Mathematical Careers

The CareerCast 2017 rankings ranks 200 careers from best to worst using five criteria inherent to every job: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands, and stress. The rankings are based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, as well as studies from trade associations. The sum of these rankings gave each career an overall score which was used to rank the careers from 1 to 200. A detailed description of the methodology used in ranking the careers can be found at CareerCast.

The top careers correlated strongly with an academic mathematical training:

• Statistician, #1, average salary of $80,110,
• Operations Research Analyst, #3, $79,200, 
• Data Scientist, #5, $111,267,
• University Professor, #6, $72,416,
• Mathematician (#1 in 2009! But still going strong), #7, $111,298,
• Software Engineer, #8, $100,690,
• Actuary, #11, $97,312.

We now examine some specific careers for math majors. For another look, see LearnHowtoBecome for a different description and tools to consider your career.

Summaries of some of the careers that are available for mathematics majors are described below. Math majors learn how to express themselves logically, how to use mathematics and technology to solve numerical problems, and how to use statistics to analyze quantitative information. The work of mathematicians falls into two broad categories, theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics, however these categories, are not sharply defined and often overlap. Most jobs as a mathematician require an advanced degree, either an MA Math or an MS Math, or a PhD in Math. The Math department at San Jose State University offers a BA Math degree, which our most flexible degree and it is likely more suitable for students interested in pure mathematics or pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics. Math majors at San Jose State have gone on to get advanced degrees (Masters and PhDs) at various universities, including Arizona State U., UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford U., U. Oregon, U. Illinois, U. Wisconsin, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Davis.

Mathematicians

Mathematicians often work at research and development laboratories in interdisciplinary teams that may include economists, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, technicians, and others. In private industry, candidates for mathematician jobs typically need a Ph.D., although there may be opportunities for those with a master’s degree. Many mathematicians are employed as university faculty, dividing their time between teaching and conducting research. BA Math and MA/MS Math majors at San Jose State have gone on to become professors at various universities, including Caltech, SUNY Stony Brook, U. Wisconsin, Fresno State, CSU Chico, Santa Clara U., CSU East Bay, Sonoma State U., and San Jose State University. Employment of mathematicians is expected to increase by 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More information about a career as a mathematician can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at and also at the Sloan Career Cornerstone.

Further information about mathematical careers can be found at websites of the Mathematical Association of America, and the American Mathematical Society.

Applied Mathematicians

At San Jose State University we offer a BS Applied and Computational Math Degree with three different emphases. The BS Applied and Computational Math, Emphasis in Applied Math is the best degree for students interested in careers as an applied mathematician.

Applied Mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, andsocial sciences. Employment of mathematicians is expected to increase by 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. More information about a career as a mathematician can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at and also at the Sloan Career Cornerstone.

Further information about careers in applied math can be found at website of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematicians.

Actuaries

The BS Applied and Computational Math, Emphasis in Economics, Finance, and Actuarial Science is the best degree for students interested in actuarial careers and for careers where mathematics is applied in business and finance.

Actuaries use their broad knowledge of statistics, finance, and business, to help design insurance policies, pension plans, and other financial strategies in a manner which will help ensure that they are maintained on a sound financial basis. Six out of ten actuaries work in the insurance industry where they assemble and analyze data to estimate the probability and likely cost of an event such as death, sickness, injury, disability, or loss of property. Employment of actuaries is expected to increase by 27 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. More information about a career as an actuary can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at and also at the Sloan Career Cornerstone.

Further information about actuarial careers can be found at http://www.beanactuary.org/.

Statisticians

The BS Applied and Computational Math, Emphasis in Statistics is the best degree for students interested in statistical careers and data analysis.

Statisticians apply their mathematical and statistical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments; the collection, processing, and analysis of data; and the interpretation of the experiment and survey results. Statisticians may apply their knowledge of statistical methods to a variety of subject areas, such as biology, economics, engineering, medicine, public health, psychology, marketing, education, and sports. Many economic, social, political, and military decisions cannot be made without statistical techniques, such as the design of experiments to gain Federal approval of a newly manufactured drug. Employment of statisticians is projected to grow 14 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The demand for individuals with a background is statistics is expected to grow, although some jobs will be in occupations with titles other than “statistician.” More information about a career as a statistician can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at and also at the Sloan Career Cornerstone.

Further information about statistical careers can be found at the website of the American Statistical Association or on Professor Crunk's web page.

More information about statistics can also be found at http://www.sjsu.edu/statistics/[BROKEN LINK].

Mathematics majors are also employed as teachers. Mathematics teachers at community colleges and part-time mathematics instructors at universities will generally need a Masters degree, MA Math or MS Math, and university professors will usually require a PhD degree. Elementary and middle school teachers usually require a multiple-subject teaching credential and secondary school mathematics teachers require a single-subject teaching credential in mathematics. Information about obtaining a teaching credential at San Jose State University can be found at the College of Education website https://www.sjsu.edu/teachered/programs/secondary-education/index.html or https://www.sjsu.edu/education/academics/credentials/index.php. Mathematics majors interested in being secondary school math teachers should pursue a BA Math, Preparation for Teaching degree.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers teach at community colleges, colleges, and universities. Postsecondary teaching requires the ability to communicate ideas well, motivate students, and be creative. Postsecondary teachers are expected to grow by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020 which is about as fast as average. BA Math and MA/MS Math majors have gone on to teach at various community colleges, including Foothill, DeAnza, Ohlone, Las Positas, Los Medanos, Mission, San Jose City, San Mateo, Canada, West Valley, Laney, Contra Costa, Hartnell, and Gavilan College. Information about the MA/MS Math program at SJSU can be found on Professor Kubelka’s web page. More information about a career as a postsecondary teacher can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at.

Secondary and Middle School Teachers

Secondary and Middle School Teachers use classroom presentations or individual instruction to help students learn and apply concepts in mathematics. They plan, evaluate, and assign lessons; prepare, administer, and grade tests; listen to oral presentations; and maintain classroom discipline. Teachers observe and evaluate a student’s performance and are increasingly asked to use new assessment methods. Many teachers use a “hands-on” approach that uses “props” or “manipulatives” to help children understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thought processes. Employment of HS school teachers is expected to grow by 7% (slower than average) between 2010 and 2020 and for middle school teachers employment is expected to grow by about 17% between 2010 and 2020 (about as fast as average). Though the demand for math teachers will likely exceed the overall average. BA Math majors have gone on to teach at various high schools, including Fremont, Lost Altos, WC Overfelt, Independence, Menlo-Atherton, Pioneer, Blackford, Notre Dame, James Lick, Willow Glen, Evergreen Valley, and San Lorenzo Valley High. More information about a career as a secondary or middle school teacher can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Further information about careers in the teaching of mathematics can be found at the website of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Mathematics majors with a strong background in computers and computer science are often hired as computer  programmers, computer systems analyst, or software engineer. The BS Applied and Computational Math, Emphasis in Applied Math is the best degree for students interested in computer-related mathematics careers. More information about computing careers can be found on the Association of Computing Machinery website. BS Applied and Computational Math majors have gone on to work at various technology companies, including, IBM, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Borland, Oracle, Adobe, Cisco, Sun Microsystems, ICAM, Toshiba Semiconductor, Atmel, and Credence, as well as many small start-up companies.

Computer Programmers

Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs, that computers follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive and design programs for solving problems on a computer and to make computers do specific tasks. Employment of computer programmers is expected to grow by about 12 percent from 2010 to 2020 (about as fast as average). More information about a career as a computer programmer can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst solve computer problems and use computer technology to meet the needs of an organization. They plan and develop computer systems for businesses and scientific institutions by choosing and configuring hardware and software. Employment of computer systems analysts is expected to grow by 22 percent from 2010 to 2020 (faster than average). More information about a career as a computer systems analyst can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Computer Software Developers

Computer Software Developers apply the principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that make computers work. The tasks performed by these workers evolve quickly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software, including computer games, word processing and business applications, operating systems and network distribution, and compilers, which convert programs to machine language for execution on a computer. Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 30 percent over the 2010 to 2020 period (much faster than average).

More information about a career as a computer software engineer can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Mathematics majors with a strong background in science are sometimes hired as an engineer, a physicist, or an astronomer. The BS Applied and Computational Math emphasis in Applied Math is the best degree for students interested in applying mathematics in science and engineering. BS Applied and Computational Math majors have gone on to work at the following aerospace companies, NASA Ames, TRW, Lockheed Martin, ESL, Loral Space Systems, and Ford Aerospace. BS Applied and Computational Math majors have gone on to work at various research labs, including Lawrence Livermore, Sandia, HP Labs, IBM Research Labs and SRI International.

Engineers

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Overall engineering employment growth will vary widely depending on the field over the 2010-20 decade. More information about a career as an engineer can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists and Astronomers conduct research to understand the nature of the universe. These researchers observe, measure, interpret, and develop theories to explain celestial and physical phenomena using mathematics. They study the fundamental properties of the natural world and apply the knowledge gained to design new technologies. Employment of physicists and astronomers is expected to grow at 14 percent, during the 2010-20 decade (about as fast as average). More information about a career as a physicist or an astronomer can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further information about careers in Physics can be found on the website of the American Physical Society.

Mathematics majors with a strong background in economics, finance, or business are sometimes hired as an operations research analyst, economist, Market and survey researcher, or financial analyst and personal financial advisor. The BS Applied and Computational Math emphasis in Economics, Finance, and Actuarial Science is the best degree for students interested in applying mathematics in economics, finance, or business. BS Applied and Computational Math majors have gone on to work at various businesses, including Barra, Hewitt Associates, HealthNet, Boeing, Environ Corp., General Electric, and Sportvision. BS Applied and Computational Math majors have gone on to work at various government agencies, including US Geological Survey, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the US Dept. of Engineering. Math majors at San Jose State have also gone on to be lawyers, MBAs, mayors, Fulbright fellows, inducted into the Inventor Hall of Fame, and to start their own companies.

Operations Research Analysts

Operations Research Analysts plan business ventures and analyze options by using statistical analysis, data and computer modeling, linear programming, and other mathematical techniques. Operations research analysts are often involved in top-level strategizing, planning, and forecasting. They help to allocate resources, measure performance, schedule, design production facilities and systems, manage the supply chain, set prices, coordinate transportation and distribution, or analyze large databases. Employment of operations research analysts is expected to grow 15 percent between 2010 and 2020 (about as fast as average). More information about a career as an operations research analyst can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further information about careers in Operations Research and Management Science can be found at the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences website.

Economists

Economists study how society distributes resources, such as land, labor, raw materials, and machinery, to produce goods and services. They may conduct research, collect and analyze data, monitor economic trends, or develop forecasts. Employment of economists is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020 (slower than average). More information about a career as an economist can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Market and Survey Researchers

Market and Survey Researchers gather information to companies understand what types of products people want and at what price. They also help companies market their products to the people most likely to buy them. Gathering statistical data on competitors and examining prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution, they analyze data on past sales to predict future sales. Employment of market and survey researchers is projected to grow 41 percent from 2010 to 2020 (much faster than average). More information about a career as a market and survey researcher can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors

Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors provide analysis and guidance to businesses and individuals in making investment decisions. They gather financial information, analyze it, and make recommendations. As the level of investment increases, overall employment of financial analysts and personal financial advisors is expected to increase by 23 percent between 2010 and 2020 (faster than average). More information about a career as a financial analyst or a personal financial advisor can be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

There are many opportunities available for graduate students (especially students in PhD programs) once you leave SJSU. Many of them include financial support. Here is a selection of those opportunities:

Department of Energy - Computational Science Graduate Fellowship

The Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) program provides benefits and opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields of study that utilize high performance computing to solve complex problems in science and engineering. The fellowship includes a 12-week research experience at one of  17 DOE laboratory sites.

Benefits

• $36,00 yearly stipend
• Payment of all tuition and fees
• Yearly conferences
• $5,000 academic allowance in the first year
• $1,000 academic allowance each renewed year
• 12-week research practicum
• Renewable up to four years

Apply online at www.krellinst.org/csgf, applications due January 11. 2011

National Science Foundation - Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Since 1952, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program has recognized and supported future leaders in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Each year, NSF awards over 2,000 fellowships to outstanding students in these fields.

Benefits

• $30,000 annual stipend
• $10,500 annual cost of education allowance
• International research and professional development opportunities

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, nationals or permanent resident aliens and at or near the beginning of graduate studies in an NSF supported field (such as mathematics).

Applications become available in August at the NSF website. Deadline for applications is in November, exact deadline datges vary by field. The fellowship awards are announced in April.

Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs

For Foundation Fellowships are designed to increase the diversity of the nation's college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

Benefits

• $20,000 stipend plus $2,000 institutional allowance for the predoctoral fellow
• $21,000 dissertation support for one year
• $40,000 postdoctoral support for one year, $1,500 employing institution allowance to be matched by the employing institution.

Application deadlines are in early November. See http://national-academies.org/fellowships for more information and to submit an application.