by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you like math? Are you talented with numbers and formulas? Studying Mathematics & Statistics will teach you how to apply mathematical formulas and theory in order to analyze data and solve problems in the real world.
By choosing a major in the Mathematics & Statistics field, you will learn how to work with technology to solve complex mathematical issues. Formulas, theories, abstract concepts, and of course numbers will be part of your daily routine. You will work independently as well as with a team. This is a very rigorous field of study; you will dive much deeper into the world of mathematics and will learn how mathematics can be applied to everyday life.
The field of mathematics offers opportunities to specialize, so it can appeal to students with different strengths, offering many options for a future career. General Math is a good option for students who want a broad education leaving them many options upon graduating. Majoring in Applied Mathematics will show you how mathematical theory can be applied to various practical fields like architecture, computer programming or finance. Another option is to major in Statistics, where you will explore data and the theories that surround it. Explore additional majors to help you decide what direction you would like to take.
A degree in Mathematics & Statistics involves the study of Mathematics And Statistics. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Systematic Study Of Logical Symbolic Language And Its Applications. Continue reading for the essential details every mathematics & statistics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mathematics & statistics programs.
Nationwide, mathematics & statistics is a popular field of study, with 47,270 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools ranking analyzes these 1,374 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mathematics & statistics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mathematics & statistics programs later in this article.
Programs in Mathematics & Statistics develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mathematics & statistics graduates commonly enter.
This is an intense academic program that will require a love of math and an ability to grasp abstract concepts. Students should have good time management skills in order to juggle classes, lab work and meet deadlines. Students will use critical thinking and logic to analyze data and solve problems. Clear and concise writing with attention to detail and accuracy is necessary for success.
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your professors and advisors are there to guide you, and there is a lot you can learn from your peers. Be open to listening to other perspectives and unique approaches. Teamwork and being able to collaborate are essential skills for any career you go into.
Skills built by a mathematics & statistics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a mathematics & statistics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mathematics & statistics degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 10 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4,433 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 27,586 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 13,174 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2,054 |
People currently working in careers related to mathematics & statistics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 53.5% |
| Master’s degree | 22.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 6.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.8% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.6% |
| Some college courses | 2.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mathematics & statistics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Many employers are in need of workers with strong mathematical skills. Graduates often find work in business, financial or government intuitions doing research, analysis, advising or marketing. Grads can also find work in insurance companies or tax agencies as auditors or actuaries. Other fields you could find work in are computer programming and software development. Some students are also interested in becoming a high school math teacher or a math professor. Some of these career options may require additional training.
Your superior analytical and critical thinking skills will also help you get into a graduate program. Those with a background in mathematics often obtain Master's degrees in math, statistics, business, law and medicine. This is often necessary for careers as a mathematician or statistician.
<Majoring in mathematics & statistics opens doors to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to mathematics & statistics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics & statistics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Specialists, All Other | 691,110 | 6.5% |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 684,551 | -3.8% |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | 585,851 | 1.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Data Scientists | 507,848 | 8.1% |
| Management Analysts | 484,759 | 12.6% |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 471,150 | -1.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of mathematics & statistics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,194 |
| 4 years | $69,956 |
| 5 years | $81,225 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mathematics & statistics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mathematics & statistics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Business Intelligence Analysts | $143,840 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Statisticians | $130,349 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | $127,364 |
| Financial Quantitative Analysts | $126,371 |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | $121,896 |
| Biostatisticians | $121,594 |
With 1,374 different mathematics & statistics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mathematics & statistics school rankings to help you.
Those considering mathematics & statistics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25,518 |
| Applied Mathematics | 11,002 |
| Statistics | 9,603 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | 575 |
| Applied Statistics | 572 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
