Why is a degree in mathematics so valuable and versatile?

• Mathematics has the power to reveal and quantify patterns in every human discipline.
• The world of the 21st century is a world suffused with numerical information.
• The deep study of mathematics endows one with the ability to reason carefully, to communicate with precision, and to focus on details.

For these reasons, the array of careers that one can enter with a degree in mathematics is enormous and varied. Here are a few of the paths open to those with a degree in mathematics.

• Actuarial science
• Applied mathematics (engineering, modeling, simulation, mathematical physics)
• Art (sculpting, painting, music, fashion design)
• Business administration
• College teaching
• Computer science
• Cryptography
• Editing (mathematical books and articles)
• Finance (financial analysis, financial planning, economics)
• Law
• Mathematical exposition (popular-press books and articles, educational television)
• Medical research
• Medicine (pre-med)
• Operations research
• Quality control
• Secondary teaching
• Statistics

Most of these careers involve the frequent use of mathematics. Some, like law, have little mathematical content, but require the skills that one acquires by obtaining a degree in mathematics. These skills–logical thinking, precision of language, attention to detail, perseverance–are invaluable in any career. As one of the mottos of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics says, If you can do math, you can do anything.

For two of the careers listed above, St. Bonaventure offers additional educational preparation. Students interested in business administration may obtain an MBA at SBU by remaining for a fifth year. See the Master of Business Administration page for detailed information. Students desiring certification in secondary teaching may obtain a master's degree in secondary education at SBU. See the MSEd Adolescence Education page for detailed information.

If you love math but are unsure what you'd do with a math degree...

You are not alone! With so many career paths available to you, it can be difficult to choose one. To help you make an informed decision, you have many resources at your disposal. Here are a few...

Resources for mathematical careers

• Your adviser and other members of the St. Bonaventure mathematics faculty will be happy to discuss potential careers that allow to you to express your interest in mathematics and quite possibly some of your other interests as well.
• The SBU Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC)  The CPRC offers innovative programming and comprehensive services that help students explore and clarify career goals, prepare and compete for the opportunities they seek, and establish a solid foundation upon which to build their careers.
• Resources on the web
  • Be an Actuary 
  • Career Advice and Opportunities for Women in Mathematics  Maintained by the Association of Women in Mathematics (AWM).
  • Careers in Applied Mathematics  Maintained by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM).
  • Career Resource Center for Undergraduates in Mathematics  Maintained by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
    • Career Profiles  Profiles of people who use mathematics on a daily basis.
  • Mathematical Sciences Career Information Page  Maintained by the American Mathematical Society (AMS).
  • Careers in Statistics  Maintained by the American Statistical Association (ASA).
  • We Use Math  This website describes the importance of mathematics and the many rewarding career opportunities available to students who study mathematics.

Would you like real-world experience while an undergraduate? Certain agencies and institutions offer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) or other summer programs in which undergraduate students may get a taste of graduate school or professional life. Programs are offered for mathematics and a wide range of other disciplines.

The NSF, AMS, MAA, NASA, and NSA links provided below offer expansive listings of summer mathematics programs.

• National Science Foundation List of summer REUs funded by the NSF.
• American Mathematical Society List of summer REUs at institutions across the United States.
• Mathematical Association of America List of undergraduate student research programs, including REUs.
• NASA  Internships and Fellowships 
• National Security Agency Internships, co-ops and other summer programs at the NSA.
• Council on Undergraduate Research The CUR supports undergraduate research opportunities for faculty and students at predominantly undergraduate institutions. In particular, the CUR provides a registry to facilitate matchmaking between undergraduates with research experience and graduate schools & employers seeking high-quality students who are well-prepared for research.

St. Bonaventure can guide you to a program that fits your interests and goals. For assistance with mathematics programs, see Dr. Maureen Cox or Dr. Chris Hill. For additional resources concerning experiential education, visit the SBU Career and Professional Readiness Center (CPRC).