How to Make the Most of a Mathematics Degree?

Answer 1

Earning a degree in mathematics is a great accomplishment. Many math students are so devoted to the pursuit of their degree, they often don’t know what to do with it once they’ve earned it. For those truly passionate about the subject, studying mathematics is often a reward unto itself. However, some students have a misconception that a degree in mathematics leads to one career: a math teacher. This could not be more distant from the truth. While many students do indeed go on to teach math, this is largely out of a passion for the subject and not a limitation of the degree itself. Many lucrative careers exist for individuals with at least a B.A. in mathematics.

By far the greatest strength of a mathematics degree is its focus on logical thinking. Statistics show that many math majors often pursue a double major in another career field; business and computer science are common. The added focus on mathematics demonstrates to employers that the individual in question is an expert in logical reasoning and problem solving, and these skills are seen as extremely desirable in nearly every career available. Of course, this does not mean that a math major needs to have a second area of study, only that a focus on math accentuates every other area of study. For this reason, the flexibility offered by such a degree is unmatched. Computer-related careers especially look for these logical skills; many professional programmers have degrees in mathematics.

Those with a true passion for mathematics itself (but not for teaching) may consider pursuing careers in either statistical research or finance. Research agencies hire statisticians both as independent contractors and as full-time employees, and the pay can be quite lucrative, depending on the nature of the study. Careers in finance, on the other hand, often involve the creation of mathematical models to predict future market trends.

Many individuals with a degree in mathematics take a different route, and end up in either middle or high end management positions for a variety of businesses. Put simply, every career would benefit from these problem solving skills. More open-minded math majors have seen careers in avenues ranging from politics to engineering to law enforcement.