Career Guide

Overview 

The Mathematics major is offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics within the College of Science & Mathematics.

Concentrations

Computational Sciences

Admission and Progression Standards

Visit the Major Snapshots site to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major.

Description of Major

Mathematics is offered as a major and minor at JMU. The department offers a program of study in the mathematical sciences which meets the needs and interests of a wide variety of students, and provides opportunities to contribute to the advancement of mathematical knowledge and dissemination. The program provides opportunities for in-depth study, leading to careers in industry and government as mathematicians, education as mathematics teachers, and academia via graduate school. The first two years of the mathematics major has a focus on calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and the basics of proof-writing. The studies of the last two years are devoted primarily to material in the fields of analysis, algebra, geometry, computing, and statistics. The two parts of the program are distinguished by presentation methods and by content. The first two years lead gradually to an appreciation of definitions and proofs, and to precision in mathematical language. The latter two years anchor fundamental mathematical concepts, develop powerful results and methods, and increase the knowledge of applications. The program is committed to promoting mathematics as an art of human endeavor and a fundamental method of inquiry into the sciences and other disciplines. In addition to the concentrations listed above, the department also offers a minor in Statistics. Students seeking teacher licensure are encouraged to consult with the appropriate program in the College of Education.

More About the Field 

Mathematics is the study of objects such as numbers, operations, space configurations, mappings, and abstract structures. Those studying mathematics develop skills to manipulate these objects and analyze the relationships between them. It is with these skills that pure mathematicians analyze the geometry of higher dimensional spaces, seek to understand the structure of the prime numbers, and observe chaotic behavior in dynamical systems. Likewise, applied mathematicians have found these skills to be indispensable for analyzing the various complex systems that arise in today’s technological world. Much of the knowledge and effort of a mathematician is devoted to formulating and analyzing models, which can be used to make predictions. When used as part of a design process, a well-constructed mathematical model can often produce enormous cost savings. As such, the work of mathematicians has had considerable impact on many fields beyond STEM, including finance and economics.

Specialization

Mathematicians specialize in a wide variety of areas such as algebra, geometry, analysis, probability and statistics, mathematics education, and applied mathematics. The college graduate with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial science can qualify for a broad range of highly paid positions in a variety of industries. In private industry, companies in the computer, communications, and energy fields employ many mathematicians. Students interested in government work will find that almost every bureau and branch of the federal government employs mathematicians in some capacity. For example, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National Security Agency employ many mathematicians. Major Research Laboratories like IBM, ATT, Bell, and Research Institutes support purely scientific research positions including mathematicians. Many mathematicians are attracted to academic research and teaching opportunities at the K-12, college, or university settings. In most four-year colleges and universities, a Ph.D. is necessary for full faculty status, though a Master’s degree is often sufficient for employment at many two-year colleges. Many other job titles apply to mathematicians who have specialized in an applied branch of mathematics. Actuaries assemble and analyze statistics to calculate probabilities, and thereby set rates, in the insurance industry. Operations Research Analysts apply scientific methods and mathematical principles to organizational problems. Statisticians design, carry out, and interpret the numerical results of surveys and experiments. These careers often begin with an education in mathematics, and a curiosity about the use of mathematics to solve problems.

Complementary Majors and Minors 

Some common combinations with a Mathematics major include: Astronomy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Information Systems, Finance, Geographic Science, Geology, Integrated Science and Technology, Logic and Reasoning, Materials Science, Physics, Quantitative Finance, Statistics, and Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication.

Characteristics of Successful Students

Those students who are able to think independently and creatively and are not afraid of hard work are the most successful in mathematics.

Careers

Recently, JobsRated.com ranked Mathematician as the best job in America, with Actuary and Statistician at second and third, based on salary, work conditions, and other factors. Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career fields that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.  Keep in mind that some fields will require graduate study or further training. 

• Actuary
• Animator
• Applications Programmer
• Auditor
• Biostatistician
• Computer Programmer
• Computer Scientist
• Consultant
• Cryptologist
• Data Mining Analyst
• Economist
• Engineering Analyst
• Environmental Engineer
• Estate Planner
• Financial Analyst
• Forensic Analyst
• Geophysical Model Designer
• Information Specialist
• Market Research Analyst
• Materials Scientist
• Mathematician
• Mathematics Teacher
• Meteorologist
• Numerical Analyst
• Operations Research Analyst
• Production Coordinator
• Professor
• Psychometrician
• Quality Control Analyst
• Reliability Engineer
• Materials Scientist
• Research Scientist
• Risk Analyst
• Robotics Engineer
• Securities Dealer
• Software Developer
• Statistician
• Systems Analyst
• Technical Writer

Who Employs Graduates?

Aeronautic Firms, Banks & Investment Firms, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Colleges & Universities, Communication Companies, Computer & Electronics Manufacturers, Computer Service & Software Firms, Consulting Firms, Electric Companies, Energy Systems Firms, Engineering Firms, Federal Contractors, Federal & State Government Offices, Government Labs and Research & Development Firms.

Internships and Experiential Opportunities 

There are a number of "hands-on" experiences available to students in mathematics. There are numerous opportunities for students to engage in mathematical research with a faculty member. Students intending to teach complete an "internship" through the student teaching experience, required in the senior year for those who seek teaching licensure. Students also gain experience and/or exposure to the field of mathematics through involvement in the Mathematics Club, and Pi Mu Epsilon (Mathematics Honor Society).

View our list of internship coordinators for each major.

Career Profiles

Mathematicians and Statisticians