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First, some facts. Of the Applied Mathematics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 412 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Applied Mathematics graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 48% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Applied Mathematics graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Applied Mathematics. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONData Analyst N/A Jun 2020 - Jun 2020 Institutional Research Data Specialist  Los Angeles Pacific University Feb 2022 - Aug 2022 Institutional Research Data Analyst Los Angeles Pacific University Aug 2022 - Jul 2023 Senior Data Analyst Los Angeles Pacific University Jul 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science - MSAzusa Pacific University 2019 - 2021 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the various career paths for individuals who graduated with a degree in Applied Mathematics, it quickly becomes evident that this field leads to a wide variety of job opportunities. Many alumni find themselves in roles related to data analysis, teaching, engineering, and finance. It's interesting to observe the distinct trends and patterns concerning the relevance of their job functions to their academic background in Applied Mathematics. Overall, while a significant portion of these jobs does align well with mathematical applications, there are quite a few roles where the connection seems tenuous or even irrelevant.
One of the most common types of jobs for Applied Mathematics graduates is teaching, particularly in mathematics. Positions such as secondary math teachers or tutors directly utilize the skills and knowledge from their degree, making these roles highly relevant. Many graduates also secure roles as data analysts, which typically require strong mathematical and statistical skills. In fields like finance, roles such as actuaries, pricing analysts, and quantitative analysts heavily depend on the applied mathematics foundation, showcasing a robust connection between their educational background and their job responsibilities. However, many graduates also transition into roles like project management, administrative support, or positions in the military, where the direct use of applied mathematics might be limited or even completely absent. In these cases, analytical or problem-solving skills may be beneficial, but the primary responsibilities do not hinge on advanced mathematical techniques or knowledge.
In summary, while a degree in Applied Mathematics opens many doors, the relevance of these jobs to the field varies widely. Positions like teachers, data analysts, and finance professionals leverage their mathematical expertise directly, while roles in management, logistics, or certain IT positions may do so in a more indirect manner. This diversity in job relevance could reaffirm the versatility of an Applied Mathematics degree, highlighting that while not every position will use advanced math daily, the analytical mindset cultivated through the studies is valuable in numerous contexts.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Applied Mathematics graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in applied mathematics, we see a surprisingly diverse range of experiences, both in terms of positions held and industries entered. A significant observation is that many graduates step into entry-level roles that leverage their analytical skills soon after completing their degrees. Common first jobs include data analyst and projects related to mathematics education, suggesting that foundational mathematical skills are highly sought after even outside traditional finance and tech sectors.
As the years pass, we see a mixed bag of success stories and some less favorable career paths. Many graduates advance in fields that align well with their studies, such as finance, data science, and engineering. For instance, roles like data scientist or quantitative analyst appear frequently among alumni with several years of experience, indicating a steady progression towards well-paying and intellectually stimulating jobs. Conversely, some graduates find themselves in roles that are not directly related to applied mathematics, like teaching or administrative positions, which might reflect a mismatch between their skills and the employment landscape.
Looking ten years ahead, it seems some graduates have reached significant heights in their careers, often progressing to managerial or specialized expert roles. A notable number occupy managerial positions in data-focused or technical companies, showcasing the ability of an applied mathematics degree to provide flexibility and open up diverse career opportunities. However, others have ventured into unrelated fields or have had limited advancement in more standard roles, which calls into question the depth of alignment between their education and their job functions.
In summary, while many graduates with applied mathematics degrees move into rewarding and relevant professions, the data illustrates that there’s also a considerable divide, with some finding themselves in less-than-ideal careers unrelated to their studies. This duality offers a valuable lesson: a degree in applied mathematics can indeed serve as a robust foundation for a successful career, but the trajectory can vary significantly based on personal choices, job opportunities, and market conditions.
A Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics can definitely be challenging, but it's not all doom and gloom! If you enjoy problem-solving, logical thinking, and have a knack for numbers, you might find it more manageable than other degrees. You'll be diving deep into topics like calculus, differential equations, and statistics, alongside some computer science and modeling, which can get pretty intense at times. However, if you're dedicated and willing to put in the effort, it’s very doable. It’s probably about average in terms of difficulty compared to other STEM fields, but your experience will really depend on your interests and strengths. Just keep an open mind and be prepared to work hard, and you'll get through it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics.
Based on the job paths of these graduates, it looks like some have established themselves in decent-paying roles, especially those in tech and finance sectors. Positions like Data Scientist, Software Engineer, and Quantitative Analyst generally pay well, often starting in the high $70,000 to $100,000 range, and that can increase significantly with experience. Graduates from prestigious universities, like Harvard or Stanford, tend to land more high-level jobs quicker, which typically leads to better salaries. On the other hand, those in education or public service roles may not make as much, especially starting out as teachers or assistants, which can place them at the lower end of the pay scale.
Furthermore, graduates with specialized skills, particularly in data analysis, software engineering, and quantitative research, seem to have advantageous job prospects, which usually translates to higher earnings over time compared to those in more generalized or less technical roles. However, the growth trajectory in education and non-profit areas tends to be slower, but they can also find job satisfaction in making a difference. Overall, it seems like a combination of the job field chosen, the university attended, and the length of employment significantly influences their earning potential after graduation.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Applied Mathematics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Los Angeles
|
82 | 16 |
 University of California, Berkeley
|
60 | 10 |