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Online Education Guide

Guide to College Majors in Mathematics and Statistics

What is Mathematics and Statistics?

The schedules of airline flights. Interest rates on home loans. Political polls. Grades received on English papers. The calculation of minimum wage. Blueprints for the construction of a church. Funding for the neighborhood park. While each of these systems may seem totally unrelated, all of them are based on numbers. It has been said that math rules our lives. From the number of years of school required to do one thing, to the amount of money someone wants to earn, to the average number of children to have, to the number of cars owned, our lives are, to a great extent, measured, planned, and organized according to mathematic principles.

In both its applied and theoretical forms, mathematics is one of the oldest forms of scientific inquiry. Its crucial importance to logic, planning, and the prevention of social chaos pretty much guarantees that mathematical study and statistical skills will always be in demand. This classical subject of thought, experimentation, and exploration is continuously updated as technology advances and breaks through new barriers. As such, computer science, economics, and engineering all hinge on the talents and genius of mathematicians.

In fact, it is partially due to the work of math and statistics that the availability of top-notch educational opportunities has expanded to include any student who can access the internet. Distance education programs have successfully generated new ways to study and earn a degree in Mathematics. This new and appealing approach to college education opens new doors to future and existing mathematicians without the obstacles of scheduling conflicts or geographical limitations.

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Preparing for a Program in Math and Statistics

There are several things to consider when a student is considering earning a Math or Statistics degree. Proper preparation contains several steps that will help a potential student solidify his choice to pursue a degree in Math or Statistics.

The most important way a student can prepare for a Math or Statistics degree program is to make the most of science, math, and computer courses offered by his or her high school. Potential math and statistics students should take every algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and calculus class available. Not only will such an intensive study of math provide students with a solid background, but it will also prepare students for the rigorous, thorough requirements of college degree programs.

In addition, a potential student should consider his or her personal interests. He should ask himself why he is drawn to studying math and statistics. He should challenge his career hopes and personal goals to determine if pursuing his interest in mathematics will lead to a happy and productive career. This personal quest is an important part of preparing for a degree program because the happiest and most successful employees are those who are truly care about their work. This is certainly true of the field of math and statistics. Many students are drawn to this degree program because they genuinely want to study and apply the principles of mathematics to the practical world.

Third, a potential student should make the process of choosing the right math school a major focus as he considers this academic path. A potential student should research each of the math and statistics schools he is interested in attending. This research should be as detailed and as thorough as possible. The student should make a point to speak with admissions counselors at each school and to research available financial aid and career service programs. Another way to learn a lot about a school is to contact a current student and ask her about her experience. While this may seem like a lot of effort, it is definitely worth it when a student finds the ideal Math degree program for his interests and desires.

Finally, a potential student can prepare for the pursuit of a Math and Statistics degree by interviewing a current professional in a math related career. This type of exploration will not only affirm a potential student's desire to study math and statistics, but it will also give the student insight into the plethora of career paths available for a math major. Before meeting with a willing professional, a potential student should prepare a list of questions that will answer everything she wants to know about this possible career. If possible, follow the professional around for a day and observe what a typical day in this field might be like. Additionally, take the opportunity to seek educational and academic tips for transitioning successfully to a Math degree program.

Career Education in Math and Statistics

Undergraduate and Graduate degree and certificate programs

Math and Statistics degree programs foster a productive environment in which students are able to focus on developing an in-depth knowledge of math or statistics and their current and potential applications. Math and statistics are both broad fields of study, so students find many choices available and have the option of tailoring their personal interests to a specific area of specialization. Perhaps a student intends to develop an initial set of general math skills before pursuing a more specifically geared degree program, or maybe a current math educator or statistics teacher is hoping to specialize in a certain aspect of math and statistics with advanced study. Whatever a potential student's interests happen to be, online and distance learning is a worthwhile educational resource that offers a variety of appealing opportunities and options.

More easily than ever before, students interested in math and statistics careers can earn a degree online. This is a trend that is expected to grow as advanced technology becomes more readily available. Not only are online degree programs more common and accessible, they also sustain a solid reputation as a flexible, self-paced way to pursue a degree while continuing to work. Students enrolled in distance learning and online degree programs virtually participate in internet tutorials, web demonstrations, professor lead teleconferences, and interactive projects and assignments. Students interact with professionals and students from the comforts of their own homes, approach academics on their own schedules, and free themselves from location-related constraints of traditional college degree programs.

Certificate Programs
Math and Statistics certificate programs are a worthwhile way for current teachers and mathematicians to gain a more focused knowledge of math and statistics. Online Math and Statistics certificate programs are primarily designed for existing math educators who have already obtained a bachelor's degree. In general, such degree programs allow students to work on skill sets in a narrow, focused area of math or statistics. For example, many teachers teach in a particular area of math or statistics, so some graduate level certificate programs train students in advanced concepts of geometry, algebra, calculus, trigonometry, and statistics. An online certificate program would be appealing to any current math educator hoping to advance her education for the purposes of earning a great income and becoming a better teacher. It is important to note that certificate programs vary from school to school, so potential students should discuss particular Math or Statistics degree programs with school admissions counselors.

Bachelor Degree Programs
Earning a Bachelor of Science degree is the first step for many students pursuing a career in math or statistics. B.S. Math and Statistics degree programs differ from program to program. Some online or distance learning degree programs focus on a specific segment of math and statistics and allow students to develop an expertise in the applications and techniques associated with a particular area of math. Other B.S. Math and Statistics degree programs are more general in nature and provide students with a general knowledge of all of the segments of this field of science. This is something potential students should consider when choosing a college degree program. Additionally, both types of programs will also focus on general mathematical principles, science concepts, computers, and technology. Students should expect a bachelor's degree program to take approximately eight semesters of study. B.S. programs are thorough, intense, and rigorous. In addition to developing mathematic skills, a priority is placed on courses that aid students in developing communication skills. In order for the work of mathematicians and statisticians to be applied or used practically, these professionals must be able to effectively explain and convey their complex ideas, theories, and concerns. Articulation and the ability to discuss complicated ideas in accessible language is an important element to finding success in this field. Online Math and Statistics degree programs are well-rounded and offer students a quality education over the internet, making the pursuit of a college degree possible from any geographical location with internet access.

Master Degree Programs
Because there is so much to know in order to effectively teach math and statistics, it is fairly common for mathematics and statistics teachers to earn a bachelor's degree, begin work, and then decide to pursue possibilities for career advancement with more education. As a result, many math teachers choose to pursue a Master of Arts in Education degree with a Math or Statistics concentration. Students pursuing this degree will study advanced mathematical concepts, strategies for effectively teaching math, and upper-level education philosophies. Students in Master's degree programs will obtain a sophisticated understanding of everything involved in providing students with the education necessary for leading successful, productive lives. Pursuing a Master of Arts degree online is attractive to current educators because they have the opportunity to increase knowledge without taking time off of work. Also, combining school and work lets statistics and math teachers immediately begin applying new skills and approaches to teaching in the classroom.

Universities Offering Online Math and Statistics Degree Programs:

Walden University - Online Mathematics Education Degrees
Ellis College - Online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Physics
Western Governors University - Online degrees & specializations in mathematics education

What can you do with a College Degree in Math & Statistics?

Career specializations within mathematics and statistics

The career opportunities for students who obtain Math and Statistics degrees are abundant and promising. In addition to the types of careers featured here, individuals who have a strong educational background in math are employed in many fields and hold various jobs. A math and statistics graduate should prepare himself thoroughly and be encouraged, for his knowledge and skills will be in demand in several different occupational areas. The following is a list of just some of the interesting career specializations in math and statistics:

• Actuary. An actuary assists businesses in assessing the risk of certain events. They formulate policies and procedures to minimize the financial costs of such risks. Actuaries primarily work in the insurance industry, analyzing data and approximating the likelihood of death, illness, disability, injury, or loss of property. Their assessment is used to determine whether or not an individual is a good candidate for insurance coverage. Additionally, actuaries may also find employment in the financial sector. The skills of an actuary can help individuals determine how much money to invest in order to produce a desired result. Most actuaries have bachelor's degrees in Math or a related subject area.
  
  
• Mathematician. Simply, a mathematician's work involves using the principles and techniques of advanced mathematics to solve various types of problems. Theoretical mathematicians seek to develop new theories and to uncover relationships between existing principles. Commonly, theoretical mathematicians work as university professors, teaching students and conducting research. Applied mathematicians use mathematical principles, models, and techniques to solve practical problems. The skills of applied mathematicians open up job opportunities in government, economics, engineering, and science. In almost all cases, a doctorate degree is needed to qualify for mathematician positions.
  
  
• Statistician. Applying the principles of math to the collection, analysis and usefulness of numerical information, statisticians design surveys, interpret information, and process data. Statistical work is imperative and necessary for many medical, governmental, political, and social decisions. Almost all government agencies employ statisticians. A statistician employed by the government might develop a survey to measure population growth, consumer prices, or unemployment. Or, he or she might work for scientific, environmental, and agricultural agencies, and assist in the determining the amount of pesticides found in drinking water, or in calculating the number of people with a particular medical condition in a certain area. Additionally, statisticians work for defense agencies and test the accuracy of new military weaponry and/or predict the effectiveness of defense strategies. Individuals hoping to enjoy a career in statistics should plan to obtain at least a Master's degree in mathematics.
  
  
• Math Educator. Teachers who specialize in mathematics or statistics have the opportunity to share and introduce mathematical principles to their students. Math teachers instruct and present techniques, problem solving steps, and examples. The majority of educators are employed by schools, but math educators also work as private tutors. Teachers must not only be knowledgeable about math, but must also have strong communications skills and a desire to work with students. Math teachers must obtain a bachelor's degree, but the possibility of greater income depends on a teacher continually updating her training and level of education.

Salary Information for Careers in Mathematics and Statistics

According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the job outlook for individuals with educational backgrounds and degrees in Mathematics varies depending on the individual's desired career path. Job opportunities for math teachers are expected to be either good or excellent depending on geographical location. The outlook for mathematicians, on the other hand, is expected to decline through the year 2012. However, it is important to note that there are many job opportunities for students who earn Math degrees not necessarily categorized under the job title "mathematician." Individuals who earn advanced degrees often enter the growing job fields of engineering and computer science.

A similar scenario is predicted for statisticians through 2012. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that job opportunities carrying the title "statistician" are expected to grow slower than average, but individuals with strong backgrounds in statistics have the opportunity to enjoy job potential in economics, biology, psychology, computer science engineering, and many other professional fields.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics concluded that the median yearly income of statisticians was $57,080 in 2002. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported, in a 2003 survey, that students who earn bachelor's degrees in mathematics and statistics are offered entry-level salaries averaging $40,152, Master's degree holders command $42,438, and students who earn a doctorate begin their careers earning an average of $55,485 per year. The median salary for teachers was $44,340, but this amount varies depending on school district and location.

In the field of math and statistics, more education equals more earning potential. Earning an advanced math degree is also the key to expanding employment opportunities. Online degree programs provide a working professional with an attractive way to continue working while expanding the depth of his or her knowledge.

Certification and Licensure

Certification and licenses for a student who pursues a career in math and statistics largely depends on which industry he works in. For example, if the student decides to work in the field of engineering, there are most certainly certifications and licenses he will be required to obtain. If the student is hoping to work as a theoretical mathematician, however, certification and licensure may not be required. Instead, this student will need to focus on earning more academic training and expertise.

Students who venture into the field of math education will need to obtain teaching credentials and proper certification. Generally, the prerequisites necessary to become a certified teacher are determined by local or state governing bodies. For the most accurate information, it is best to check with your state's Department of Education.

Math and Statistics Professional Organizations and Associations
Whether or not certification or licensing is required, potential students should note that it is always a good idea to become involved with available math and statistics associations and organizations. Joining and participating with fellow academics and professionals is a great way to enjoy a sense of camaraderie and communal commitment to this field of science. Importantly, joining a professional mathematical organization also presents opportunities to network, discuss new innovations, and update skills and knowledge.

• American Mathematical Society
• American Statistical Organization
• Association for Women in Mathematics
• Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications
• Mathematical Association of America Online
• National Council of Teacher of Mathematics
• Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics

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