The Fundamental Science: Mathematics & Statistics Degree
Mathematics is one of the most fundamental sciences, studying theory, algorithms, computational techniques and computer technology to solve problems in economics, science, engineering and physics. Earning a degree in mathematics and statistics from an accredited online school is one of the best ways to jumpstart a new and exciting career. Data, especially the kind generated by science and industry, can be of immense value to society, but it takes trained and skilled people to understand them and draw accurate conclusions. Mathematics isn’t just one of the oldest forms of scientific inquiry, but plays a crucial role in almost every part of our lives, whether we realize it or not. If you would like to learn the methods that can assist you with analyzing and solving a lot of problems facing the world, then a degree in mathematics and statistics is the way to do it.
Mathematics And Statistics Degree Information
Mathematics can be used as its own major or as part of a science curriculum. Students who earn bachelor's degrees in mathematics usually go on to pursue graduate education, either in some branch of mathematics or in the sciences. In many cases, those who earn doctoral degrees in mathematics will go on to teach mathematics at the college level and conduct research in the field of mathematics.
Study Options
Most students will start their mathematical training by pursuing a bachelor's degree in mathematics at an accredited college or university. While statistics may be part of that curriculum, statistics by itself is rarely an undergraduate major. Once the student has achieved their B.S. in mathematics, they may then choose to pursue a master's degree in mathematics or statistics, or move directly to doctoral training in mathematics or statistics.
Advanced Degrees
Students with bachelor's degrees may take certification courses in order to qualify to teach basic mathematics. Those students who are interested in teaching may also pursue a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in math or statistics.
Master of Science
Students who earn a Master of Science degree in mathematics will be qualified to teach mathematics and will have the groundwork for studying other disciplines involving mathematical proficiency. Master's students in statistics will learn the basics of probability and prediction, learning to calculate outcomes based on the data provided.
Doctoral Programs
Many students who study mathematics and statistics will go on to pursue a doctoral degree. Successful completion of this degree will enable the student to teach mathematics or statistics at the college level. Doctoral programs take from three to five years to complete and require original research in the field of mathematics or statistics.
Choosing A Degree
Students considering a degree in mathematics should be proficient with numbers and should take as many mathematics courses as possible in high school. Some mathematics can be very challenging and students who do not make every effort to keep up can fall behind quickly. Students confident in their mathematical skills and willing to put in the effort and time required can be very successful in mathematics and statistics. This is definitely a field of study where you should have a genuine interest and passion for the topic if you want to do well.
Career Opportunities
Most students who obtain a degree in mathematics and statistics go on to work in the professions of insurance and financial services. However, mathematicians and statisticians also frequently become teachers and researchers. In addition, they can apply their mathematical knowledge to other fields such as computer engineering, psychology, economics and various hard sciences. Data science is another area with a demand for people who are skilled in statistics and applied probability, as is the health sector. In fact, the methods from mathematics and statistics are essential components of everything from biological research and industrial modeling to to social science and computer science.
Earning Potential
The median income of statisticians in 2015 was $80,110 per year. Federal government statisticians made $99,300 on average in 2015. For mathematicians, the median earnings were $111,110 per year in 2015, while Federal government mathematicians made an average of $108,500. Mathematicians working in scientific research and development services earned the highest median annual wages at $127,080 according to BLS.
Getting Your Degree Online
Interested students can get a degree from an accredited online university in mathematics or statistics. Continuing education students can take courses according to their particular schedule and earn a bachelor's degree in four years or even less in some cases. Master's degrees in both education and in mathematics and statistics can also be earned online in roughly two years.
Getting Your Degree Offline
Students interested in pursuing a mathematics or statistics degree at a traditional college or university should usually look for a school that is science oriented, as these schools will have some of the best mathematics programs. You don’t need to attend a top science school to earn a good mathematics education, but the scope of courses and the expertise of the professors may be more appealing at these schools.
A bachelor's degree in mathematics is usually attained within roughly four years, and students should supplement their mathematics curriculum with courses in related fields that they may choose to apply their mathematics knowledge to after graduation. Such fields may include economics, physics or even sociology. Even students who choose to pursue job opportunities right out of school or who decide to earn master's or doctoral degrees in a field other than mathematics can benefit from a quality math-based education at a brick-and-mortar college or university.
Mathematics & Statistics Degree FAQs
What Are the Educational Requirements for a Career in Mathematics and Statistics?
Mathematics is one of the more complex studies, and therefore any job requiring heavy doses of math is going to require a bachelor's degree at the very least. Many jobs with mathematics and statistics ask for a master's or doctoral degree. This is especially true for mathematical research and theory positions, as well as advanced engineering.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Online Mathematics and Statistics Classes?
Training in the field or working in a variety of other related subjects, such as physics, engineering and computer science, is best for someone who is interested in studying mathematics. Mathematicians analyze and apply their theories to technical problems and often work with other math experts, which calls for good communication skills. Mathematics and statistics students should also have a solid understanding of computer programming, since most mathematical computations and modeling are done on computers.
What Are Some Career Choices in Mathematics and Statistics?
Although becoming a mathematician or a statistician seems like the most obvious choices for someone studying these subjects, there are a surprising number of other career opportunities for people with mathematics backgrounds. Actuaries, applied mathematicians, financial analyst, computational scientist, computer programmer, investment manager, market researcher, quality control analyst, demographer, biometrician, systems engineer and math teacher are just some of the possible occupations graduates can choose from with a degree in mathematics or statistics.
What Is the Job Outlook for Mathematics and Statistics?
Jobs for individuals with degrees or a background in mathematics and statistics experience steady growth. Top positions face the highest amount of competition, while the advancement of technology in the workplace will lead to an increase in the need for statisticians and mathematicians, especially those with prior experience working in the technology industry. The employment of statiscians is looking great, with a projected growth of about 34 percent until 2024 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is also a dire need for math teachers in schools across the country, from elementary education to the university level.
Why Would Someone Take Online Mathematics and Statistics Classes?
Although you may want to return to school, you might feel as though your life is too hectic to take time out and reorganize your schedule for classes. Online colleges offering mathematics and statistics degrees have more flexibility, so you can study from home or anywhere else in the world with an Internet connection. This is ideal for parents or working professionals who cannot make time to study full time. It also provides you with the opportunity to earn a degree without paying as much as studying at a campus location.
Many respected traditional universities are offering more online classes that allow you to learn at your own pace. Earn your degree or take online classes with an accredited online college or university. Earning an online degree in this field is particularly useful as there are no laboratory work or hands-on training required as in other studies.
Mathematics And Statistics Student Guide
Mathematics encompasses several fields of study in which calculations are used, including applied mathematics, which uses the principles of mathematics to good effect in other fields, and pure mathematics, which explores mathematical concepts for their own sake. Students of mathematics will need a thorough understanding of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. Applied mathematics has a number of sub-disciplines, including fluid dynamics, probability theory, game theory and statistics.
Mathematics And Statistics Books
There is no shortage of mathematics books available at university libraries and bookstores. If you are looking to acquire mathematics books online, head to Mathematics on the Web at AMS.org/mathweb/mi-books.html. This site provides links to Internet book directories and electronic books related to mathematics and offers links to titles such as Basic Concepts of Mathematics by Elias Zakon, A Problem Course in Mathematical Logic by Stefan Bilaniuk and Natural Operations in Differential Geometry by Ivan Kolar, Jan Slovak and Peter W. Michor.
Mathematics And Statistics Articles And Databases
You can also find mathematics articles through Mathematics on the Web. Look through the Mathematical Monographs link under the directories of books available on the Internet heading. This will take you to The Electronic Library of Mathematics that can provide you with many of your mathematics article needs.
Online Mathematics And Statistics Journals
A great source of mathematics research articles are monographs and journals. Find these at Mathematics on the Web under the Electronic Series, which contains links to Electronic Notes in Discrete Mathematics, Electronic Journal of Differential Equations" and "Electronic Colloquium on Computational Complexity.
Other Mathematics And Statistics Research Tools
Your key online resource for mathematics research is the American Mathematical Society, whose website can be found at AMS.org. The AMS provides links and subscription information for journals such as the Journal of the American Mathematical Society and Mathematics of Computation. It offers information about prizes and awards in mathematics, mathematics news and other highly useful mathematics information.
