Math is the study of numbers, their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions. This article will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of a math degree and help you determine whether it is worth it or not.
Is a Math Degree Worth It?
A math degree is definitely worth it. A math degree will drastically increase your employability, provide you with a wide range of options for further schooling, help improve your critical thinking and analytical skills and enhance your programming and problem-solving abilities.
Math is perhaps the most important component of science, technology, and engineering degrees. The “M” in a STEM degree refers to Mathematics. Everyone knows the advantages of a STEM major.
A mathematics degree will lead to excellent career opportunities in a plethora of fields. The critical thinking and analytical skills of math major makes them employable in engineering, technology-related, business, economics, and finance sectors
Math degree holders typically work in the following positions:
- Database Administrator
- Financial Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Physicist
- Information Research Scientist
- Economist
- Actuary
- Financial Advisor
- Mathematician
- Operations Research Analyst
- Post-Secondary Math Teacher
- Budget Analyst
- Accountant
- Cost Estimator
- Insurance Underwriter
- Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Programmer
Math majors earn more than average but end up just shy of the top tier positions. As a math major, you will be handsomely rewarded for pursuing such a challenging subject. You can expect awesome benefits from your employer such as medical and dental insurance, gym memberships, additional vacation time, and flexible work.
The skills learnt from a math major are universally desired by employers. Quantitative and problem-solving skills will help you come up with solutions to unique problems. Math is a future proof degree as most of the problems require an individualized solution.
A math degree will provide you with a solid foundation to pursue further schooling. A math background is highly regarded in engineering, computer science, economics, and business programmes. A math major is bound to help in some way or the other.
However, pursuing a math major is not only sunshine and rainbows. Math is one of the toughest degrees. You will need a lot of resolve, grit, and discipline to study mathematics. If you enjoy taxing your mind and struggling with problems then this subject will be a good choice for you.
Is a Math Degree Useless?
A math degree is not useless at all. In fact, math is one of the most useful subjects in today’s time. Math is like an engine for other disciplines. Almost all the degrees require math to some extent or the other. A math degree will equip you with valuable skills that employers want.
The usefulness of your math major highly depends on how many transferrable skills you learn. The number of jobs that only require pure mathematics and no other credentials are almost non-existent.
However, math majors can learn statistics, mechanics, programming, finance accounting, and business and make themselves more useful in the labour force.
Is it Hard to Find a Job With a Math Degree?
Finding a job with a math degree is not hard. Math majors are highly employable because so many disciplines require problem solvers, critical thinkers, and mathematicians. A math degree combined with knowledge of other fields will make finding a job much easier.
Pure math jobs are few and far in between, math is treated more like a skill than a vocation. Math is integral to most other subjects. There are very few jobs that require mathematicians, but loads of employers are willing to hire math majors.
However, math majors should not expect to get a job as easily finance or engineering majors. Math is a very theoretical degree and other more applied majors may have an advantage over you when applying for jobs.
You will need other components such as work experience, technical knowledge, and transferrable skills along with your math degree to become highly employable.
Math degree holders have some of the highest salaries. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of mathematicians in May 2020 was $110,860.
Is a Math Degree Hard?
A math degree is extremely hard. Math is one of the most difficult degrees available today. Math is such a hard subject because it is theoretical, abstract, build on previous ideas, has several complex concepts, and is difficult to comprehend.
In primary and middle school the math you learn is very practical and easy to apply to the real world. As you progress into college, math becomes increasingly abstract and theoretical.
The math you study before joining college is mostly computation. Computation is relatively straightforward when compared to the proof-based courses you will have to take when you pursue a math major.
Composing proofs requires you to follow a rigid and strictly logical set of steps in a precise manner. Math is one of the most objective degrees where your opinion hardly matters.
Unlike many other subjects, math builds on previously learned concepts. Having a good grasp of the fundamentals of maths is not sufficient; you must master the rudiments of mathematics to succeed in a math-oriented career. During your math degree, you will often feel overwhelmed with the pace of your courses.
Students pursuing math degrees report high levels of stress in college. Many engineering and computer science majors claim Calculus II, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, and Numerical Analysis to be some of the most difficult courses of their degree. These very classes are considered the easiest courses of a math major.
Are Math Majors Smart?
Most math majors are extremely smart individuals. Math majors need to have high levels of intelligence, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and be good with numbers to cope with the challenges of a math degree. Students with average intelligence will have to work extremely hard to pursue a math degree.
Math is one of the toughest majors and it usually leads to a lucrative career. As a result math programmes at university attract some of the brightest students.
Universities are highly selective when it comes to enrolling students into the math department because of its difficulty. They choose students with stellar grades and a strong interest in mathematics. This leads to some of the smartest students studying math degrees.
However, average students can pursue a math major as long as they are willing to work extremely hard despite all the challenges they
Conclusion
A math degree is definitely worth it. Despite that, you should be prepared for a difficult and stressful journey when you pursue a math major.
You might have a tougher time when applying to jobs as compared to more applied majors such as finance and engineering. A math degree is certainly hard to pursue but with hard work and consistent effort, you can most likely overcome any difficulty you face during your math major.
