Career Opportunities

As our world becomes increasingly digital, and computers are part of everything we do, a mathematics- and statistics-based education gives you a competitive advantage. Imagine being part of a team that develops cutting-edge technology or working on a project associated with missions critical to our nation’s security. Mathematics and statistics enable you to acquire jobs that utilize proficiency in those skills.

Studying mathematics develops such skills as arguing logically and rigorously, thinking abstractly, formulating and solving problems, analyzing data, and creating and analyzing mathematical models. Employers value these skills; consequently, mathematics majors find themselves in demand by employers for careers in a wide spectrum of fields.

A study of college students' scores on admission tests for graduate and professional schools (e.g. Graduate Management Admission Test, Law School Admission Test) showed that students majoring in mathematics received scores substantially higher than the average on each of the tests studied. In addition, mathematics majors can expect to earn more and have a higher job satisfaction rating than other majors. 

Here are some of the more common career options:

• Teaching. K-12 math teachers are in high demand – and the need for highly qualified mathematics teachers is expected to grow in the future. To learn more about careers in teaching, check out the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics homepage.
• Actuarial science. Actuarial science applies mathematics and statistics concepts to finance and insurance. Actuarial science includes a number of interrelating disciplines, including probability and statistics, finance and economics. Check out the website, Be An Actuary.
• Computer science. Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and their implementation and application in computer systems. Mathematicians, with their training in logical and precise thinking, are highly prized in this field. See the student section of the Association for Computing Machinery for career advice.
• Operations research. Operations research is an interdisciplinary branch of mathematics which uses mathematical methods to help make decisions and solve problems in maximizing or minimizing things like costs or profits. The group INFORMS is the world's largest society devoted to operations research/management science.
• Biomathematics. Mathematical biology – or biomathematics – is an interdisciplinary field of study. It models natural and biological processes using mathematical techniques and tools. Results have been applied to areas such as cellular neurobiology, epidemic modeling and population genetics. The education page of the Society for Mathematical Biology links to schools offering bio-math degrees along with a description of the coursework needed.
• Cryptography. Cryptography is the practice and study of hiding information. Cryptography is considered to be a branch of both mathematics and computer science. Not just for spies anymore, cryptography applications include the security of ATM cards and computer passwords.
• Finance. Study the ways individuals, businesses and organizations raise, allocate and use monetary resources over time, taking into account the risks entailed in their projects. Mathematicians can build models to help explain and predict the behavior of financial markets.

As a mathematician, you don't have to look far to find high-paying, high-growth jobs – you just have to decide what direction to pursue! Schools throughout the nation are urging students to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees because there is a high demand for skilled employees in these areas. Companies are searching for good candidates and are willing to pay top dollar to have you join their ranks!

The demand for certified mathematics teachers is on the rise because of a shortage of highly qualified teachers. Successfully complete our program, and you’ll have your choice of teaching positions.

And if you’re already a teacher certified in a subject other than mathematics, consider enrolling in our online graduate program in school mathematics teaching – which will broaden your career options and help you become a highly qualified mathematics teacher.