Marywood University

Job Opportunities in Mathematics

Dept of Mathematics

Mathematics provides the foundations upon which most scientific and technological advances are built. Developments in the past several decades have extended the use of mathematics in society today over a larger variety of disciplines than at any previous time in history. As a result, there exists a strong positive correlation in numerous fields between your mathematical knowledge and successful employment upon graduation. A degree in mathematics at Marywood University provides you with a strong preparation for an exciting career (or graduate study) in the following fields. A list of very useful websites appears at the bottom of this page.

actuarial science

Assemble and analyze statistics to calculate probabilities of death, sickness, injury, disability, unemployment, retirement, and property loss. Insurance companies such as Allstate, Prudential, Blue Cross, etc. employ a large number of actuaries and, as such, they re always in high demand and earn very good salaries. For more information about a job as an actuary, go to http://www.actuaryjobs.com the homepage of DW Simpson Actuary Jobs.

aerospace engineering and technology

Assist in the design and evaluation of space probes, space missions, as well as super and subsonic aircraft. For typical examples, go to the homepage of the Jet Propulsion Labs in Pasadena, CA: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ and click on Employment Opportunities. JPL has been NASA's principal organizer and designer for a majority of the space exploration missions over the last 50 years..

astronomy

Orbital calculations of celestial bodies both natural and man-made. Data reduction and analysis of telescopic data concerning planets, stars, galaxies, neutron stars, black holes, and other celestial objects. For typical examples of current on-going astronomical research, visit the homepage of the Cornell Department of Astronomy: http://www.astro.cornell.edu/. This is one of the most prestigious centers of research in astronomy in the world.

communications network design

Setting up LANs and Internet exchanges to enhance and other networks in fields such as Air Traffic Control.

computer science

Enter any one of the many area where Computers are key. Business as well as Scientific Programming in all areas of life.

cryptology

This field uses many of the concepts studied in the area of mathematics known as number theory. Positions are available with private encryption firms who specialize in securing business transactions on the internet and other forms of electronic finance. Furthermore, the National Security Agency (www.nsa.gov) employs many mathematicians as cryptologists who work to protect information systems as well as crack codes used by the military of hostile nations.

economics

Both Macro and Micro Economics are well into computer techniques for data reduction and modeling various economic systems.

graduate math

Move on to still higher education and specialize in on one the many field of Applied or Pure Mathematics. For more information about graduate programs in mathematics, go to the home of the MAA (Mathematical Association of America):www.maa.org

management

Corporate management is in need of financial planners as well as individuals who can model market research for new and/or improved product lines.

mathematical modeling (related to research in such fields as biology, chemistry, medicine, social science, etc.)

This is one field which captures all the various aspects of mathematics and the areas of application are unlimited.

numerical methods

Much work continues to be done in this field because of the increases in speed and memory of computers.

operations research

This field combines business with mathematics. Many problems are solved by performing model analysis of challenging projects such as Strategic Airport Planning.

physics

Many large physical systems are in need of analysis whether in small things such as semi-conductors or in large things such as Space Probes like Voyager.

psychology

Much work in this field depends on the right use and application of probability and statistics. Behavioral patterns are gleaned from proper data analysis and number crunching.

secondary school mathematics teaching

Today there is a greater demand for high school teachers of mathematics than in the previous half-century. More and more leaders in industry are realizing the necessity of mathematics in all fields of work. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is the premier professional organization and their website is: www.nctm.org

statistics

Whether in Actuarial Science for the insurance industry or predicting mean-time-between-overhauls, this field continues to be in need of personnel.

systems engineering

Much effort has gone into systems analysis and system design using the techniques of mathematics and computer science. The results indicate a broadening of this field.

Return to Math home page

Sampling of web sites related to career opportunities in mathematics:

Math Careers (Cal State Fullerton) - http://math.fullerton.edu/Careers.html

Take This Math Job and Love It (MiraCosta College) - http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/info/Acad/Mathematics/math.htm

Why major in Mathematics? (University of Georgia) - http://www.math.uga.edu/~curr/WhyMath.html

Mathematics Job Opportunities? (University of Georgia) http://math.uga.edu/~shifrin/jobops.html

The following sites may also be of interest:

MAA Online review of 101 Careers in Mathematics - http://www.maa.org/reviews/careers.html

MAA Online review of She Does Math - http://www.maa.org/reviews/sdm_review.html

MAA Online review of Great Jobs for Math Majors - http://www.maa.org/reviews/greatjobs.html

Career Profiles (Part of the AMS-MAA-SIAM Mathematical Sciences Career Information Project) - http://www.maa.org/careers/index.html

Comments to Dr. Craig M. Johnson, Chairperson, Department of Mathematics: johnsonc@marywood.edu

Last update: August 30, 2003

Copyright © 2003 by Marywood University. All rights reserved.

Marywood University, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 (570) 348-6211