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Mathematics
The study of mathematics provides the student with an understanding of the basic concepts and structure of mathematics, an appreciation of the contributions of mathematics to our culture and the ability to use mathematics as a tool. It encourages development of critical, logical and independent thinking. Emphasis is placed both on the understanding of mathematical theory and on the application of that theory to real life problems.
The mathematics major needs such skills and characteristics as accuracy, problem-solving ability, detail orientation, and the ability to think and reason analytically. Students are required to engage in a co-op experience, and complete a senior research project under the direction of a faculty member.
Some students choose to enhance job opportunities by obtaining a major in mathematics with a concentration in finance or economics or a minor in computer information systems. Some students obtain licensure for Adolescent and Young Adult Education to teach in secondary education.
With a strong liberal arts background and grasp of mathematical theory and application, math majors are prepared for employment in any number of business, industrial, government or educational settings. A degree in mathematics is also excellent preparation for graduate school.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Actuary
Bank loan or trust officer
Buyer
College professor
Cryptologist
Developer of mathematical and/or financial models
Economist
Insurance sales representative
Market research analyst
Mathematician
Numerical analyst
Operations research analyst
Research associate
Retail manager
Securities account executive (broker)
Statistician
Teacher - high school or middle school
Underwriter
*Some positions may require additional education and/or training.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Information on employment outlook for the occupations listed above may be found at America’s Career InfoNet, http://www.acinet.org, the Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org, or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/oco.
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Banks
Brokerage houses
Colleges and universities
Computer software/hardware manufacturers
Consulting firms
Government
Insurance companies
Market research firms
Research facilities
Retailers
Schools - high school or middle school
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 3, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- *Fogg, Neeta, et.al. The College Majors Handbook, Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works, Inc., 2004.
- *Gurvis, Sandra. Careers for Non-Conformists, New York, NY: Marlowe and Company, 2000.
- *Lambert, Stephen & DeCotis, Ruth. Great Jobs for Math Majors, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 2006.
- Paradis, Adrian A. Opportunities in Banking Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Series, 2001.
- Ring, Trudy. Careers in Finance, New York, NY: VGM Career Books, 2005.
- Stair, Lila B. & Stair, Leslie. Careers in Marketing. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2002.
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Actuaries, 1100 17th Street NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20036, http://www.actuary.org.
- American Mathematical Society, 201 Charles Street, Providence, RI 02940-6248, http://www.ams.org.
- Society for Industrial & Applied Mathematics, 3600 Market Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, http://www.siam.org.
Web sites
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