What Can You Do with a Math Degree

Math is a very useful degree, as it is a basic requisite in many technical careers. Any form of business or undertaking that is data-hungry can utilize the mathematical skills of a math major.  While some graduates of the course end up doing teaching jobs, others choose to go to work in business- and finance-related fields. Here are the different career options that math graduates can choose from.

Math Teaching

Math majors can get a career in teaching after graduation.  Math teachers in K-12 level are in high demand; it is expected that this need will grow in the future.  However, this career path is less popular among graduates, because it is less lucrative when compared to the business-related ones.  In response to this, some governments provide extra incentives to encourage skilled and talented people to pursue a math teaching career.

Engineering, Market, and Operations Research

Engineering technicians apply mathematics, engineering, and science principles to unravel technical problems in research and development, construction, and manufacturing among others.  Those with a math degree can take a 2-year associate degree in engineering technology.  Math graduates can also be employed as operations research analysts. These analysts help make better decisions and solve problems using their mathematical and quantitative skills.

Actuarial Jobs

Math degree-holders can also become actuaries. Actuaries apply their math and statistics skills to create theoretical models of the real world. They have the ability and economic and statistical awareness to develop these models to apply in real situations. Also, actuaries ensure that solutions arising from these models are communicated well to non-specialists.

Actuaries are in great demand in the areas of consultancy, investment, insurance, and pension. In fact, this is one of the most popular career destinations of math degree-holders. Financial planners and insurance companies hesitate to make decisions without consulting actuaries first. Actuarial services are extremely necessary in dealing with and analyzing huge numerical information.  Because of their skills, actuaries are also employed in the development and marketing of financial products.

Although becoming an actuary can take several years, the pay is well worth it for most.  Many who start out and have passed the first exam make at least $50,000.  Those who have passed multiple exams go well past $100,000 and even surpass $200,000 without going into management.

Meteorological and Logistics Forecasting

Math graduates can also work in meteorological agencies and transport or logistics companies. Their knowledge and skills are crucial for planning and forecasting. They come up with well-crafted mathematical models to ensure precision in their forecasts. Being able to determine when and where storms may hit, for instance, can help predict the risks and associated costs.

Biomathematics

Math graduates can also work in biomathematics where they model using mathematical tools and techniques for natural and biological processes. These models are important to environmental scientists, geoscientists, and hydrologists.

Computer Programmers and Software Engineers

Math majors can also work as computer programmers by applying their mathematical skills and theories in creating, testing, and evaluating software applications and systems. However, having a master’s degree in software engineering combined with a math degree is preferred.

In most cases, a math degree commands respect and is highly demanded. To even widen their career paths, math graduates can also go on and pursue advanced studies to become more competitive in highly specialized jobs such as those in medical statistics and engineering design.

Computer programmers are in high demand and will be for the foreseeable future.  Jobs as a computer programmer can start at above $50,000 and go well past $100,000 with a few years of experience.  Many computer programmers and software engineers at bigger companies also get a signing bonus along with their base salary.