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Mathematics

Occupational Possibilities

A major in mathematics prepares one for a wide range of life experiences. For mathematical research in the sciences, a doctoral degree is generally required. Lesser degrees, however, may prepare one for numerous career paths, some of which are listed be low.

The following list, compiled from national data and from Major Options by Nicholas Basta (1991, New York: The Stonesong Press), presents a sampling of such positions that mathematics majors sometimes accept. Some of the listed occupations, such as teacher, may require additional skills, knowledge, or training. Advanced graduate study is generally expected for those positions marked with a * on the list.

Business and Industry

  • Sales, technical equipment
  • *Metallurgical and materials engineer
  • *Energy engineer
  • Financial analyst
  • Marketing researcher
  • Actuary
  • Risk manager
  • Underwriter

Education and Government

  • *Professor
  • Mathematician
  • *Nuclear engineer
  • *Special librarian
  • Planetary scientist
  • Teacher
  • Demographer
  • *Economist

Research and Technical

  • *Aerospace engineer
  • *Artificial intelligence developer
  • *Research scientist
  • *Physicist
  • *Electrical engineer
  • Mathematical technician
  • Statistician

Computers

  • Technical writer
  • *Computer engineer
  • Computer programmer
  • System support representative
  • Information specialist
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Operations/systems researcher

 

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Skills and Abilities

The study of mathematics involves numerous skills applicable to a wide variety of occupational areas. Logic, the manipulation of symbols, and the ability to define problems are some examples of the types of skills math majors possess. Listed below are some representative skills math majors develop which may transfer to man y and varied occupational paths.

Communication

  • Developing and writing research proposals
  • Reviewing scientific literature
  • Summarizing research findings
  • Informing/explaining/instructing
  • Preparing technical reports
  • Manipulating

Investigation

  • Defining a research problem
  • Developing a research model
  • Establishing hypotheses
  • Gathering/analyzing data
  • Evaluating ideas
  • Seeing relationships among factors
  • Drawing meaningful conclusions
  • Utilizing logical processes

Computation

  • Developing and writing research proposals
  • Reviewing scientific literature
  • Summarizing research findings
  • Informing/explaining/instructing
  • Preparing technical reports
  • Manipulating

Technical

  • Using instruments
  • Establishing and controlling hypothetical designs
  • Observing data/things
  • Designing/using computer simulations

 

Career Planning and Resources

Internships

Job Search

Professional Associations

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For More Information

...about careers, graduate and professional schools, internships, professional associations, or job descriptions contact:

University Career Center
110 Burge Union
(785) 864-3624

For information about majors and concentrations in mathematics:

Mathematics Department

405 Snow Hall
(785) 864-3651

 

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