If you’re not good at taking things at face value or accepting someone’s word for something; if instead, you investigate the claim and strive to find facts and data to prove it, then math may be a natural mindset for you – and a good degree choice. Math helps you break down numbers and data to provide concrete answers to questions and definitive solutions to problems. Math uncovers the workings of intricate systems, including the laws of the universe; it can discern truth from lies, fact from fiction, and accuracy from error. Math is indisputable, and as a result, it is the perfect discipline for driving decisions, validating research, and generating better results. Math is fundamental to nearly every scientific, business, and social enterprise in our society. But is a math degree right for you?
What is a Degree in Math?
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics allows a student to develop strong skills in logic and critical thinking; gain a mastery of calculus, algebra, geometry, statistics, and computer programming; and learn how mathematics is a critical tool for technological advancement and practical problem-solving in a complex natural and social world. Ottawa University’s accelerated online bachelor's degrees in math immerses you in the primary applications of the discipline, including Discrete Mathematics; Calculus I, II and III; Linear and Abstract Algebra; Higher Mathematics; Probability; Inferential Statistics; Differential Equations; Real Analysis; and Numerical Methods. To round out the degree, a capstone course guides students in the development of an integrative project that demonstrates achievement of the program’s learning outcomes. Students also complete an advanced undergraduate topic course in Complex Analysis.
Our online courses train math majors in high-level reasoning and problem-solving while equipping them with the core mathematics methods. At the same time, the degree explores real-world applications across diverse industries.
The bachelor’s degree in mathematics offers two concentrations that allow students to gain more knowledge and skills in a targeted math-related area that opens up more job opportunities. Those undergraduate concentrations are in actuarial science for those interested in becoming an actuary, and in secondary education for those who want to pursue teaching.
What Can You Do with a Math Degree?
Like Ottawa University’s accelerated online bachelor's degree in math, most math programs cultivate analytical proficiencies, immerse students in math theory and practical application, and develop complex problem-solving skills, making math degree graduates highly marketable to both public and private companies in nearly every industry.
A math degree can also lay the groundwork for pursuing further education. Those drawn to finance or economics might go on to earn a Master’s in Accounting, with convenient completion through OU’s accelerated online accounting degree. Others may build on their math training to lead organizations through a Master in Business Administration, with concentrations offered in finance, accounting, or business data analytics. A Master of Arts in Elementary Education, on the other hand, can prepare the math major for a satisfying career as an elementary teacher.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) bears out that math opens the door to a world of related occupations that require strong analytical skills. Different than other STEM disciplines such as chemistry, physics, or engineering, mathematics is more flexible in its application for solving abstract problems while at the same time using hard data and calculations to arrive at solutions in challenging business environments.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Math Degree?
Some jobs are considered the best careers in math because of their high salaries and job growth. For example, actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree but can earn $111,000 or more annually, with job growth projected to be 24% through 2030.
Operations research analysts are also on the rise, with 25% growth expected through 2030. These analysts use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help solve complex issues. Earning an average of $86,200 annually, a bachelor’s degree is the educational requirement to become an operations research analyst.
The projected job growth for mathematicians and statisticians is even higher, at 33% through 2030. These jobs consist of analyzing data and applying computational techniques to solve problems. The primary difference for these math roles is that a master’s degree is usually required. The average salary was $93,290 in 2020.
Math Careers
These certainly aren’t the only job options for those with a math degree, however. Math degrees can prepare graduates for careers in the tech sector, the finance industry, insurance, aviation, government, banking, cyber security, scientific research and development companies, and more.
Here are just a few of the kinds of jobs available.
- Auditor
- Computer Programmer
- Data Analyst
- Algorithmic engineer
- Investment banking analyst
- Data scientist
- Economist
- Software developer
- Medical scientist
- High school math teacher
- Management consultant
- Quality assurance manager
- Software engineer
- Cryptographers/cryptanalysts
A strong background in mathematics can also facilitate further education for employment as a physicist, astronomer, or accountant.
Why Get a Degree in Math?
Not only is math a lucrative career path, offering some of the highest salaries to those with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, but U.S. News ranked mathematicians #6 in best business jobs, #16 in best STEM jobs, and #49 in the 100 best jobs overall. Job flexibility for math careers was rated above average, allowing mathematicians to maintain a good work/life balance, while the job stress level and opportunities for advancement and salary increases were both listed as average.
Job security is another reason to get an accelerated online bachelor’s degree in mathematics, with careers in math far outpacing the average growth for all occupations. As big data becomes more and more essential to business operations, the demand for those who can extract, analyze and strategically utilize that data is expected to grow significantly. Likewise, exponential advances in technology will continue to open doors for math jobs.
So, if you want to be a driver of business growth and the numbers person behind important corporate decisions; if crunching numbers gives you satisfaction in its absolutes; if you are analytical and solution-oriented by nature, then a degree in mathematics could set you on the course towards a highly paid and satisfying career. Ottawa University is located in Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Phoenix, as well as online. Talk to an enrollment advisor today to begin your educational journey in 2022!