Mathematics

"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas"
~ Albert Einstein




What is mathematics?

The pure definition of math is the study of quantity, structure, space, and change. The profession of mathematics encompasses much more than the basic problem-solving foundation students are taught before college. Students majoring in college math develop strong transferable skills in critical thinking, problem diagnosis, and computer skills that make math applicable to a wide variety of professions. Professionals may work in a wide scope of areas within mathematics including the government, market research, industry, computers, insurance, securities, banking, and education.

The 40-41 credit Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics programs at William Paterson University are housed in the College of Science and Health. Both Applied Mathematics and Mathematics include 27-28 credits of required courses, 9-10 credits of electives, and special electives for those students who wish to pursue teacher certification. Required courses include Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Logic & Methods of Higher Mathematics.

To learn more about the degree requirements, please visit this link:
http://www.wpunj.edu/math/default.htm

Admissions information on Mathematics is located here:
http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/undergraduate/academic-programs/programs_detail.dot?id=125972

 

What interests and skills do potential employers value in this career?

  • Numerical computation skills
  • Ability to analyze and interpret data
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to organize information logically
  • Being able to work both in a team and independently
  • Efficiency
  • Attention to detail
  • Computer literacy

 

What types of jobs can mathematics majors get?

Work Environment :
People working within the field of mathematics have a number of options in terms of work environment. Mathematics professionals may choose to work in public schools, colleges and universities, government agencies, manufacturing firms, corporations, computer firms, financial institutions, insurance firms, banks, research firms, and brokerage firms. Some job titles may require further education or certification beyond a bachelor's degree.

 

Possible Job Titles

Accountant
Actuary
Aerospace Engineer
Air Traffic Controller
Applications Programmer Technologist Hydrologist
Astronomer
Banking/Credit/Investment Manager
Biostatistician
Commodity Manager
Compensation/Benefits Administrator*Mathematician
Computer Consultant
Computer Engineer
Computer Facilities Manager
Computer Sales Representative
Computer Programmer
Computer Scientist
Computer-Aided Design Technician
Consumer Loan/Credit Officer
Cartographer
Cost Estimator/Analyst
Cryptographer
Data Control Administrator
Data Processing Manager
Database Manager
Demographer
Econometrician
Economist
EDP Auditor
Engineer
Environmental Technologist
Underwriter
Weight Analyst
Tax Investigator

 

Estate Planner
External Auditor
Financial Auditor
Software Engineer
Applied Science
Information Scientist
Artificial Intelligence Programmer
nventory Control Specialist
Investment Banker
Market Research Analyst
Math Teacher
Media Buyer
Meteorologist
Mortgage Broker
Network Programmer
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Physicist
Production Manager
Quality Assurance Analyst
Rate Analyst
Research Analyst
Risk Analyst
Purchasing/Control Agent
Robotics Programmer
Satellite Communications Specialist
Statistician
Systems Engineer
Systems Analyst
Urban Planner
Technical Writer
Transportation Planner
Securities Broker
Professor
Textbook Editor

In what locations and capacities have William Paterson University mathematics alumni worked?

Math Teacher (several alumni) various local districts in New Jersey

Customer Service Representative Datek Online

Underwriter State Farm Insurance

Process Engineer Howmet Corporation

 

 

Aside from majoring in mathematics, what else can I do that may enhance my qualifications?

Successful students tend to seek out opportunities to enhance their qualifications through a variety of means. Within mathematics, some suggestions may include learning computer programs, gaining experience through internships or part-time jobs, joining a professional organization, joining or becoming a leader in a campus organization such as the Math Club, attending networking functions, considering a minor such as economics, statistics, or computer science, and looking into the possibility of teacher certification or graduate school.

 

What else can I read about mathematics?

Related Web Sites :

American Mathematical Society www.ams.org

Association of Women in Math www.awm-math.org

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics www.nctm.org

Mathematical Association of America www.maa.org

American Statistical Association www.amstat.org

Society for Industrial and Applied Math www.siam.org

Occupational Outlook www.bls.gov/oco/

Industry Information www.vault.com

Job Search and Salary information www.rileyguide.com

Occupation Information http://online.onetcenter.org




Other sources of information :

Please drop by the Career Development and Advisement Center to learn more about careers in mathematics. The career library carries career-specific books and counselors are available to answer any further questions you may have. Visiting the Mathematics Department on campus may also prove valuable in addressing questions.

 

The Career Development and Gloria S. Williams Advisement Center
Student Center 301, 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone 973.720.2281/2282 Fax 973.720.2074

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