College students who major in mathematics generally receive a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, while some schools offer Bachelor of Science majors as well. Many bachelor degrees prepare students for graduate-degree study, while some bachelor’s degrees allow students greater flexibility in choosing coursework from other areas of the program. A large number of math majors in colleges and universities now cater to professional employees who may not have much time to dedicate to coursework. These students may be interested in working with numbers in fields such as management or finance. Some of these fields even require advanced mathematics courses such as advanced calculus or probability. For these professionals, having a bachelor’s degree in mathematics opens up many opportunities in their careers.
Business majors often begin with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. These programs usually include general mathematics courses like algebra, trigonometry, calculus, etc. Business mathematics concentrates on advanced topics and functions, such as optimization and mathematical problem solving. It is not uncommon for business courses to require specialized math degree courses such as mathematical methods in complex systems, statistics, or business units such as financial management.
Calculus is one of the most popular mathematics courses taken by many college and university students. Courses in calculus take several forms, including traditional mathematics with problems that can be solved in polynomial algebra, or more advanced non-monomial techniques. Another form of math used often in the workplace is complex mathematics, which uses matrices, optimization, and other mathematical concepts. Many businesses use a mixture of traditional and modern mathematics in their daily operations. Those who are interested in a career in finance might enjoy a course in mathematical techniques used in stock market trading.
The undergraduate degree in mathematics offers a number of career options. Career graduates can pursue graduate degrees in mathematics, specializing either in applied mathematics or business mathematics. A few of the graduate programs in mathematics offer certificates in applied mathematics, which allows the students to specialize in certain areas. Careers requiring advanced mathematics skills can also be obtained through these graduate programs, including quantum computing and machine learning.
Students who already have an associates or bachelor’s degree in mathematics can pursue higher levels through university programs. Students in advanced mathematics have an array of career options available to them. One of these options includes visiting University of Michigan, one of the premier schools in the United States. This university offers a Mathematics Concentration. Under the direction of its College of Mathematics and Science, this concentration focuses on teaching students how to utilize modern mathematics for scientific research. Math majors in the College of Mathematics and Science often choose specific courses such as numerical analysis, physics, or calculus.
Students can pursue graduate degrees in mathematics by attending a college or university that offers a mathematics specialization. There are numerous graduate programs in mathematics, with concentrations in different areas. Math specialists at Michigan University have a Computational Analysis Certificate Program that helps students acquire the skills needed to succeed in an advanced computer programming course. Other graduate programs in mathematics include the College of mathematics and Statistics, the College of Engineering, and the College of Financial Science.
Statisticians and actuaries are typically required to have degrees in business, nursing, and accounting before working as actuaries. Many public accounting firms and government agencies prefer to hire individuals with degrees in mathematics and actuarial science. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that actuaries and statisticians earn more than twice the median yearly salary of those working in the field of business, management, and other related fields combined. College graduates interested in careers in statistics and actuaries should enroll in courses that directly train them to use mathematical and actuarial techniques. Graduates may then enter into graduate programs that prepare them for positions in state and federal agencies.
