To become a mathematician, a Ph.D. in mathematics is usually the minimum educational requirement for private sector positions. A bachelor’s or master’s degree may be suitable for some Federal Government positions. If you have a Ph.D. in mathematics and a background in computer science or engineering, you will have better employment opportunities in related occupations.
Jobs in industry and government often require advanced knowledge of related scientific disciplines in addition to mathematics. The most common fields in which mathematicians study and find work are computer science and software development, physics, engineering, and management science (operations research). Many mathematicians also are involved in financial analysis and in life sciences research.
In addition to the careers listed above, a mathematics degree can lead to a lucrative career as an accountant, actuary, applied mathematician, pure mathematician, secondary school mathematics teacher, or a statistician. Other career options include mathematical biology, mathematics of medicine, and mathematics of finance.
The median household income in the U. S. is $52,029 per year. Mathematicians working in just about any field earn nearly twice as much as the average American household earns. High earners make twice as much or more.
Median annual wages of mathematicians were $95,150 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $71,430 and $119,480. The lowest 10 percent had earnings of less than $53,570, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $140,500.
In March 2009, the average annual salary in the Federal Government was $107,051 for mathematicians; $107,015 for mathematical statisticians; and $101,645 for cryptanalysts.
Although mathematics is a highly competitive field, according to Bls.gov., thanks to advancements in technology, employment of mathematicians is expected to increase by 22 percent during the 2008–18 decade. This is much faster than average for all occupations.
To earn a degree in mathematics, look no further than traditional colleges, universities, or technical colleges. Most colleges offer undergraduate and graduate mathematics degrees. Many offer Ph.D. programs in mathematics as well. When choosing a mathematics program, just make sure the school is accredited by an agency that’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These include, but are not limited to:
-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
-Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
-The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
-The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
-New England Association of Schools and Colleges
-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
-Western Association of Schools and Colleges
For a complete list of recognized accrediting agencies, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website at ED.gov.
