A Guide to the Different Math Majors in College
A degree in math will take you beyond solving simple equations to explore big-picture concepts and complex theories. But before you pick a major, consider your personal and professional goals.
A math degree can equip you for a variety of careers, including teaching, research, and finance. This guide will help you determine which path is right for you.
Applied Mathematics
A degree in applied mathematics offers students the flexibility to build their career paths. This major focuses on applying mathematical models to solve problems that arise in diverse fields such as science, engineering, and the physical sciences. It also aims to develop new methods that can meet the demands of these emerging areas of application.
The major is typically a good fit for individuals who are analytical and enjoy the challenge of solving complex real-life situations. Individuals who choose this major often find themselves drawn to activities that require critical thinking, such as chess, math contests, and academic organizations. The coursework for this degree typically includes the full range of core math subjects such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
A bachelor’s degree in applied math is an ideal choice for students who want to pursue a career in fields that apply math to their daily lives, such as engineering, education, finance, and business. This major can also help prepare students for graduate studies in fields such as actuary science, engineering, and statistics.
Mathematicians in this field are usually called upon to create mathematical representations of real-world events and provide insights into these scenarios, whether they are designing systems for perfecting global positioning satellites or analyzing the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing processes. This is done by using the principles of mathematical modeling and computational mathematics.
Those who work in this field can be found at places such as Google, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and JP Morgan Chase. In addition, this degree can prepare graduates for careers in other disciplines such as physics, medicine, engineering, and the physical sciences.
The main difference between this degree and a traditional math degree is that it has a greater emphasis on theory. The coursework will include foundational and advanced classes in mathematics such as geometry, multivariable calculus, theorems, and complex variables. Students will also be required to complete a significant amount of research and writing assignments, with a strong focus on proofs and theorems.
Unlike the general math degree, which is broad in its subject area, a master’s degree in applied mathematics can be customized for a student’s specific interests. For example, if a student wants to become an actuary, the program can provide courses to help them pass the entry exams to be chartered.
Mathematics Education
When it comes to math majors, there are a lot of different paths you can take. Some students decide to focus solely on pure mathematics, wrestling with the theoretical side of the subject and creating elegant proofs. Others choose to pursue a more applied approach to the subject, using what they learn in class to solve real-world problems in a variety of sectors.
Whichever path you choose to follow, a degree in math can help you land a lucrative career in many different fields. From business to engineering and even pharmacology, there are plenty of options for students who want to turn their love of numbers into a profitable professional career.
Whether you choose to pursue an applied or pure math degree, you can expect a rigorous academic curriculum. In general, a bachelor’s degree in math will cover a wide range of topics, from foundational calculus classes to advanced statistics courses and geometry. Depending on your desired field, you may also need to focus on a specific subset of the subject matter, such as number theory or physics.
In addition to developing your mathematical knowledge base, a degree in math can provide you with the critical thinking skills necessary to excel in other professional areas. For example, a math degree can teach you how to understand complex equations and methodologies that form the backbone of many technological systems we use daily but might not be fully aware of. It can also prepare you to communicate the complicated mathematics hidden inside technological black boxes, something that many employers seek in their applicants.
While there are a lot of benefits to pursuing a degree in math, it’s important to understand that earning this kind of degree isn’t for everyone. The study of math requires a strong time commitment and an aptitude for learning, as well as a willingness to work closely with other students. Those who aren’t comfortable with this type of environment should consider another college major, such as science or technology.
If you’re interested in getting a degree in math, be sure to check out your school’s admission rates with our free chancing engine. With it, you can see your odds of acceptance at more than 500 colleges across the country.
Statistics
Statistics is one of the many math majors students can choose from when pursuing an undergraduate degree. This discipline is a good choice for those who enjoyed and were successful in high school math classes, and those with an affinity for problem-solving and data analysis. Students who choose to pursue a degree in statistics should be willing to work hard, and not be discouraged when answers don’t come easily—it’s a big part of the job.
Like all math majors, a bachelor’s degree in statistics requires a lot of math classes. These courses will typically include introductory, advanced, and research-based math classes. They will also include classes that focus on specific topics in mathematics, such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. In addition, most of these programs require students to complete a computer science class as a prerequisite.
Students interested in a bachelor’s degree in statistics can select between two options: a bachelor of science (BS) and a bachelor of arts (BA). Both take around four years to complete and cost about the same. A BS in statistics is heavier on the scientific aspects of the discipline, while a BA is more focused on applied math.
The field of statistics is vital to a variety of different industries, and a degree in this area can lead to several career paths. Statisticians can find jobs in fields like medicine, engineering, law, public policy making, business, and various social and natural sciences. They can also use their skills in areas like data management and statistical data analytics. Actuaries, who analyze and mitigate the cost of risk and uncertainty, are another popular job for those with a degree in statistics.
Choosing the right major is important because it can impact your future career and financial stability. It’s recommended that you declare your major by sophomore year, and take a few related courses to determine whether or not this is the right fit for you. If you decide to become a statistician, it’s also important to understand what type of research you want to focus on.
Mathematical Sciences
Math majors are a diverse group. Some choose to focus on pure mathematics, wrestling with the theories and concepts that form the discipline. Others opt for a more applied path, using the equations and methodologies they learn in class to solve real-world problems in a variety of sectors and industries. Both approaches are valid, and many college programs allow students to choose between them as they set their course of study.
A degree in Mathematical Sciences allows students to develop a broad understanding of mathematical theory, including calculus, fractals, and trigonometry. This foundation gives graduates the skills to work in fields as varied as aerospace engineering, environmental management, and pricing. The degree also teaches students how to collect, analyze, and model data—important tools in many sectors.
Those interested in pursuing a Mathematical Sciences degree should prepare for a rigorous curriculum. The program offers a choice of three tracks, with the specific courses required to graduate varying according to the track chosen. A pure mathematics track, for example, will include more advanced coursework and a strong focus on proofs and theorems—ideal for those interested in going on to graduate school.
An applied mathematics track will include the same basic classes as the pure mathematics option, but with a stronger emphasis on applications of the concepts learned in class. This is ideal for those who want to use their math degree in the workforce and will require more specialized electives, such as computational mathematics and statistical methods.
Both paths will require a lot of time spent in the classroom, working through difficult concepts and solving challenging problems. Students should be prepared for a lot of late nights, and they may need to spend extra hours studying to succeed. It’s also a good idea to make sure that they stay current on industry news and trends by joining a professional organization or subscribing to publications.
Mathematicians need to be able to think critically and see patterns in information that other people can’t. They must be able to find solutions that are both practical and effective. They need to know how to work with other people, which is why a strong network is so valuable for math majors.