Mathematician
A mathematician is a professional who employs advanced mathematical techniques to address practical problems and develop new theoretical principles to further human understanding. Their work spans various fields including government, business, science, engineering, and academia. Mathematicians are categorized into two main types: applied mathematicians, who focus on solving tangible problems in areas like engineering and economics, and theoretical mathematicians, who explore the underlying philosophies and concepts of mathematics itself.
Typically, a master's degree is the minimum educational requirement for a career in mathematics, with many positions preferring candidates with a Ph.D. The median annual earnings for mathematicians are approximately $104,860, with a promising job growth outlook projected at 11%, which is significantly faster than average. The work environment for mathematicians can vary widely; they may collaborate with engineers and scientists in office settings or research laboratories, often utilizing advanced computational tools to analyze data and present findings. Patience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas are essential traits for success in this field.
Mathematician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Solving problems, analyzing data, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $104,860 per year $50.41 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 11% (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Mathematicians apply high-level mathematics to real-world problems and develop new mathematical principles to expand human understanding of the world. They work in government, business, science, engineering, and academia. Applied mathematicians work in computers, economics, and other industries, while theoretical mathematicians work to understand the philosophy and principles of mathematics. The work of mathematicians is often multidisciplinary. For example, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) mathematicians work closely with physicists and engineers.
Work Environment. Many mathematicians work for the government and in scientific research. Others work in teams with engineers and scientists related to their field. Theoretical mathematicians work through complex mathematical proofs, which require hours of painstaking independent work. Mathematicians working in academia also spend their time outside the classroom at research facilities.
Occupational Interest. Mathematicians spend years studying for their chosen career. It helps to be a patient problem solver and a diligent worker when becoming a mathematician. Mathematicians must be adept at both abstract and technical thinking. They are generally knowledgeable people who enjoy working with complex ideas and can communicate these ideas to others.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Mathematicians work as economists, statisticians, and engineers. They apply their knowledge to various fields, including physics, chemistry, and computers. There are two types of mathematicians—applied and theoretical. Both types deal with complex problems daily. To solve these problems, mathematicians run tests and computer applications. They may also work on problems using chalkboards, dry-erase boards, or pencil and paper. Mathematicians analyze data and prepare it for presentation. They regularly communicate analyses to team members or colleagues.
Applied mathematicians tackle practical problems related to engineering, science, and economics. These problems are tangible, specific, and immediate. For example, a mathematician might tweak the aerodynamics of a space shuttle design or compile data to provide an economic analysis of a particular policy issue.
Theoretical mathematicians working in an academic or a research environment spend a lot of time reading professional journals and communicating with other mathematicians. They regularly attend mathematics conferences. Teachers spend much of their time in the classroom with students. Theoretical mathematicians also work independently on mathematical problems, sharing their progress with colleagues and graduate students. Unlike an applied mathematician, a theoretical mathematician might labor for years on a single problem. Their work is rooted in the theory, philosophy, and art of mathematics.
Actuaries (20.167-010). Actuaries apply knowledge of mathematics, probability, statistics, and the principles of finance and business to problems in life, health, social, and casualty insurance, annuities, and pensions.
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Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Theoretical mathematicians work in an academic or research setting. Applied mathematicians can work in various environments, including offices, medical laboratories, and computer facilities.
Human Environment. Mathematicians work with others to solve problems. Theoretical mathematicians work regularly with graduate students and doctoral candidates, while applied mathematicians may work with specialists in other fields, such as physicists and engineers.
Technological Environment. Mathematicians regularly use computers in their work. Using specially designed computers and computer software, they build models, decipher and design code, make predictions, and compute large numbers to find patterns. Specifically, mathematicians may use analytical or scientific software like IBM SPSS Statistics and MathWorks MATLAB, as well as object- or component-oriented development software such as C# or Peri.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Aspiring mathematicians should take as many high school math courses as possible. They should study calculus and seek Advanced Placement (AP) classes in science and math. Extracurricular activities involving technology or mathematics are also encouraged. Most high schools have math clubs. In the United States, a high school and two-year college mathematics honor society called Mu Alpha Theta holds conventions and competitions for students. Students interested in becoming mathematicians should seek a broad understanding of the subject before enrolling in a college or university.
Postsecondary. Many entry-level mathematics jobs require only a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, but this is an exception in the field. In addition, most employers seek job candidates with cross-disciplinary experience in fields such as computer science or economics. Most mathematicians will continue to build upon their knowledge by majoring in the subject as an undergraduate and then pursuing a specialty or specific area in graduate school. Many colleges and universities require students to take computer science, engineering, physical science, and economics courses. Undergraduate students majoring in mathematics can expect to take calculus, differential equations, statistics, mathematical logic, and discrete mathematics courses.
Many employers seek mathematicians with a Ph.D., though opportunities are available to mathematicians with lesser graduate degrees. Students can earn master’s and doctoral degrees in theoretical or applied mathematics.
Experts predicted in 2023 that about 2,500 jobs for mathematicians would be created each year, mainly to replace individuals who have retired or moved on to another occupation.
Related Occupations
− Actuary
− Economist
Bibliography
"Mathematician." The Princeton Review, 2024, www.princetonreview.com/careers/94/mathematician. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Mathematicians." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/15-2021.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Mathematicians and Statisticians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.