by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you speak the language of numbers and theories, General Mathematics may be a great major for you. This major will allow you to work many different formulas, theories, quantities, logic, symbols, abstract concepts, and numbers.
It should not be surprising to you that your classes will involve a lot of math. This broad exposure will help you develop your strengths and discover your interests. You will have the opportunity to specialize in algebra and number theory. Here you will learn about the properties of integers and how to use equations, vectors, and matrices. Another are you will explore Euclidean (straight lines and angles) and non-Euclidean geometry (curved surfaces). Classes in analysis and function will teach you about dynamic systems and equations, functions and solutions.
Courses may vary depending on your college but some of the most common are algebra, geometry, history of mathematics, differential equations, statistics, calculus, number theory, and real analysis.
Concentrations in this major include: Algebra and Number Theory, Analysis and Functional Analysis, Geometry, and Topology and Foundations.
A major in Mathematics involves the study of Mathematics. Read on to learn the essential details every mathematics student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering mathematics programs.
In the U.S., mathematics is a popular field of study, with 25,518 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Mathematics Schools ranking analyzes these 1,311 schools to determine the best overall colleges for mathematics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of mathematics programs later in this article.
Studies in Mathematics emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations mathematics graduates commonly enter.
Clearly, students should have a strong interest in math. You will spend many hours solving mathematical problems, memorizing formulas and working on proofs. Critical thinking skills are necessary in order to identify, analyze, and apply mathematic principles to the equations you are working on. The basic knowledge you gain in your classes will help you think creatively to devise new solutions to difficult problems.
You should be a self-motivated learner who can work independently. However, don't neglect interpersonal skills as well; they will come into play when completing group projects or working with partners.
Mathematics contains a lot of trial and error. You may get the answer to a problem wrong many times before you finally get the right answer. Persistence and dedication will aid you in your studies.
Although you will be mostly focused on math, writing is also an important skill to develop. Students should work on writing clearly and concisely to make complex issues easy to understand for the average reader. Writing skills will also aid you when applying for jobs.
Skills built by a mathematics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a mathematics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several mathematics 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 | 6 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4,428 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 17,367 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,535 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,182 |
People currently working in careers related to mathematics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 49.2% |
| Master’s degree | 18.9% |
| Doctoral degree | 9.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 5.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.2% |
| Some college courses | 3.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.0% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in mathematics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in mathematics will allow you to have several different career paths. Some graduates become certified to teach high school math, or go on to become a math professor. You may also get your Master's degree in mathematics or statistics allowing you to become a professional statistician or mathematician.
Graduates who want to go straight into the career field find often find work in the financial industry or business. You could become an actuary analyzing financial costs of risks, or you could work as an operations research analyst. Graduates also find work as a financial advisor for a business or for individuals.
Majoring in mathematics can lead to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to mathematics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | 434,408 | -2.4% |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other | 358,631 | -0.2% |
| Statisticians | 307,132 | 6.6% |
| Clinical Data Managers | 300,656 | -0.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of mathematics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $51,386 |
| 4 years | $65,097 |
| 5 years | $75,512 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for mathematics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers mathematics 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 |
| Bioinformatics Technicians | $121,896 |
| Biostatisticians | $121,594 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Data Scientists | $106,295 |
With 1,311 different mathematics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased mathematics school rankings to help you.
Students interested in mathematics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mathematics, General | 25,163 |
| Mathematics, Other | 352 |
| Topology and Foundations | 2 |
| Algebra and Number Theory | 1 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics | 11,002 |
| Statistics | 9,603 |
| Mathematics and Statistics, Other | 575 |
| Applied Statistics | 572 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
