Math Majors FAQ

Questions

1. Do most students who graduate from this department follow a career path that is related, or do they tend to pursue other interests? (answer)

2. How is majoring in this field going to help one in the job market and/or in life? (answer)

3. What does this department look for in its majors? (answer)

4. Do most of the students who initially declare themselves a major in this department stay in the department, or do many switch out? Do many people switch into this major? (answer)

5. Where can I find information about the Actuarial Exams? (answer)

Answers

1. Do most students who graduate from this department follow a career path that is related, or do they tend to pursue other interests?

   Political Preface: In some sense, the beauty of a major in mathematics is that the choice of an eventual career need not be an overriding concern. Obviously if you pursue a career in a mathematically oriented field, the particular courses you take may be rather important. However, even if you are interested in a career in business or in attending a professional graduate school (business, law, medicine), a math major is highly regarded because studying mathematics develops analytical skills and the ability to work effectively in a problem-solving environment.

   Answer: In the context of the above statement, it is quite reasonable (and we see it regularly) that math majors go forth to a very broad spectrum of careers.

2. How is majoring in this field going to help one in the job market and/or in life?

   Answer: In large part this has been answered in the previous question. Mathematics develops your analytic and problem-solving skills. If you use mathematical tools in job, there can be an obvious connection between the courses taken as a major to marketable job skills.

   However, in general a math major hones your abilities to think analytically and teaches you how to approach abstract problems, and move forward towards a solution. These are clearly valuable skills independent of your particular career.

3. What does this department look for in its majors?

   Answer: Brainwave activity? A pulse (preferred)? Actually, we offer a very flexible major, aiming to help students with many different goals construct a major which is challenging, interesting, and fits their needs. We encourage and offer guidlines to those looking to do graduate work in pure or applied mathematics, or who want to use their mathematics in the ``real world''. We are happy to make suggestions for those who have always liked mathematics and just want to explore its many avenues.

4. Do most of the students who initially declare themselves a major in this department stay in the department, or do many switch out? Do many people switch into this major?

   Answer: The majority of students who declare themselves a math major stay within the major. Those with some change of heart still often manage to construct a minor suiting their tastes. And there is also a small percentage of people who find their ``true calling'' as juniors (and occasionally as seniors!). We do our best to help all who are interested.

5. Where can I find information about the Actuarial Exams?

   Answer: Click on the "Jobs" tag in the navigation bar above, and then look under the heading "General Employment/Career Resources"