Why Do a Mathematical Degree?
Maths and statistics could be your academic strength. Mathematical skills could also be essential for the career you want to pursue. Whatever your motivation to study maths online, opportunities will emerge. Many degrees and jobs rely on you having a good grasp of numbers.
Distinguished research biologist and former Australian of the Year, Sir Gustav Nossal, recommended, “Do as much Mathematics and Statistics as you can in your degrees – these skills will empower your professional lives.”
To get the most out of your studies, choose a strong distance education university with a good range of courses. For a bachelor degree, this allows you to study maths as part of a custom online program. You can try different fields and don’t have to commit to a major until the 2nd or 3rd year.
Related: How Hard Is Data Analytics to Learn and Do?
Is a Math Degree Useful?
In planning for a career using number skills, you should identify where maths has power. Ideally, you'll be able to leverage your quantitative abilities to solve important problems. The bigger the problem, the greater the rewards – both personal and for the community.
A pure, dry maths or statistics degree may have value but normally less than a degree with complementary studies. Outside of academia and teaching, you’ll find few mathematicians or statisticians. However, professionals use maths and statistics heavily in fields such as:
- banking, finance and insurance
- business analysis and data science
- engineering and mining
- scientific modelling
- software development
- telecommunications.
UNSW graduate Anthony Morris reflected on the benefits of his advanced mathematics degree, stating, "The quality and flexibility of the degree has meant that I have had a diverse range of opportunities available to me as I near the completion of my degree. I personally considered options ranging from corporate careers in finance or management consulting to further postgraduate study in mathematics, before choosing a technical role in software engineering at Google."
Advice on Course Choices
Maths and statistics graduates have the ability to solve problems, think logically, construct computer models, and do quantitative research. To find a good job where you can apply these skills, UMass Amherst advises students to:
- Choose a balanced set of courses within a maths and stats program.
- Expose yourself to computing (computer science, scientific computing or information technology) extensively.
- Build tangible competency in another field, such as computer science, finance, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, public health or engineering.
- Develop soft skills through your study choices and broader lifestyle.
