The major in mathematics builds a strong foundation for a wide range of careers. On one hand, it offers excellent preparation for fields that rely heavily on mathematics, such as applied mathematics, accounting, math teaching, actuarial work, engineering, and science. On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for math majors to find success in business, law, government, communications, and other fields as well, because the study of math develops such strong skills of reasoning and analysis.
Earning a graduate degree in mathematics gives you an advantage in a wide variety of fields. Some occupations require post-graduate studies, but even in those that don’t, a Master’s or Ph.D. may open the door to additional career opportunities in your field of work and entitle you to an increased salary. Additionally, graduate programs in STEM fields frequently have teaching or research positions available which defray the cost of your degree. Even if you have some uncertainty about graduate school, you should talk with your advisor and faculty members at the beginning of your junior year about what specialties might suit your interests. Also, make an appointment with one of the advisors at the Center for Career Engagement. They have a wealth of information about the process, from graduate admission tests to making choices and submitting applications.
Career and Graduate School Paths of Recent Graduates
Careers
- Accountant
- Actuarial Analyst
- Actuarial Pension Consultant, Price Waterhouse Coopers
- Applied Research Mathematician, NSA
- Cost Analyst, U.S. Air Force
- Cryptographer, National Security Agency
- Data Analyst, Mitre Corporation
- Engineer, Lockheed Martin
- English Teacher
- Management and Program Analyst, FBI
- Market Director, Traveler’s Insurance
- Marketing Research Analyst, GEICO
- Mathematics Teacher (several)
- Research Assistant, FDIC
- Systems Engineer, Northrup Grumman
- Tutor, Western Arctic Leadership Program
Graduate Schools
For general information about choosing a graduate school and putting your applications together, please consult the resources below:
https://ars.sf.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk2741/files/inline-files/pre-grad-guide_1.pdf
- Harvard Law School
- MIT, PhD in Chemistry
- University of Chicago, PhD in Chemistry
- Columbia University, Master’s in IT Project Management
- Columbia University, Master’s in Nonprofit Management
- Columbia University, Master’s in Real Estate Development
- Columbia Univ., B.A.Sc. in Operations Research
- NYU, MS program, Physics
- University of Texas at Austin, Master’s in Computer Science
- Duke University, Master's in Computer Science
- Duke University, PhD Computational Biology & Informatics
- Duke University, Master’s in Biostatistics
- University of Pennsylvania, Law School
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, M.S. in Land Resources
- University of Minnesota, PhD in Mathematics
- Rutgers University, Master's in Mathematics
- Rutgers University, Master’s in Industrial Applied Math
- Rutgers University, PhD in Chemistry
- University of Maryland, College Park, PhD. in Applied Mathematics
- Johns Hopkins University, Master’s in Education
- University of California--San Diego, PhD in Computer Science
- Johns Hopkins University, Master’s in Computer Science
- Georgia Tech, Master’s in Operations Research
- Stoney Brook University, PhD in Mathematics
- Carnegie Mellon, Master’s in Data Analytics
- Pennsylvania State University, PhD in Mathematics
- Pennsylvania State University, Master’s in Education
- University of North Carolina, PhD in Biostatistics
- Texas A&M University, Master’s in Data Analytics
- University of Notre Dame, PhD, Applied and Computational Math & Stats
- Washington University in St. Louis, MS in Engineering
- Michigan State University, PhD Physics and Computational Science
- Boston University, PhD in Economics
- University of Virginia, PhD in Quantitative Psychology
- Dartmouth, Master’s in Engineering Physics
- North Carolina State University, PhD in Mathematics
- North Carolina State University, Master’s in Biomathematics
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Master’s in Applied Math
- University of Pittsburgh, PhD in Research and Experimental Psychology
- Virginia Tech, MEA in Engineering Administration
- University of Connecticut, PhD in Applied Mathematics
- Syracuse University, Graduate Degree in Physics
- Colorado State University, Master’s in Applied Math
- University of South Carolina, Ph.D. in Mathematics
- University of Michigan, PhD in Physics
- Duquesne University, Master’s in Computational Mathematics
- Georgetown University, Master’s in Math and Statistics
- Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, MBA
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Wake Forest University, Master's in Mathematics
- Wake Forest University, Master's in Education
- Villanova University, Master's in Statistics