List of Careers for Mathematics Majors

Mathematics majors have a number of career options.

Mathematicians study numbers and patterns. Jobs for mathematics majors exist in secondary and postsecondary education, of course. People with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics or applied mathematics qualify for a number of other careers, although some require additional training or licensure.

Actuaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, actuaries specialize in using mathematical formulas to determine the likelihood of a particular event (e.g., a specific driver’s involvement in an automobile accident), assess the probable cost of the event and minimize the risk of the event. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that while earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a prospective actuary should also enroll in courses in economics, applied statistics and corporate finance, and seek an internship to get work experience. Licensure after college graduation involves passing a rigorous series of examinations and takes approximately four to eight years to complete. The median annual income for actuaries amounted to $84,810 in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Systems Analysts

A math major who also possesses significant proficiency with computer technology may pursue a career as a computer systems analyst. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a computer systems analyst meets with the management of an organization to determine its technology needs. The analyst then designs, observes, tests and debugs a computer system to meet those needs and trains employees within the organization to use the system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends expertise with the particular area in which you desire to work (finance, hospitality, health management), in addition to a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a strong background in computer science. The median annual income for computer systems analysts in May 2008 was $75,500, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Personal Financial Advisors

A career as a personal financial advisor suits a mathematics major who enjoys working with people and has strong networking and sales skills. This job, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics, includes meeting with clients to develop and assess plans related to investments, insurance and taxes. Depending upon the specific kind of work that you do, you may need to obtain licenses or registrations after earning your bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median income of $69,050, not including bonuses, for personal financial advisors in May 2008.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Actuaries
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Systems Analysts
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Personal Financial Advisors

Resources

• American Academy of Actuaries
• Society of Actuaries and Casualty Actuarial Society
• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies
• Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc
• Financial Planning Association