What can I do with a major in Mathematics
What Activities Could Mathematics Majors Do?
Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems. Mathematical work is mainly theoretical or applied. Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical knowledge by developing new principles and recognizing previously unknown relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Although these workers seek to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its practical use, such pure and abstract knowledge has been instrumental in producing or furthering many scientific and engineering achievements. Many theoretical mathematicians are employed as university faculty, dividing their time between teaching and conducting research.
Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, and engineering and in the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they may analyze the most efficient way to schedule airline routes between cities, the effects and safety of new drugs, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, or the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes. Applied mathematicians working in industrial research and development may develop or enhance mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians, called cryptanalysts, analyze and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law enforcement-related information in code.
What Industries Could Mathematics Majors Explore?
| Ecology/Environmental Research |
Clinical Trials |
Management Consulting |
Government |
| Banking |
Financial Services |
Manufacturing |
Public Health |
| Biostatics |
Higher Education |
Product Reliability |
Sports |
| Computer Information Technology |
Insurance |
Pharmaceuticals |
Research |
What Employers Hire Mathematics Majors?
| ACT Incorporated |
Merck Research Laboratories |
Internal Revenue Service |
Johnson & Johnson |
| Aerospace Corporation |
Educational Testing Service |
Law School Admission Council |
Pfizer |
| Apple Computers Corporation |
Eli Lilly and Company |
Lucent Technologies |
U.S. Census Bureau |
| Cargill, Incorporated |
Forest Research Institute |
U.S. Department of Defense |
Mayo Clinic |
What Are Some Full-Time Job Titles For Mathematics Majors?
| Actuary |
Financial Advisor |
Mathematician |
Statistician |
| Database Administrator |
Financial Analyst |
Market Researcher |
Survey Researcher |
| Economist |
Insurance Underwriter |
Research Analyst |
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What Are Some Useful Websites For Mathematics Majors?
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