About This Major
- Mathematics
- Major/Requirements
- Course Descriptions
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- Careers in Mathematics

Mathematics at Ozarks

Careers in Mathematics

What jobs will be available after I graduate?

General Information
Math majors develop transferable skills including critical thinking, problem diagnosis and solving, computer skills, and quantitative skills.

A bachelor’s degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree may open the door to more upper-level opportunities. Pair a strong background in mathematics with another technical discipline such as computer science or engineering.

Gain experience through volunteering, internships, and part-time or summer jobs.

Develop competencies in a specific area of interest.

Supplement curriculum with courses in business, economics, computers, or statistics for increased job opportunities.

Maintain a high grade point average. Demonstrate attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Build relationships with faculty for career information, contacts, and letters of recommendation.

Join related student professional associations and seek leadership positions.

Develop the ability to work well in teams.

Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to enhance knowledge and make contacts.

Stay informed of new developments and current trends in the field.

Job Outlook:
Employment of mathematicians is expected to decline through 2014, reflecting the reduction in the number of jobs with the title “mathematician.” As a result, competition is expected to be keen for the limited number of jobs as mathematicians. Master’s and Ph.D. degree holders with a strong background in mathematics and a related discipline, such as engineering or computer science, should have the best opportunities. Many of these workers have job titles that reflect their occupation, such as systems analyst, rather than the title mathematician, reflecting their primary educational background.

Advancements in technology usually lead to expanding applications of mathematics, and more workers with knowledge of mathematics will be required in the future. However, jobs in industry and government often require advanced knowledge of related scientific disciplines in addition to mathematics. The most common fields in which mathematicians study and find work are computer science and software development, physics, engineering, and operations research. More mathematicians also are becoming involved in financial analysis. Mathematicians must compete for jobs, however, with people who have degrees in these other disciplines. The most successful jobseekers will be able to apply mathematical theory to real-world problems and will possess good communication, teamwork, and computer skills.

Private industry jobs require at least a master’s degree in mathematics or in a related field. Bachelor’s degree holders in mathematics usually are not qualified for most jobs, and many seek advanced degrees in mathematics or a related discipline. However, bachelor’s degree holders who meet State certification requirements may become primary or secondary school mathematics teachers. (For additional information, see the statement on teachers—preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary elsewhere in the Handbook.)

Holders of a master’s degree in mathematics will face very strong competition for jobs in theoretical research. Because the number of Ph.D. degrees awarded in mathematics continues to exceed the number of university positions available, many of these graduates will need to find employment in industry and government.

Related Links:
U.S. Department of Labor - Mathematicians
U.S. Department of Labor - Statisticians
National Council of Teachers in Mathematics
American Mathematical Society
PhDs.org