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THE JOB
MATHEMATICIANS engage in a wide variety of activities, ranging from
the creation of new theories and techniques to the application of
mathematics and computational tools to economic, scientific, engineering,
and business problems.
Mathematicians may be divided into two broad classes:
Theoretical (pure) Mathematicians develop new principles and new
relationships between existing principles of mathematics. While seeking
to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its
practical use, this has been instrumental in producing or furthering
many scientific and engineering achievements.
Applied Mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical
modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical
problems in business, government, engineering, and the physical, life,
and social sciences. These may include analyzing the mathematical
aspects of computer and communications networks, the effects of new
drugs on disease, the aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft, the
distribution costs or manufacturing processes of businesses, or complex
mathematical models which attempt to explain the behavior of financial
markets.
Engineers, computer scientists, and economists are among those who use
mathematics extensively, but have job titles other than Mathematicians.
Workers who are specialists in a particular branch of mathematics are
statisticians, actuaries, and operations Research analysts.
Mathematicians use computers extensively for analyzing relationships
among variables, solving complex problems, developing models, and
processing large amounts of data.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Colleges, universities, advanced Research and development facilities,
and federal and state government are major employers of pure
Mathematicians. Other major employers include Research and testing
companies and securities and commodity firms and exchanges. Their work
is almost solely performed in an office, a classroom, or in a computer
center. The amount and types of teaching vary according to the type of
college or university, and the Mathematician's classification.
Applied Mathematicians may work for many different types of companies
including defense contractors, insurance companies, government agencies,
transportation services, petroleum refineries, and electronic and
electrical equipment manufacturers. Much of applied Mathematicians'
work is done in an office, but they spend time in laboratories, shops,
and computer centers compiling and processing data. They also consult
with subject experts such as biologists, chemists, doctors, engineers,
and economists.
Many Mathematicians belong to the American Mathematical Society,
Mathematical Association of America, or the Society for Industrial
and Applied Mathematics. There are also associations for those
Mathematicians who specialize in computer or statistical work.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of
Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These
figures represent the broad occupational group Mathematical, Scientific
Not Elsewhere Classified which includes Mathematicians.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,680
Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,090
Projected Growth 1993-2005 15%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 770
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to
turnover)
With a master's degree in mathematics, competition will be strong for
jobs in teaching or theoretical Research.
Mathematics and Science teachers will remain in short supply through 2005.
Concerns over a future work force that may not meet employers' needs
could cause demand for teachers who specialize in these fields.
Job opportunities in applied mathematics and related areas such as
computer programming, operations Research, and engineering design in
industry and government will be more plentiful.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Starting salary for mathematics professors in the California State
University system starts at $3,095 for an assistant professor, and
reaches a maximum $6,700 per month for the top step of a full professor.
The University of California system starts its mathematics assistant
professors at $3,142 per month, and reaches a maximum $8,025 per month
for the top step of a full professorial position. Wages in the private
sector start at about $2,300 per month for holders of a Bachelor of
Science degree, and about $2,850 per month for those with a Master of
Science degree. The American Mathematical Society reports that the
national median salary for a Mathematician in Research positions is
about $2,850 per month, and $4,750 per month in business and industry.
Vacation and sick leave, health and life insurance, and a retirement
plan, among other benefits are generally offered to those in this field.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The minimum requirement for Mathematicians is a bachelor's degree.
Combining a degree in mathematics with a similar field of study such as
computer science or economics can significantly enhance employability.
A master's degree in mathematics is needed for some Research positions,
teaching jobs in many junior or community colleges, and some small four-
year colleges. A Ph.D. is needed for full faculty status in most four-
year colleges and universities. A teaching credential is also needed at
the elementary and high school level.
In private industry, many jobs are filled with those with a master's
degree. Most workers are hired in related fields such as computer
science in the jobs as computer programmers, systems analysts, or
systems engineers. Federal government, entry-level jobs require a
4-year degree or equivalent in mathematics.
A bachelor's degree in mathematics is offered by most colleges and
universities. Required courses are calculus, differential equations,
and linear and abstract algebra. Additional courses might include
probability theory and statistics, mathematical analysis, numerical
analysis, topology, modern algebra, discrete mathematics, and
mathematical logic. Most colleges require students to take several
courses in a field that uses or is closely related to mathematics, such
as computer science, engineering, operations Research, a physical
science, statistics, or economics.
When obtaining a job in applied mathematics, training in the field in
which mathematics will be used is important. Fields which use applied
mathematics include physics, actuarial science, engineering, and
operations Research. Computer and information science, business and
industrial management, economics, statistics, chemistry, geology, life
sciences, and the behavioral sciences also employ Mathematicians.
Mathematicians should have extensive knowledge of computer programming
because most complex mathematical computation and much mathematical
modeling is done by computer.
Mathematicians need good reasoning ability, must be persistent in
order to identify, analyze, and apply basic principles to technical
problems, and have good communication skills in order to interact with
others and discuss proposed solutions to problems.
ADVANCEMENT
The first promotional step is to a more complex project or supervision.
The second would be no increase in rank but additional pay or bonuses
for superior quality work. In colleges and universities, promotions
follow an academic pattern of appointment to a full-time post, tenure,
then promotion to associate or full professor, generally with an
increase in pay. Professors may have additional Research and
administrative responsibilities.
FINDING THE JOB
Direct recruitment at college and university campuses is the method
most commonly used by employers in filling entry positions at all degree
levels. Students should, however, consult with placement offices early
in their academic careers. In this way they can find which areas have
the most promise and what the requirements are for a position they may
want.
Experienced workers can find leads at scientific conventions, in
professional journals, or through friends in industry or university
professors. The Workforce Services Offices of the Employment Development
Department is another source for job leads.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Mathematical Society
PO Box 6248
Providence, RI 02940-6248
(401) 455-4000
Mathematical Association of America
1529 18th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 387-5200
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
3600 University City Science Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2688
(215) 382-9800
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Computer Programmers No. 81
Statisticians No. 300
Actuaries No. 318
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Mathematician 020.067-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Mathematical Scientists, NEC 253190
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(919)262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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