by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you like math? Are you talented with numbers and formulas? Studying Mathematics & Statistics will teach you how to apply mathematical formulas and theory in order to analyze data and solve problems in the real world.
By choosing a major in the Mathematics & Statistics field, you will learn how to work with technology to solve complex mathematical issues. Formulas, theories, abstract concepts, and of course numbers will be part of your daily routine. You will work independently as well as with a team. This is a very rigorous field of study; you will dive much deeper into the world of mathematics and will learn how mathematics can be applied to everyday life.
The field of mathematics offers opportunities to specialize, so it can appeal to students with different strengths, offering many options for a future career. General Math is a good option for students who want a broad education leaving them many options upon graduating. Majoring in Applied Mathematics will show you how mathematical theory can be applied to various practical fields like architecture, computer programming or finance. Another option is to major in Statistics, where you will explore data and the theories that surround it. Explore additional majors to help you decide what direction you would like to take.
Mathematics & Statistics was the 17th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 50,646 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools ranking compares 275 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom mathematics & statistics rankings further below.
This is an intense academic program that will require a love of math and an ability to grasp abstract concepts. Students should have good time management skills in order to juggle classes, lab work and meet deadlines. Students will use critical thinking and logic to analyze data and solve problems. Clear and concise writing with attention to detail and accuracy is necessary for success.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your professors and advisors are there to guide you, and there is a lot you can learn from your peers. Be open to listening to other perspectives and unique approaches. Teamwork and being able to collaborate are essential skills for any career you go into.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific mathematics & statistics careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Mathematics & Statistics degree levels vary. Mathematics & Statistics programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest mathematics & statistics degree you can get. Mathematics & Statistics programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to mathematics & statistics, with approximately 38.8% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to mathematics & statistics tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 38.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 28.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 17.4% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 5.8% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 5.8% |
Most workers in mathematics & statistics have at least a master's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in mathematics & statistics careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the mathematics & statistics career you are seeking.
Many employers are in need of workers with strong mathematical skills. Graduates often find work in business, financial or government intuitions doing research, analysis, advising or marketing. Grads can also find work in insurance companies or tax agencies as auditors or actuaries. Other fields you could find work in are computer programming and software development. Some students are also interested in becoming a high school math teacher or a math professor. Some of these career options may require additional training.
Your superior analytical and critical thinking skills will also help you get into a graduate program. Those with a background in mathematics often obtain Master's degrees in math, statistics, business, law and medicine. This is often necessary for careers as a mathematician or statistician.
<Want a job when you graduate with your mathematics & statistics degree? Mathematics & Statistics careers are expected to grow 9.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics & statistics.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| High School Teachers | 1,095,500 | 7.5% |
| Financial Analysts | 328,200 | 10.8% |
| Financial Specialists | 149,000 | 9.6% |
| Mathematical Science Professors | 66,600 | 9.4% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 62,300 | 9.9% |
Recently graduated mathematics & statistics students earned an average of $56,041 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $16,986 to as high as $141,116. As you might expect, salaries for mathematics & statistics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for mathematics & statistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers mathematics & statistics grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $139,680 |
| Actuaries | $116,250 |
| Economists | $116,020 |
| Mathematicians | $104,870 |
| Financial Analysts | $100,990 |
With over 4,275 different mathematics & statistics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased mathematics & statistics school rankings to help you with this.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 29,013 |
| Applied Mathematics | 10,998 |
| Statistics | 9,472 |
| Other Statistics | 614 |
| Applied Statistics | 549 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 192,474 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 180,206 |
| Engineering Technologies | 84,036 |
| Agriculture & Agriculture Operations | 50,343 |
| Physical Sciences | 49,473 |
