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2023 Mathematics & Statistics Degree Guide

Do 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.

Mathematics & Statistics Degrees Remain Stable

#17 Most Popular Major
52.4k Degrees Awarded
0.9% Increase in Graduates

In 2020-2021, mathematics and statistics was the 17th most popular major nationwide with 52,396 degrees awarded. This is approximately the same as the 51,937 graduates the prior year.

Our 2023 Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools ranking analyzes 277 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for mathematics and statistics students. Explore this or one of our many other custom mathematics and statistics rankings further below.

2023 Best Colleges for Mathematics & Statistics
2023 Overall Best Mathematics & Statistics Colleges >

Best Mathematics & Statistics Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Mathematics & Statistics
Bachelor's Degrees in Mathematics & Statistics
Master's Degrees in Mathematics & Statistics
Doctorate Degrees in Mathematics & Statistics

Mathematics & Statistics Degree Requirements

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.

Mathematics & Statistics Degree Program Entry Requirements

New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific mathematics and statistics careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.

Mathematics & Statistics Degree Types

There are many different mathematics and statistics degree levels. You can get anything from a in mathematics and statistics to the highest mathematics and statistics degree, a . Depending on the mathematics and statistics degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to mathematics and statistics, with approximately 38.8% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to mathematics and statistics tend obtained the following education levels.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree 38.4%
Master’s Degree 28.0%
Doctoral Degree 17.4%
Post-Doctoral Training 5.8%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 5.8%

About 53.5% of workers in careers related to mathematics and statistics obtain at least master's degrees. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in mathematics and statistics have obtained.

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The education level required is different depending on the mathematics and statistics career you are seeking.

Career Opportunities for Mathematics & Statistics Majors

Above Average Number of Jobs
$50k Average Starting Salary
9% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

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.

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Solid Growth Projected for Mathematics & Statistics Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your mathematics and statistics degree? Mathematics & Statistics careers are expected to grow 9.2% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to mathematics and statistics.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
High School Teachers 1,095,500 7.5%
Financial Analysts 328,200 10.8%
Financial Specialists 149,000 9.6%
Mathematical Science Professors 66,600 9.4%
Natural Sciences Managers 62,300 9.9%

How Much Money Do People With a Mathematics & Statistics Degree Make?

Mathematics & Statistics graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $49,974 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $23,239 to as high as $119,416. As you might expect, salaries for mathematics and statistics graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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High Paying Careers for Mathematics & Statistics Majors

Salaries for mathematics and statistics graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers mathematics and statistics grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Natural Sciences Managers $139,680
Actuaries $116,250
Economists $116,020
Mathematicians $104,870
Financial Analysts $100,990

Getting Your Mathematics & Statistics Degree

With over 4,221 different mathematics and statistics degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased mathematics and statistics school rankings to help you with this.

Mathematics & Statistics Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Mathematics 30,202
Applied Mathematics 11,107
Statistics 9,979
Other Statistics 644
Applied Statistics 464

View All Mathematics & Statistics Related Majors >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Computer & Information Sciences 254,454
Engineering 198,468
Biological & Biomedical Sciences 177,778
Engineering Technologies 85,188
Physical Sciences 50,306

View All Mathematics & Statistics Related Majors >

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