What can you do with a Mathematics degree?

First, some facts. Of the 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 1853 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Mathematics graduates have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 67%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 47% 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 Mathematics graduate.

See the details:

View a random Mathematics graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from The University of Memphis with a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Algebra Instructor
City University School
Jul 2011 - Oct 2012
The role of Algebra Instructor directly utilizes mathematical knowledge and skills obtained from the Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, requiring expertise in algebra on a daily basis.

Algebra/Bridge Math Instructor
Ridgeway High School
Oct 2012 - May 2013
As an Algebra/Bridge Math Instructor, this position demands extensive use of mathematical concepts learned during the Bachelor's degree, directly applying algebraic skills in a teaching context.

Cheif Operational Officer
Thomas Trucking
Sep 2013 - Jul 2023
The Chief Operating Officer role at Thomas Trucking does not require specific mathematical skills or knowledge from the degree, focusing instead on business operations and management.

General Education (Career Development/Algebra) Instructor
Remington College
Jul 2015 - Jul 2023
The General Education Instructor position covering Career Development/Algebra uses mathematical knowledge extensively, particularly in algebra, making it directly relevant to the Bachelor's degree.

CEO/Founder
Royalty Sisters
Apr 2014 - Present
While founding Royalty Sisters may involve some mathematical reasoning in business management, the core qualifications of the role do not primarily rely on mathematics expertise.

Chief Executive Officer
Royalty Wealth Enterprise, LLC
Mar 2021 - Present
As Chief Executive Officer at Royalty Wealth Enterprise, LLC, some mathematical skills may be advantageous for financial decision-making, but they are not a core requirement of the position.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
University of Phoenix
2013 - 2014
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Mathematics degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


In the analysis of the various job titles held by individuals with a Mathematics degree, it's clear that there is a strong trend towards educational positions, particularly as Mathematics Teachers. Many graduates are engaged in teaching roles at different educational levels, which consistently require the application of the mathematical knowledge and pedagogical skills formed during their studies. This pattern reflects a common pathway for Mathematics graduates, particularly those who may have a passion for teaching or working directly with students to enhance their understanding of the subject.

While education-related roles dominate, the data also highlights a range of positions in fields such as data analysis, actuarial science, software engineering, and various analytical roles in financial services and consulting. These positions often leverage the analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills developed during the academic journey. However, a significant number of graduates are found in roles that are less directly connected to Mathematics, such as customer service, management, or roles in other sectors like hospitality and retail. These jobs tend not to emphasize the advanced mathematical skills they acquired, which raises the question of whether all Mathematics graduates are finding themselves in positions that resonate with their qualifications or interests.

Overall, while many Mathematics graduates indeed find positions that utilize their specific skills, there remains a notable portion who occupy roles where mathematics plays a secondary role or is not a requirement. This dichotomy showcases the versatility of a Mathematics degree, allowing graduates to pursue a broad range of careers, but also suggests that some may not fully engage with the field of mathematics in their professional lives. It highlights the importance of exploring various career paths and the relevance of Mathematics as a foundational skill in diverse industries.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Mathematics graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Mathematics graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Based on the extensive data of math graduates and their career trajectories, we can draw some interesting conclusions about what tends to happen after people earn their degrees in mathematics. In general, the first jobs out of college for these graduates often relate directly to their degree, such as teaching roles, data analysis, or positions in finance and actuarial science. This initial career phase shows that a solid foundation in math can lead to practical applications in various industries, which is a positive takeaway for anyone considering a degree in this field.

As we look further into their careers, particularly five to ten years down the line, we see a more mixed bag. Many jump into positions such as data scientists, financial analysts, software engineers, and teachers, which are certainly related to math. Others, however, may have strayed from math-related roles, dipping into management, operations, or completely unrelated fields. While some graduates find their niches and thrive, providing valuable contributions in math-oriented roles, others may struggle to find their footing or shift towards roles that don't fully align with their mathematical training.

In short, math graduates have a variety of career paths. While a significant number find success in fields that utilize their mathematical knowledge, others may diverge into unrelated careers. This pattern suggests that while math degrees can open doors to numerous opportunities, the journey doesn't always lead to a math-heavy role. So, for anyone contemplating a life in mathematics, it's essential to consider not just the initial job prospects but also the long-term career flexibility and potential detours that may occur along the way.

How hard is a Mathematics degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics can be pretty challenging, especially if you're not super into numbers or abstract thinking. It involves a lot of problem-solving, proofs, and theories that can feel pretty intense, especially in courses like real analysis or abstract algebra. But if you have a knack for math and enjoy the puzzles it presents, you might find it engaging rather than grueling. Compared to other majors, it tends to be on the tougher side, but everyone has different strengths, so it really depends on your interests and how much time you’re willing to put into it.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Mathematics.

Do Mathematics graduates tend to make good money?

It looks like there’s a wide range of income levels reflected in the careers of these math graduates. Many of them have secured relatively stable positions, such as teachers or analysts, which generally provide decent salaries, especially with experience. For instance, graduates like those from top-tier universities (e.g., UC Berkeley, Stanford, Harvard) who are working in data science or investment banking likely have higher earnings compared to those in teaching roles or lower-tier jobs. However, some graduates seem to be stuck in entry-level or less lucrative roles for extended periods, like cashiers or administrative assistants, highlighting that not all paths lead to above-average income.

Overall, it appears that graduates with a solid foothold in technology fields, finance, or data analysis have the potential to earn a lot more compared to their peers who are still navigating early career steps in education or service industries. So, it really varies, and while some are likely doing quite well financially, others might be hoping their next job switch significantly boosts their income.

What buzzwords do Mathematics graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Mathematics. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Mathematics?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Mathematics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Mathematics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of Florida 83 11
Penn State University 74 13
The University of Texas at Austin 68 23
University of Washington 68 27
University of California, Berkeley 66 10
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 65 15
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 64 11
University of North Texas 51 11
University of California, Riverside 44 11