met at a fair price. See detailed real estate broker job description.
• Financial Clerk: With a solid background in mathematics, an Associate’s degree holder can work in various establishments where they record financial transactions and produce finance reports. They also help in resolving financial discrepancies. Their annual median salary is projected to be $40,160.

Mathematics Associate’s holders mostly find jobs as assistants and have to put in a lot of time and effort to advance professionally.

In order to overcome this virtual career stagnation and to increase earning potential, further Bachelor’s studies is required.

What can you do with a Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics exposes undergraduates to a wide range of knowledge and skills.

They learn mathematical principles and concepts ranging from the most basic arithmetic theory to complex calculus.

They command analytical and number-crunching skills which they utilize in solving real-life problems.

Among the soft skills they develop during the course of study include interpersonal skills, and strong communication and logical thinking skills.

Jobs you can do with a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics involve positions as:

• Survey Researcher: Their duties entail collecting information and data about the general public perspective and viewpoint using various statistical methods and techniques.
• Financial Advisor: They specialize in proffering professional recommendation to clients over financial targets and best ways to achieve their long and short term goals. See detailed financial advisor job description.
• Logistician: They supervise the processes involved in the distribution of a product ranging from the production and packaging to the storage and transportation. They utilize mathematical software in the management of their supply chain.
• Actuary: They use statistical and mathematical means to predict the possibility of an event occurring so as to reduce risk. They are usually found in the finance and sales industry.
• High School Math Teacher: Relevant in secondary schools where they breed students to understand basic mathematical concepts. They can also take up other subjects such as economics, commerce though an extra degree may be required.

Payscale projects the annual median salary range of females with math Bachelor’s degree to be $39,978 to $78,382 and $44,105 to $105,608 for male earners.

With a Master’s in mathematics or a terminal degree such as a Ph.D., one stands to have a professional edge over others and can overcome competition in the job market.

What can you do with a Mathematics Master’s or Doctorate Degree?

A Master’s degree in mathematics according to Forbes magazine is one of the best-paying degrees.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a median annual salary of $110,000 for mathematics Master’s degree holders and an expected job growth rate of 21% between 2014 and 2024.

With a Master’s degree in math, you can secure jobs as:

• Statistician: They utilize statistical and mathematical methods to evaluate and interpret quantitative data.
• Operations Research Analyst: They employ mathematical techniques to derive ways of improving efficiency in government or private establishments. See detailed operations research analyst job description.

Math Master’s holders also find employment in financial institutions as actuaries, data analyst or quantitative analyst.

The salary of math Master’s degree holders according to Payscale is pegged at an annual maximum of $107,881 for female earners and $102,129 for males.

Mathematics doctorate degree holders mostly work on research projects while lecturing undergraduates as Associate Professor/Professor in the university.

Some others find relevance in the I.T. industry where they design, develop, and monitor programming systems as a Senior Software Engineer. They are estimated to earn an annual median salary of $148,739.

Conclusion

There are various things you can do with a mathematics degree, with various exciting and rewarding jobs that you can get with any of Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree.

You can be sure of a fulfilling career in the field of mathematics.