Things to do with math not involving a PhD?

<p>I like math quite a bit. I also like some of the liberal arts, but I've found that I really detest writing papers. [I used to not mind it, but I'm currently in two history classes that make me want to rip my hair out.] I was, originally, a biology major, but chemistry and I didn't really get along well [labs - fine, tests - totally blanked out]. This semester I decided just to stock op on my general education credits and get them out of the way. I've taken calculus before and did well at it and I definitely liked studying for it more than what I'm having to study for now. However, while I really like math and am not horrible at it, I am definitely not the best damn math student that ever lived. I was wondering what I could do [other than computer science and accounting] that would involve math, but not 10+ page papers? I considered majoring in math, but many of the posts on here make it seem as though you have no chance of succeeding if you are not "the best damn math student that ever lived." Also, I'm not entirely sure what (other than teaching, research, and being an actuary (*** is that?)) one could do with a math degree and where it would be more beneficial to get a BA or a BS.</p>

<p>So please, enlighten me. Steer me towards or away from math. If away, what would be a decent option? It towards, what do I do once I graduate?</p>

<p>Do you think you would like economics? Or possibly statistics?</p>

<p>I’ve taken an economics class and didn’t really care for it. (It was micro.) I don’t know if it was the professor (which shouldn’t really make a difference) or the subject matter, but not much of it was really that intriguing. Statistics, while not exactly hard, I thought was kinda boring, but it was just an introductory class so perhaps it gets more fun?</p>

<p>I have thought about economics though. I just don’t want to get stuck working in business.</p>

<p>Physics? Or possibly something with applied math, like industrial engineering?</p>

<p>[Careers</a> in Mathematics](<a href=“http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mathcareers.html]Careers”>Careers in Mathematics)</p>

<p>Ah, that site (and another one linked from it) is wonderful. (I know, I could have Googled, but right now my brain is a bit drained and I didn’t think to.)</p>

<p>I guess the only other question I have (unless anyone has more suggestions) is whether or not I have to be the best damn math student ever lived (you know, that kinds that never have to study and do theorems in their sleep). One of the reasons I like math so much is because I enjoy the studying in need to do and I love the “ah-ha!” moment when I fully grasp a concept.</p>

<p>^ No, you don’t have to be the best math student who ever lived. Math majors work in a variety of careers— most are not prize winners who are going into academic careers.</p>

<p>Math majors can become statisticians, actuaries, go into business…many things. As long as you get decent enough grades, you can do it. A mathematics degree proves that you have quantitative skills, which are useful to almost any business. Imagine that you are a company - would you hire a math major?</p>

<p>Actuaries make a buttload of money with a Bachelors, and do use a decent amount of math.</p>

<p>… but actuarial work is so mind-numbingly boring.</p>