A Mathematics B.S. will provide you with the foundation you need to excel in an advanced degree program or any number of careers that need experts in mathematics. These careers include actuarial science, bioinformatics, computer programming, data analysis, data mining, economics, financial planning, education, medicine, and more. With this degree, you’ll be equipped with the skills to succeed as an educator, programmer, or any other form of serving as a mathematician.
At PLNU, our mathematics program focuses on growing three-valued assets:
- Analytical abilities
- Mathematical modeling
- Computation skills
Job outlook for mathematics careers
Employment in careers related to a degree in mathematics is projected to increase. For software developers and analysts, (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), employment is projected to grow 22% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What can you do with a mathematics degree?
PLNU mathematics alumni have found success in the workforce performing key responsibilities like mathematical model building at SPAWAR, quality assurance at Qualcomm, project management at Leidos, and data analysis at the CIA, just to name a few. Other alumni have gone on to medical school, graduate programs in mathematics and statistics, and teaching.
Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:
Cryptographer
2020 Median annual salary: $120,182
Cryptographers are responsible for creating security programs and systems using algorithms and ciphers to encrypt sensitive data. A cryptographer will need a good grasp of designing robust security systems that are not vulnerable to hacking.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Up-to-date knowledge of IT Security hardware, software, and solutions
- Up-to-date understanding of the source code programming languages
- Practical experience using computer operating systems such as MS Windows
- An analytical mind with the ability to create source code
Actuary
2020 Median annual salary: $111,030
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of potential events of risk and uncertainty. Most actuaries work for insurance companies. Actuaries need a bachelor’s degree and must take a series of exams to become certified professionals. An actuary plays an essential role in the insurance industry.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Compilation of statistical data and other information for further analysis
- Expertise in estimating the probability and likely economic cost of unexpected events such as an accident or a natural disaster
- Ingenuity to design, test, and administer insurance policies, investments, and other business strategies
- Creativity and analysis to make charts, tables, and reports
- Ease of navigation with database software
Mathematician
2020 Median annual salary: $93,290
Mathematician is a broad title for someone who analyzes data and applies computational techniques to solve problems. The top employers of mathematicians are the federal government and scientific research and development companies. Mathematicians and statisticians may work on teams with engineers, scientists, and other specialists.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields
- Design surveys, experiments, or opinion polls to collect data
- Develop mathematical or statistical models
- Interpret data and communicate analyses
- Use statistical software to analyze data and create visualizations to aid decision making in business
Software Developer and Software Quality Assurance Analyst
2020 Median annual salary: $110,140
Software developers design and create computer applications or programs. Software developers also determine other requirements, such as security. They design the program and then work closely with programmers who write computer code. However, some developers write code themselves instead of giving instructions to programmers. Software quality assurance analysts and testers identify problems with applications or programs and report the defects.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Programming and coding knowledge
- Understanding of how to create test plans, scenarios, and procedures for new software
- Creativity and ingenuity for model and diagram making
- An understanding of designing and developing software
With a Mathematics B.S. from PLNU, you’ll be prepared in your future pursuits whether it be graduate school, a certification program, or exploring and researching the intricacies of the mathematics world. Not only will you be a more articulate, formulaic, and critically thinking individual, but you’ll also gain a robust understanding of how these skills can be utilized for understanding the manifestations of numbers and patterns in the world around you.
Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.
