Mathematics

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The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA, BS, and a minor, as well as a MA and PhD in Mathematics.  A major in mathematics prepares one for a wide range of life experiences. For mathematical research in the sciences, a doctoral degree is generally required. Lesser degrees, however, may prepare one for numerous career paths as well.

Mathematics Department website

Sample of Related Skills

• Demonstrate depth of knowledge in the core content areas of the discipline 
• Apply content knowledge to solve complex mathematical problems 
• Demonstrate ability to construct rigorous logical arguments 
• Communicate mathematical ideas orally and/or in writing 
• Apply technology tools to solve problems 

Popular Career Paths

Scientific Research: Focuses on researching and analyzing data on all types of topics related to the scientific world.

Education: Allows you the ability to utilize the knowledge you have gained from your academic studies and research and then be able to communicate this information in such a way that can be taught in an academic setting.

Insurance/Business:  Very focused career field where actuaries and underwriters rely on mathematical data to help insurance companies set risk pools and prices. This career field gives you business skills which you would otherwise not get with a mathematics degree.

Statistics: A broad career path that utilizes your strengths in applied and theoretical mathematics. You can analyze data from the business, health, government, medicine, and academia fields to make this information more user friendly for the individuals in each field. Communication skills are very important in this line of work.

Software Programming: Writes programs for all types of companies to help them market their brand with images and graphics. Having a computer based background is also very important in this career path.

Explore More Career Paths

• American Statistical Organization - Offers many resources for the statistician occupation including many career resources on what exactly you do within the profession
• Be an Actuary - Offers many links to information on the career of an actuary
• Career in Mathematics - Offers several links to all the different types of careers one can receive from a mathematics major
• Casualty Actuarial Society - Career center for the actuary career profession where you can get tips within the profession as well as explore job boards that are posted
• Mathematical Association of America - Several links that lead to the many different careers that mathematics majors may explore
• Society of Actuaries - Links for applicants, recruiters, and interns to find valuable information on the career of an actuary

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

View specific employers by state.

Employment Strategies

1. Identify areas of interest in mathematics so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
2. Become familiar with the required professional qualifications associated with careers that interest you (i.e. advance degrees, licensure and/or certifications).
3. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
4. Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
5. Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
6. Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills.
7. Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest in math, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
8. Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
9. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest, such as: Economics Club and Mathematics Graduate Student Organization.
10. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume (pdf).

Job and Internship Search Resources

• American Mathematical Society - Career page for math majors where you can find advice for a mathematics career, explore job services, and job sites
• Association of Women in Mathematics - Gives information on careers in the mathematical science industry as well as electronic job boards for job seekers to look through
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters -  Includes job links, career networking assistant, and success stories to read through
• Job Center for Society of Actuaries - List of jobs in the actuarial field
• Marketing Research Association - A career site devoted to a career in marketing research that includes current jobs, internships, and social networking sites
• National Association for Business Economics - Overview of what exactly an Economics major can do as well as a job center for people to apply and posts job openings
• Research Experience for Undergraduates in Mathematics - List of research experience sites
• Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics - Provides links to job search resources as well as job boards
• U.S. Department of Energy: Office of Science - Several programs for undergraduate internships and graduate students to explore