What Can I Do With a Major In Mathematics?
UGA Specific Information for Mathematics
Mathematics is a powerful tool in many diverse careers. Math plays a major role in actuarial science, astronomy, chemistry, physics, computer science, economics, engineering, biology, geophysics, finance, genetics, oceanography, meteorology, linguistics, cryptology, seismology, and environmental science. A strong mathematics background has become nearly a prerequisite for advanced study in the natural and social sciences. Critical problems in government, health, the environmental fields, private industry, and the academic world require advanced mathematical and statistical techniques for they provide exacting analytical and quantitative tools necessary. Although some applications involve computers, the current generation has grown with the development of technology and is the most prepared in history to change our society, environment and world.
Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Mathematics*
** Includes Self-Employed
Campus Resources
- Mathematics Department
- Math Club
- Data Dawgs
- MATHCOUNTS Outreach at UGA
- Mathematics Education Student Association
- Find additional clubs and organizations at the Center for Student Organizations
- Connect with your Career Consultant - click here to learn more about scheduling an appointment and drop-in hours
Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations
Potential Career Paths in Mathematics
When considering your career options within the field of mathematics, it might help to narrow down your interest by industry. The following industries seek individuals with a background in mathematics.
- Academia and Teaching
Teaching others the fundamentals and theories of mathematics is a career option. Becoming a professor on the university level would require additional education in the form of a PhD. Those interested in teaching at the secondary education level need to go through a certification program in order to teach at public schools in the state they reside in. - Actuarial Science
Professionals in the actuary field calculate the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. They evaluate the probability of events and quantify the contingent outcome in order to minimize the impacts of financial losses associated with uncertain undesirable events. Accountants focus on measuring and documenting financial information that helps others make decisions about allocating resources. - Computing/Information Technology
Professionals in this field specialize in a formal approach to computer programming. Information technology is focused on using computers to store and manipulate data, often in the context of a business or other enterprise. - Cryptography
A cryptographer develops algorithms, ciphers, and security systems to encrypt sensitive information. - Economics
Professionals in this field are focused on the analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists work in many fields including academia, government, and in the private sector. - Credit Analysis
A credit analyst analyzes credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. - Financial Analysis
A financial analyst conducts quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions. - Logistics Analysis
A logistics analyst analyzes product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing. - Market Research Analysis
Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional, or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. - Mathematician
A mathematician conducts research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. They solve problems in various field using mathematical methods. - Military and Public Service
A mathematics background is highly sought after in many areas of the military. - Modeling
- Operations Research
Operations research analysts use advanced methods of mathematical analysis to help organizations solve problems and make better fiscal decisions. Most operations research analysts in the federal government work for the Department of Defense, which also employs a large number of analysts through private consulting firms. - Sales and Marketing
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades. - Statistician
A statistician develops or applies mathematical or statistical theories and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as bio-statistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. - Systems Analysis
Computer systems analysts study an organization's current computer systems and procedures and make recommendations to management to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.
*This is not an exhaustive list of industries that hire mathematics majors.
Supplemental Career Research Dashboard
Additional Career Research Resources
- O*NET - The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledges, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations (Login using your 810/811)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations
- Firsthand - Explore a library of guides, articles, and other resources to help you explore careers, plan your job search, and learn about different work environments. Create a free account with your UGA email.
- Candid Career - Whether you are just beginning to explore career options, preparing for a job interview, or looking to change careers, CandidCareer.com can help by providing you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy to use website. We can all learn from the experiences of others and the Career Center makes this valuable resource available to UGA students so they may be informed and ready for what lies ahead. (Login using your 810/811)
- GoinGlobal - View jobs/internship in other countries and country career guides (Login using your 810/811)
- Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers the world an inside look at jobs and companies. What sets us apart is our "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees, job seekers, and sometimes the companies themselves. Now with nearly 3 million salaries and reviews, you have all the information you might need to make your next career decision.
- Portfolium - Your work and projects are undeniable proof of your skills – Portfolium will help you learn and allow you to display the top skills graduate schools and employers want. Portfolium is where you’ll upload your work, projects, presentations and more. The UGA Career Center has pre-loaded your profile to include the top skills graduate schools and employers seek in their candidates. Log-in to your profile to see how you can build your skills!
- Big Interview - Online practice interview platform. Practice basic interview questions or questions based on your industry interests or competencies! Also provides practice interview questions for graduate/professional schools. Just sign-up using your uga email address!
- UGA Mentor Program - Networking with your Bulldog family can help you get ahead in life and career, but where do you even start? The UGA Mentor Program narrows down the world of possibilities to meaningful connections. It personalizes the mentoring experience; connecting you with mentors that are just right for your commitment.. There's a better way to network. Visit mentor.uga.edu today and find a mentor who can help you see your future.
Employment Websites
GENERAL:
- Handshake - UGA's platform for job/internship postings (Login with your UGA MyID and password)
- GoinGlobal - Jobs/Internships in other countries and country career guides (Login with your 810/811)
- Idealist - Nonprofit jobs
- USAJobs- Federal jobs
- Firsthand -Company rankings/profiles, industry career guides, and advice articles
MAJOR/CAREER SPECIFIC:
Professional Associations/Resources
- American Mathematical Society
- The Mathematical Association of America
- Society for Industrial & Applied Math
- SIAM-AMS Non-Academic Careers in Math Info
- We Use Math-Information on Careers in Math
- Be An Actuary - Information on Careers in Actuarial Science
Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Mathematics majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Employer | Position Title(s) |
---|---|
Applied Software | Junior Developer | Boston Consulting Group | Associate | CGI Technologies and Solutions | Consultant | Cognizant Softvision | Technical Analyst I | Dorsa Consulting | Actuarial Assistant | FAST Enterprises, LLC | Implementation Consultant | Gemu Valves Inc. | CRM Support Specialist | General Motors | Data Analyst | Gwinnett Clinic | Medical Operations Assistant | Hopebridge | ABA Therapist | I.S. Army | Officer | Innovative Therapy Concepts | Financial Controller | NCR Corporation | Application Security Engineer | Pearson | Project Manager | Piedmont Hospital | Screener | State Farm | Sales Team Member | University of Georgia | Mission Operations Team Member | Vanguard | Technology Leadership Program - Application Development |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2021 Mathematics majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
Graduate School | Program(s) |
---|---|
Columbia University | Applied Analysis, MS | Georgetown University | Business Analytics, Masters | Georgia Institute of Technology | Cybersecurity, MS | Georgia Institute of Technology | Data Analytics, MS | Georgia State University | Mathematics, PhD | Stanford University | Structural Engineer, MS | University of Georgia | Professional Counseling (School), MEd/EdS | University of Georgia | Mathematics Education, MA | University of Georgia | Law, JD | University of Georgia | Public Health, MPH | Washington University in St. Louis | Information System Management, Master's |