<p>So, I was wondering something. Every time people ask me what I'm studying and I answer math, they're like "oh, so you wanna be a teacher" and I'm like "hell no!", but then they ask me what else I can do....and honestly I have no clue. The only reason I decided to study math is cause I love the subject. In my mind that's reason enough, it doesn't need to be useful. </p>
<p>That said, reality comes back to bite sometimes and I can't help but wonder, what do you DO with a math degree? Furthermore, what do you DO with any pure science degree (i.e. physics, chemistry, pure (theoretical) math, biology, etc...) other than research? And if so, WHERE do you do research (other than a university)? What exactly would anyone hire a theoretical mathematician or physicist to do?</p>
<p>nicolles–I think we all question ourselves at one point. I know what you mean, about wanting to study something that you love but not really knowing what to do with it. However, as you keep studying I think you’ll come across different opportunities like internships or research projects, that may lead you to a career you didn’t even know existed!</p>
<p>Most mathematicians go on to do math (as a job) in an applied field: econ, engineering, computer science, etc. A math degree is pretty versatile depending on the person. </p>
<p>The same goes for physicists; they typically work alongside engineers. </p>
<p>Just try to think which industries could find such knowledge useful and you’ll find those kinds of scientists working in them.</p>
<p>iZychr is right to an extent. Most research and production done in most fields of science require lots of capital. The exceptions being EE and CS, which is a big source of my interest in the fields.</p>
<p>What can you do with a math undergrad bachelor’s?</p>
<p>Anything.</p>
<p>Just make sure you figure out some possible career paths before you graduate so you can take some other classes to prepare for your future. EmpathyInAnarchy listed a lot of good fields.</p>
<p>Also you will learn the critical thinking skills required for the LSATS and so law school/politics is not out of the question in any way.</p>
<p>ummm… if you are only going to take a bachelor degree then you can do most thing with it. in reality, the work you do most the time has nothing to do with your degree. don’t worry.</p>
<p>Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you’re not gonna get anywhere with your major. I’ve talked to a ton of employers and when they find out that I’m studying physics and math, they become instantly interested. Most of everyone who works in the software industry, for instance, probably comes from software; they studied CS in college. However, people who are in charge of these industries have much broader knowledge bases. Engineers do the dirty work, mathematicians and physicists manage engineers.</p>
<p>In other words, doing a pure science degree tells everyone that you know how to solve problems, no matter how general or specific. The reaction is usually “wow, you must be really smart.”</p>
<p>Plus, all the engineers tend to ask you for help. Ego boost :]</p>
<p>well, that’s nice to know. At least I’m not screwed. Although, looking at those charts Aerospace engineering is looking really interesting…hmmm…nah jk…hehe.</p>
<p>It sounds like whosuu is huffing his own farts. While managers can be from any field, I have seen no data indicating that general degrees are preferable when compared to a specific degree. It might so happen that someone with a general degree is more likely to take a management position than someone with a specific degree, but I don’t think that’s because people with general degrees are gods to people with specific degrees.</p>