Math as an Undergraduate Major and Disciplinary Foundation
An undergraduate major in mathematics is good preparation for a variety of careers, many of which make no special use of mathematics itself, but do require the ability to reason, analyze, solve problems and interpret data — all skills learned in math.
Skills learned from studying math can help you to:
- Organize, analyze and interpret data
- Make critical observations
- Think logically, critically and analytically
- Understand both concrete and abstract concepts
- Make sound judgments and decisions to solve quantitative problems
- Develop an appreciation for accuracy and detail
- Make deductions from assumptions
- Use advanced concepts
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Other courses of study have direct mathematical components, including:
- Physical sciences such as chemistry, physics and engineering
- Life and health sciences such as biology, psychology, pharmacy, nursing and optometry
- Social sciences including anthropology, economics, linguistics, education and geography
- Technical sciences such as computer science, networking and software development
- Medical sciences
- Business, marketing and commerce
- Actuarial science, used by insurance companies
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Career Options and Job Descriptions
Employment will depend on your level of education and work experience. Studying or majoring in mathematics can be an important part of the careers listed below.
America’s Career Infonet and the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-2009 edition) give detailed information about the skills, abilities, work activities and recommended education for many of these jobs.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Career Voyages for in-demand occupations includes financial services as one of the highest-growth industries projected to employ Americans through the year 2010.
Salaries and Projected Job Growth
America’s Career Infonet lists salary ranges for the following job titles, with estimated job percentage growth through 2014 in the United States:
| Job |
Hourly Rate |
Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Through 2014 |
| Accountants and auditors |
$26.26 |
$54,600 |
+18% |
| Actuaries |
$39.81 |
$82,800 |
+24% |
Bookkeeping, accounting and
auditing clerks |
$14.18 |
$29,500 |
+6% |
| Financial analysts |
$30.70 |
$63,900 |
+17% |
| Financial examiners |
$30.33 |
$63,100 |
+9% |
| Financial managers |
$43.74 |
$91,000 |
+13% |
First-line supervisors and
managers of office and
administrative support workers |
$20.38 |
$42,400 |
+8% |
| Loan officers |
$24.89 |
$51,800 |
+11% |
| Market research analysts |
$28.28 |
$58,800 |
+20% |
| Operations managers |
$40.97 |
$85,200 |
+2% |
| Real estate brokers |
$29.23 |
$60,800 |
+11% |
Securities, commodities and
Financial services sales agents |
$32.93 |
$68,500 |
+25% |
| Tax preparers |
$12.36 |
$25,700 |
+11% |
| Teachers, elementary school |
— |
$45,600 |
+14% |
| Teachers, postsecondary math |
— |
$56,400 |
+23% |
| Teachers, secondary school |
— |
$47,700 |
+6% |