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Abstract thinking
Theoretical Mathematics
Applied Mathematics

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PHD
Bachelors Degree

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Mathematical tools
EX: Protractor, compass
Computers

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Median wage: $105,810

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Figure out the growth rate of tumors
Develop models to predict tsunamis

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Federal government
NASA
Private engineering, research and development companies

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Albert Einstein
Isaac Newton

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https://fabpedigree.com/james/mathmen.htm

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Key Facts & Information

Training, Other Qualifications

A PhD degree in mathematics usually is the minimum educational requirement for prospective mathematicians, except in the federal government.

Education and Training

In the federal government, entry-level job candidates usually must have at least a bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics, or 24 semester hours of mathematics courses. Outside the federal government, bachelor's degree holders in mathematics usually are not qualified for most jobs, and many seek advanced degrees in mathematics or a related discipline.

Most colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Courses usually required for this degree include calculus, differential equations, and linear and abstract algebra. Additional courses might include probability theory and statistics, mathematical analysis, numerical analysis, topology, discrete mathematics, and mathematical logic. Many colleges and universities advise or require students majoring in mathematics to take courses in a closely related field, such as computer science, engineering, life science, physical science, or economics. A double major in mathematics and another related discipline is particularly desirable to many employers. High school students who are prospective college mathematics majors should take as many mathematics courses as possible while in high school.

In private industry, candidates for mathematician jobs typically need a PhD, although there may be opportunities for those with a master's degree. Most of the positions designated for mathematicians are in research and development laboratories, as part of technical teams.

In 2007, there were more than 300 graduate programs, offering both master's and doctoral degrees, in pure or applied mathematics around the country. In graduate school, students conduct research and take advanced courses, usually specializing in a subfield of mathematics.

Other Qualifications

For jobs in applied mathematics, training in the field in which mathematics will be used is very important. Mathematics is used extensively in physics, actuarial science, statistics, engineering, and operations research. Computer science, business and industrial management, economics, finance, chemistry, geology, life sciences, and behavioral sciences are likewise dependent on applied mathematics. Mathematicians also should have substantial knowledge of computer programming, because most complex mathematical computation and much mathematical modeling are done on a computer.

Mathematicians need to have good reasoning to identify, analyze, and apply basic principles to technical problems. Communication skills also are important, as mathematicians must be able to interact and discuss proposed solutions with people who may not have extensive knowledge of mathematics.

Nature of the Work

Watch this video to see how mathematicians create the animated characters and amazing graphics in movies.

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences. Mathematicians use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, physics, and business problems. The work of mathematicians falls into two broad classes-theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. These classes, however, are not sharply defined and often overlap.

Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical knowledge by developing new principles and recognizing previously unknown relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Although these workers seek to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its practical use, such pure and abstract knowledge has been instrumental in producing or furthering many scientific and engineering achievements. Many theoretical mathematicians are employed as university faculty, dividing their time between teaching and conducting research.

Applied mathematicians, on the other hand, use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they may analyze the most efficient way to schedule airline routes between cities, the effects and safety of new drugs, the aerodynamic characteristics of an experimental automobile, or the cost-effectiveness of alternative manufacturing processes.

Applied mathematicians working in industrial research and development may develop or enhance mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians, called cryptanalysts, analyze and decipher encryption systems-codes-designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law enforcement-related information. Applied mathematicians start with a practical problem, envision its separate elements, and then reduce the elements to mathematical variables. They often use computers to analyze relationships among the variables and solve complex problems by developing models with alternative solutions.

Individuals with titles other than mathematician do much of the work in applied mathematics. In fact, because mathematics is the foundation on which so many other academic disciplines are built, the number of workers using mathematical techniques is much greater than the number formally called mathematicians. For example, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, and economists are among those who use mathematics extensively. Some professionals, including statisticians, actuaries, and operations research analysts, are actually specialists in a particular branch of mathematics. Applied mathematicians are frequently required to collaborate with other workers in their organizations to find common solutions to problems.

Work Environment

Mathematicians usually work in comfortable offices. They often are part of interdisciplinary teams that may include economists, engineers, computer scientists, physicists, technicians, and others. Deadlines, overtime work, special requests for information or analysis, and prolonged travel to attend seminars or conferences may be part of their jobs.

Mathematicians who work in academia usually have a mix of teaching and research responsibilities. These mathematicians may conduct research alone or in close collaboration with other mathematicians. Collaborators may work together at the same institution or from different locations, using technology such as email to communicate. Mathematicians in academia also may be aided by graduate students.

On the Job

Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.

Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.

Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.

Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.

Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.

Assemble sets of assumptions and explore the consequences of each set.

Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of numbers and symbols.

Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.

Design, analyze, and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law-enforcement-related information in code.

Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.

Companies That Hire Mathematicians

Explore what you might do on the job with one of these projects...

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as a Mathematician that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Information

Sources

O*Net Online. (2016). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved July 1, 2017, from https://www.onetonline.org/

Nova. (2000, November). Solving Fermat: Andrew Wiles. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/wiles.html

Thompson, A.H. (2006, November 27). Interview with Kiran Kedlaya, Mathematician and Puzzler.Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.cogito.org/interviews/InterviewsDetail.aspx?ContentID=11134

Sloan Career Cornerstone Center. (n.d.). Bonita Saunders. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.careercornerstone.org/math/profiles/saunders.htm

MathMania. (1999, February). Interview with a Mathematician. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.edu.uwo.ca/mpc/files/Yeats.pdf

ScienceDaily. (2009). Math in the Movies: Mathematicians to Thank for Great Graphics. Retrieved April 7, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxZLnCc1hkM

Cogito. (2007, May 11). Cogito Interview: Terence Tao, Mathematician and Fields Medalist. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from http://www.cogito.org/Interviews/InterviewsDetail.aspx?ContentID=16579

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Mathematician | Science & Engineering Career

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Please ensure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. If you leave JavaScript disabled, you will only access a portion of the content we are providing. Here's how. Key Facts & Information A PhD degree in mathematics usually is the minimum educational requirement for prospective mathematicians, except in the federal government.