What Can I Do with a Math Major?

General Description

Mathematicians study concepts and theories used to solve problems involving quantitative and qualitative relationships. Those engaged in research to discover new theories or to increase basic knowledge are classified as theoretical mathematicians. Those who develop techniques and approaches to solve problems in the physical and social sciences, or in business and industry, are classified as applied mathematicians.

Career opportunities for a mathematician who is trained in numerical techniques, modeling, applied analysis, and statistics are very promising. This is due to the extensive application of mathematical modeling via computer simulation in such diverse areas as physics, chemistry, space technology, economics, business management, statistical analysis, operations research, medical research, and environmental science. Thanks to the nation-wide shortage of qualified secondary school science and mathematics teachers, the prospects for a dedicated and well-trained mathematician who is interested in education are excellent.

Furthermore, there has never been a better time for undergraduate mathematics majors to continue their training in graduate school.  An advanced degree distinctly improves one’s attractiveness to employers and increases the salary one can command. Salaries for beginning bachelor and master degree holders in mathematics are comparable with those of computer science majors. Employers increasingly are recognizing the practical value of individuals who obtained training in analytical problem solving and have natural versatility (thanks to the broad applicability of mathematics).

The job titles and hiring institutions which follow are meant to give you an idea of the careers available to Mathematics majors, however many other possibilities also exist. You are encouraged to explore all career paths that interest you.

Potential Job Titles

    • Accountant
    • Actuary
    • Air traffic controller
    • Appraiser
    • Architect
    • Budget officer
    • Business/management trainee
    • Cartographer
    • Commodity manager
    • Computer programmer
    • Contract administrator
    • Cost estimator/analyst
    • Cryptographer
    • Demographer
    • Drafter, commercial
    • Econometrician
    • Editor
    • Financial auditor
    • Financial/investment analyst
    • Financial planner
    • Information specialist
    • Insurance agent/broker
    • IRS investigator
    • Lawyer
    • Market research analyst
    • Mathematical technician
    • Mathematician (applied, research)
    • Meteorologist
    • Navigator
    • Numerical analyst
    • Operations research analyst
    • Pilot, airplane
    • Psychometrist
    • Purchasing agent
    • Quality control analyst
    • Rate analyst
    • Research analyst
    • Risk & insurance specialist
    • Securities trader (financial)
    • Statistician
    • Stockbroker
    • Surveyor
    • Systems analyst
    • Teacher
    • Technical illustrator
    • Underwriter

Representative Hiring Institutions

    • Banks and investment firms
    • Business corporations and industries
    • Colleges, schools, and educational institutions
    • Engineering firms
    • Government agencies
    • Computer firms
    • Insurance companies
    • Market research departments & firms
    • Professional and technical journals
    • Research & development firms
    • Test development corporations
    • Utilities companies
    • Weather bureaus

When will I Use Math?

    • WeUseMath may help to answer this question.

Where Do UMW Math Majors Go?

    • Visit our alumni page to see where they are now, and how they feel about their time as a math major at UMW.

Are You Ready to Declare Your Math Major?

    • Visit here to begin the process.