Mathematics Jobs

Provides information on mathematics jobs including duties and tasks, specializations and educational requirements.

What your math teacher said is really true. Nearly every job out there requires math skills in some form. Whether it be making change at the cash register, calculating how much lumber is needed for a shed, writing a computer program, or creating a formula that will make a rocket use fuel more efficiently, mathematical skills are critical to a vast range or career areas. But for those with a true love of numbers and calculations, there are also careers that focus specifically on mathematics as a science.

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics is the use of mathematical theory to solve and calculate scientific, business, statistical, economic, and engineering problems. Mathematics is often divided up into theoretical mathematics, which focuses on learning more about math principles and theory, and applied mathematics, where these principles and formulas are applied to real world situations to help develop concrete solutions.

Math theorists most often work in university or laboratory settings and may teach theory classes and conduct research. Applied mathematicians are employed by the government in NASA, the military, and a variety of other settings. They also work in manufacturing, finance, computer development businesses, and anywhere else that uses mathematical calculations to guide operations. Mathematics is also done in conjunction with other field including economics biology, physics and computer science.

Examples of Duties & Tasks

Research and development mathematical tools and algorithms

Develop and implement mathematical and computational techniques related to a specific industry

Develop modeling and simulation applications

Develop computer software

Perform statistical/numerical analysis

Project future trends in weather, finance, sociopolitical events, consumer practices, etc.

Decode encryptions and coded material

Analyze safety and feasibility of products and of technological applications

Educational Requirements for Mathematics Careers

Many schools across the globe offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees in mathematics. This is typically sufficient education to obtain employment in several areas of the government or in math related careers in industry, however those who wish to work as mathematicians in private industry or on a college campus usually need an advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D. degree in mathematics.

Coursework
Typical coursework in mathematics includes:

Calculus

Differential equations

Linear and abstract algebra

Trigonometry

Discrete mathematics

Probability theory and statistics

Mathematical analysis

Numerical analysis

Topology

Concepts of mathematical logic

In advanced study, it is advisable to focus on a specific area of mathematics, such as economics, applied theory, computers, business, or engineering. Some colleges and universities require this specialization as part of the degree. Some students chose to pursue a double major, earning a mathematics degree and also a degree in their area of specialization.

Mathematics Careers

In addition to careers as theoretical or applied mathematicians, there are hundreds of careers that draw heavily on mathematical and problem solving skills. Engineering, computer science, and statistics are some of the main areas. Others include:

Statistics

Applied mathematics

Banking

Economics

Finance

Government

Scientific research

Statistics

Mathematical Modeling:

Research and Teaching