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Academic Advising
What Can I Do With a Major in Mathematics and Statistics?
Quantitative literacy (QL) is becoming more critical in today's data-rich environment. QL involves developing number sense, appreciating functional relationships and decision-making based on evidence. Mathematics and statistics are the foundation of such literacy. Study in the fields of mathematics and statistics emphasizes careful problem analysis, precision of thought and expression, and the mathematical, data-analytic and inferential skills needed for work in many other areas. Fields in which mathematics and statistics play a major role include actuarial science, medical/public health research, astronomy, chemistry, physics, computer science, economics, finance, engineering, biology, geophysics, operations research, market research, meteorology, linguistics, library science, cryptology, seismology, and environmental science.
Many important problems in government, private industry, health and environmental fields, and the academic world require sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques for their solution. The study of mathematics and statistics provides specific analytical and quantitative tools, as well as general problem-solving skills, for dealing with these problems. There is a growing demand for graduates with broad quantitative training in addition to experience with computers to implement quantitative solutions.
The College of Arts and Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in mathematics and statistics, and a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in mathematics, mathematics and statistics, or statistics. The Bachelor of Arts degree allows a broader range of studies in the liberal arts beyond mathematics and statistics, and the Bachelor of Science degree involves more intense concentration in mathematics and/or statistics. License to teach mathematics in secondary schools is possible with each of these degrees except for the B.S. in statistics, and is an integral part of the B.S. degree in mathematics offered by the School of Education. Minors are also offered in statistics, mathematics, operations research methods, and actuarial science.
Interests
An interest in organizing, producing, interpreting and analyzing numerical, symbolic, and graphical information, along with a desire to solve problems and make decisions on the basis of mathematical analysis and logical inference. An interest in learning the best ways to use quantitative information to make decisions.
Competencies
- Problem formulation
Problem solving
Formal analysis of abstract representations of complex systems
Modeling and simulation
Organization and interpretation of data
Deductive reasoning
Data analysis, management, and processing
Visualization
Symbolic representation and interpretation
Critical review of quantitative arguments
Mathematical writing
Opportunities - Careers
- Actuarial and Insurance
- Actuary
Biomathematician
Benefits specialist
Financial planner
Investment analyst - Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer/Applications programmer
Computer applications engineer
Control systems engineer
Data base manager
Data processor
Numerical analyst
Systems analyst
Econometrician
Engineering analyst - Teaching/Academic Research
- College or university professor
Community college instructor
Teacher/middle school/high school - Science and Engineering
- Mathematical biologist
Mathematical chemist
Mathematical physicist
Meterologist - Health/Biology/Environment
- Biomedical engineer
Biometrician
Biostatistician
Demographer
Ecologist
Psychometrician - Operations Research
- Operations analyst
Systems engineer - Business/Industry
- Business analyst
Consultant
Financial analyst
Investment manager
Market researcher
Product developer
Quality control analyst
Statistician
Technical writer
Note: Some of the listed career options require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree. For example, a B.S. Statistics or Mathematics & Statistics graduate might do statistical programming for a company, whereas an M.S. Statistics graduate provides statistical support on projects.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
A Bachelor's degree in mathematics and/or statistics is an excellent base for students planning to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in a more specialized or technical field, for example mathematics, statistics, physics, business administration, computer engineering, computer science, operations research, engineering, or economics. Additionally mathematics and statistics is an appropriate pre-professional degree area for students considering fields such as law, business, or medicine.
Opportunities - Experiential
Research a special interest area, grade papers for the departments of Mathematics and Statistics, tutor other students through the Learning Assistance Center, attend Mathematics and Statistics colloquia and conferences, participate in the Putnam Competition, or the COMAP Modeling Competition, serve on the Department Student Advisory Board and, if appropriate, become a member of Pi Mu Epsilon or the Miami University Council of Teachers of Mathematics, present papers at mathematical meetings, participate in summer programs (e.g., Research Experiences for Undergraduates).
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Mathematics (123 Bachelor Hall, 529-5818)
Department of Statistics (311 Upham Hall, 529-7828) - * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making - On-line Resources
- * Mathematical Association of America's career information for undergraduate students
(also has links to several career-related areas, e.g. actuarial science, statistics, financial engineering, business an industry)
* American Statistical Association (Career Center)
* Be An Actuary
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.