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Almost every industry requires the assistance of well-trained analysts, statisticians and data researchers, and a mathematics education provides the basic knowledge and training to succeed in any of these careers. A math degree prepares students to pursue positions as an actuary, a mathematician, a school mathematics teacher or a statistician amongst others. The majority of math education majors and university graduates pursue occupations as researchers, mathematicians or analysts, but some branch out into related occupations such as computer programming, engineering or working as economists.
Students may choose to complete a mathematics degree online or in a campus-setting, and both degree program options offer a similar curriculum.
Career Options with a Math Degree
The field of mathematics is fairly diverse, but does require strong reasoning skills, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze data and apply results of research to solve problems.
Common career paths for graduates who hold a math degree include:
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Operations Research
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Market Research
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Company Statistician
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Business Analyst
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Mathematician
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Math Teacher or Professor
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Mathematics or Statistics Researcher
What Do You Learn with a Mathematics Education?
Math education helps students learn critical analytical, statistical and scientific skills so that they may succeed in a variety of careers. A math degree offers comprehensive training in the field of analytics, statistics, programming and abstract reasoning.
A mathematics education can be completed as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics where the student takes basic courses such as Linear Algebra and Abstract Mathematics during the first two years, and the proceeding to a specialization such as:
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Applied Mathematics
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Actuarial Sciences
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Pure Mathematics
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Secondary School Mathematics Education
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Statistics
Mathematics is one of the oldest fundamental sciences that is now integrated with computer technology to solve problems in the fields of business, social science, physics and engineering amongst others. Mathematicians often work in a team setting with computer scientists, economists, engineers and physicists.
Math Education and Career Information
Students who pursue a Master's degree in Mathematics may be working towards teaching or research, and can go on to complete a Ph.D. in their field. Students interested in teaching at the high school or college level typically need a minimum of a Master's degree or Ph.D. in their field, but those who already hold a degree in computer science or engineering may also be strong candidates for these types of positions.
All students who complete their math degree and choose to teach must meet the teaching certification or licensure requirements of their respective State. These requirements vary by region, and students may need to take additional coursework to develop their teaching, communication and presentation skills.
Math Courses and Classes with a Math Degree
Many mathematics education majors can pursue a specialized field such as probability and statistics, mathematical analytics, applied mathematics or actuarial sciences. Common math courses associated with a math degree program include:
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Applied Regression Analysis
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Linear Programming
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Mathematical Statistics
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Abstract Algebra
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History of Mathematics
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Applied Statistical Inference
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SAS Programming
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Analysis of Variance
Online mathematics courses are similar or identical in scope, and can be applied towards a mathematics degree online or other online degrees such as actuarial sciences, statistical sciences, business and market research, and economic studies.
Completing a Mathematics Degree Online
Online mathematics courses are available from several colleges and universities to offer students more flexibility with their schedule. Students who want to complete their math education from a distance can take advantage of options to complete their mathematics degree online where they are required to participate in online discussion forums, collaborate with students and professors on various assignments, watch lectures and download course materials from a web-based platform, and take necessary quizzes and examinations online.
A mathematics degree online from an accredited college or university has the same merit as a math education completed on a campus setting, and is becoming an increasingly popular choice for students who need more flexibility with their schedules.
Career Options and Job Outlook for Candidates with a Math Degree
A comprehensive math education can provide the foundation for a rewarding career in a variety of business disciplines and career fields, but the majority of math education majors pursue a Master's degree or higher in order to teach or work as analysts and researchers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, the median annual earnings of mathematicians were $86,930 in May 2006. Mathematicians who worked for the Federal Government earned significantly higher, holding managerial positions that paid approximately $93,539 or working as cryptanalysts with an average salary of $90,435.
Related occupations include:
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Market and Survey Researchers
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Operations Research Analysts
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Computer Software Engineers
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Database Administrators
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Computer Programmers
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Computer Scientists
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