What can you do with a major in math?

<p>Math is my favorite subject (and strongest), but I'm currently undeclared. I was thinking that maybe I'd go into an engineering field, since I know they incorporate a lot of math as well as science. However, I've really never been interested in science, so now I'm considering just going into strictly mathematics. Are there good job opportunities with a math degree, or would it be a better idea to go for an engineering degree?</p>

<p>Same problem... I've always wanted to study Math because I love it, but I couldn't figure out what it would be good for in life so I'm gonna study business instead. (And I will always regret it perhaps.)</p>

<p>Oh and I like Arcade Fire too.</p>

<p>Graduate level economics incorporates a great deal of math. I think it was Milton Friedman who expressed a preference for prospective graduate students skilled in math regardless of undergraduate degree over economics bachelors degree holders less skilled in math.</p>

<p>Other math-intensive professions alternatives to engineering include actuarial science, political science (polling and other statistical analysis), finance, and, of course, accounting.</p>

<p>Math is also a good major for law school.</p>

<p>I am in the same exact boat as the first two posters. (Including an affinity for Arcade Fire)</p>

<p>I'm planning on starting out in Engineering, then moving to Business or Economics if I don't enjoy it.</p>

<p>You could teach. This country could use more highly skilled math teachers.</p>

<p>This is a bit out of my area of expertise but I have friends who did their undergrad degrees in math and went on to graduate programs in a number of different areas including bioinformatics, finance (some sort of investment finance) and pure mathematics.</p>

<p>Someone already mentioned it but here is another plug for becoming an actuary. It incorporates both math and business, and has been ranked as one of the top jobs in the country.</p>

<p>Be</a> An Actuary</p>

<p>You know, I'd actually enjoy teaching and I think I'd be very good at it (I've tutored kids before), but I'm not satisfied with the salary of teachers..</p>

<p>Teacher salaries are not as bad as one might think. Especially in some regions of the country. And you can earn additional money coaching, tutoring, working in summer programs. And many people don't realize that the benefits are excellent (health, dental, vision, 2 months off in the summer, 4 weeks off during the school year, and 2/3 pension after 30 years). If you're interested, I strongly suggest that you look into it.</p>

<p>^^ Besides that, excellent math teachers are in great demand at competitive private schools where the pay scale easily exceeds that at the public schools.</p>

<p>Actuary is a very good choice.</p>

<p>I'm considering it as a possibility, though I'm not sure if I'm going to major in math yet or not.</p>

<p>Actually experienced teachers in this district of public schools usually get six figure salaries</p>

<p>study something like engineering or physics ... unless you want to go into graduate level econ or become a math teacher..</p>

<p>Math-related careers, according to Princeton Review:</p>

<p>Actuary
Astronomer
Attorney
Auditor
Avionics Technician
Bank Officer
Bookkeeper
Computer Operator / Programmer
Mathematician
Physicist
Statistician</p>

<p>BTW, I've been told that a major in math actually has more in common with a philosophy major than actual math. Engineering = our math IIRC.</p>

<p>^^ Agree with rsxwheeeeee!</p>

<p>Math is not just number crunching but for some, a whole art form! Police detective work comes immediately to mind. Not too far a stretch to any number of good jobs with that in mind. Break out the box and see that math is really quite special. Invent the new Rubik cube game perhaps? :)</p>

<p>@rsx - I guess that's somewhat understandable because it's 99% theoretical</p>

<p>I was a math major with a minor in computer science at Holy Cross and got a job as a software developer for Microsoft.</p>

<p>Mom was a bookkeeper and she never went to any college, trade school, etc.</p>

<p>Math majors are inferior to most sci majors unless coupled with a relevant minor or major. Employers don't really like lone math majors -- their math learned beyond the sci math is worthless and the work they did in college was robotic. Have fun in grad school.</p>

<p>Consider an applied math major. Or, pick a minor in some related science/engineering field. Or finance. </p>

<p>I know math majors who became systems engineers and spacecraft engineers. NASA, for one, uses math majors. </p>

<p>Curriculum development is another option if you like education but don't want to be in the trenches.</p>