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
If you’re someone who is drawn toward analyzing numbers and finding patterns, there are a variety of analyst positions available in financial sectors, insurance, quality assurance, data science, logistics, government or community improvement sectors.
If you’re someone who likes creating models (like graphs, diagrams, and other representations of numerical information) for real-world applications, you can find plenty of opportunities in research, healthcare and other scientific sectors, and project management or strategy within a business setting. Modeling also often includes analysis of information, but it also helps discover solutions to real problems and creates learning aids for wider audiences to understand the information.
Computation skills are perfect for mathematician opportunities, software development, finance and accounting, and education, among a variety of other professional sectors. If you have a knack for computational thinking, you might also consider continuing your education to expand your expertise and future work opportunities.
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 25% from 2022 to 2032, 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 positions perfectly suited for graduates of PLNU’s Mathematics B.S.:
Information Security Analyst
2022 Median annual salary: $112,000
Information security analysts are responsible for planning, testing security systems to protect an organization’s sensitive data. These analysts will need a good grasp of maintaining 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, including an ability to develop team- or company-wide policies on how to use technology safely
An analytical mind with the ability to create or alter source code as needed
Actuary
2022 Median annual salary: $111,990
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
2022 Median annual salary: $99,960
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
Operations Research Analyst
2022 Median annual salary: $85,720
Operations research analysts gather and interpret information to identify problems in an organization, in areas like business, logistics, or healthcare. They need to be able to find and interpret relevant information in order to improve an organization's efficiency and productivity.
Necessary attributes and skills:
- Analyze and interpret the most relevant data to promote overall growth and address individual problems
- Develop and test mathematical models or support software
- Stay up-to-date about an organization’s industry, market trends and competition to develop well-informed, innovative solutions.
- Create reports, memos, or presentations to present their findings to management, coworkers or clients, offering solutions
Software Developer and Software Quality Assurance Analyst
2022 Median annual salary: $124,200
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.
