[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A math degree prepares students to make quantitative predictions, analyze data, and solve complex mathematical problems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in earning a math degree can start by distinguishing between pure math and applied math fields. Pure or theoretical math is largely academic, while applied math examines interdisciplinary approaches, such as applications in economics, technology, healthcare, and business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Large organizations are increasingly reliant on data analysis and mathematical reasoning, which means more job opportunities for both pure and applied math graduates. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/home.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects a 27% growth in mathematics occupations from 2019-2029.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores the various types of math degrees available and the career pathways they present.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Math Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mathematics is relevant to many fields and disciplines, so math students have similarly varied program and degree options. These degrees may focus on applied mathematics, which relates to statistics, engineering, medicine, and technology, or pure mathematics, which delves into more philosophical topics and often leads to more academic careers. A student’s chosen education influences their career path.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree-seekers at every level can pursue mathematics. The best mathematics programs offer specializations, which allow learners to focus on a subdiscipline or specific application, such as discrete mathematics, mechanics, or mathematical physics. Below, we’ll explore the major degree levels and types and discuss some of their unique qualities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Associate Degree in Math[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Math programs typically span about 60 credits at the associate degree level, taking students less than two years to complete. Since most math-related professions require a four-year degree or more, many students choose associate degrees as the first step toward careers in business, finance, economics, and engineering.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degree graduates can still enter the workforce directly after graduation. Some employers hire these candidates for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm/”]business and financial occupations[/hen-ui-link], especially if they have relevant experience. Some of the more common entry-level careers include [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/financial-clerks.htm/”]financial clerks[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/claims-adjusters-appraisers-examiners-and-investigators.htm/”]claims adjusters[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]and actuaries[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Bachelor’s Degree in Math[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in math runs for four years and includes 120 credits. Coursework varies, but programs typically offer fundamental training in the first two years. In the third and fourth years, learners progress into more advanced topics, such as intermediate calculus, complex variables, computational algebra, and statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a bachelor’s degree, graduates can pursue different careers depending on their training and interests. Many of the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-mathematics/”]best online bachelor’s in mathematics[/hen-ui-link] help students pursue careers like [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm”]operations research analyst[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm/”]financial analyst[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm/”]accountant or auditor[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What’s the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Math?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree type can impact a program’s curriculum and student careers, even when the topic is the same. A bachelor of art (BA) in math usually covers more general topics, including a variety of liberal arts courses, while a bachelor of science (BS) offers more specialized training specifically in mathematics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionally, BA graduates often pursue more interdisciplinary fields, such as teaching or business. BS graduates are more prepared for analytical careers, such as finance or computer science. It is more common to earn a BA in mathematics, but many schools offer both degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Master’s Degree in Math[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in math covers advanced study and research beyond entry-level careers. The training takes 1-2 years, and learners can take courses in topics like complex and numerical analysis, differential equations, and probability. Some careers available to master’s graduates include [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm/”]mathematicians and statisticians[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm/”]survey researchers[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]and economists[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the master’s level, specializations play a large role in curricula. Students can often create their own concentrations based on their research interests or choose a focus from among the popular options, which include mathematical finance, modeling, computer science, statistics, and business analytics. Graduate students can also pursue related programs, like a master’s in actuarial science or a master’s in math education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Doctoral Degree in Math[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctoral degree is the highest level of education available in mathematics, often taking 4-7 years to complete. Like a master’s degree, these programs offer specializations in many areas, including computer algebra, mathematical theory analysis, and differential geometry. Doctoral-level courses usually culminate with an original dissertation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. in mathematics can lead to nearly any career in the field, though only a few require it. Career options include [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]postsecondary teacher[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm#tab-4/”]physicist or astronomer[/hen-ui-link], and some [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]economist positions[/hen-ui-link]. Most doctoral students pursue teaching and research positions after graduation, so many programs focus on mathematics education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Degree in Math?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with math degrees have exceptional [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/”]career possibilities[/hen-ui-link], both in quality and quantity. They can apply their training to many of the largest industries, including engineering, technology, and finance. For example, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm”]mathematicians and statisticians[/hen-ui-link] can work in research and development, healthcare, and consulting services.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following sections explore some major professional outlets for mathematics graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background” theme=”secondary”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Government”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm/”]BLS employment data[/hen-ui-link], 40% of mathematicians and 11% of statisticians work with the federal government. These professionals analyze public data, identify trends, and work with scientists and public health officials.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students aiming for this field typically choose applied mathematics degrees and minor or specialize in political science, economics, or public health. While some agencies hire bachelor’s-level candidates, most of these positions go to master’s degree graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Education and Academia”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm/”]BLS occupational data[/hen-ui-link] indicates that 18% of mathematicians and 7% of statisticians work for colleges and universities. These professionals conduct research, publish their work, and educate the next generation of mathematicians.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]high school teacher[/hen-ui-link] positions, students often pursue bachelor’s degrees in applied mathematics in geometry, algebra, or math education. Postsecondary teachers may have either applied or pure mathematics degrees, typically at the doctoral level.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Business, Finance, and Insurance”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Mathematics professionals can use their advanced skills and training to help businesses and financial organizations perform better and make more informed decisions. Careers like [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm/”]operations research analysts[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/budget-analysts.htm/”]budget analysts[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]and actuaries[/hen-ui-link] use mathematical models, statistics, and data analysis to determine risk and solve problems.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most of these positions require applied mathematics degrees at the bachelor’s level, though pure mathematics programs can also qualify. Some employers require a graduate degree or training in a specific mathematics discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With a Math Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Math degree graduates can access very [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mathematics-degree/”]high-paying jobs[/hen-ui-link], though exact pay rates vary by candidate, location, and employer. The following information explores some of the more common careers available to math graduates, along with their median annual salaries, projected job growth numbers, and educational requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This data may not represent every region, so students should research local employers and job information to get a more accurate portrayal.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Math Career Outlooks[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2020)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Computer and Information Research Scientists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]$126,830[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm/”]15%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Physicists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm/”]$128,950[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/physicists-and-astronomers.htm/”]7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Doctoral[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Actuaries[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]$111,030[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]18%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Economists[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]$108,350[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm/”]14%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Mathematicians and Statisticians[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm/”]$93,290[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm/”]33%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Civil Engineers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm/”]$88,570[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/civil-engineers.htm/”]2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Operations Research Analysts[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm/”]$86,200[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm/”]25%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Mathematics College Professors[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]$80,790[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]9%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Mathematics High School Teachers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2020)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]$62,870[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm/”]4%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.bls.gov/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Math Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Always ensure that any prospective school or program [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]is accredited[/hen-ui-link]; your financial aid, transfer credits, and student employment often depend on it. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/accreditation”]Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] recognize the agencies that offer regional accreditation for the high-achieving institutions, making it easy to look up the credentials of a school before enrolling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Math degrees do not require programmatic accreditation, so students should focus on checking for regional recognition.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Should a Math Major Have a Minor in?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having a minor can broaden your education and add an interdisciplinary specialization to your credentials. Common minors for math majors include statistics, economics, and business.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are Math Majors in Demand?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects a 27% job growth rate for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/home.htm/”]math occupations[/hen-ui-link] from 2019-2029, which is nearly seven times faster than the average rate for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Are Entry-Level Jobs for Math Majors?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Math majors can pursue entry-level careers in fields like mathematics, business and finance, and technology. Depending on degree and specialization, new graduates can pursue [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/actuaries.htm/”]careers as actuaries[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm/”]operations research analysts[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm/”]cost estimators[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Doug Wintemute” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859893/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/doug-wintemute.jpg” img-alt=”Doug Wintemute” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Doug Wintemute[/hen-ui-link] is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwintemute/”]LinkedIn[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: PeopleImages | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”344,401,170″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]