Best College Degrees For Those Who Love Math

close up scientific calculator on a table as college student does math homework

Are you good with numbers? If math is a subject you enjoy, you may consider a degree that is math-intensive. Math-intensive degrees are often considered more difficult but they are also in-demand college degrees that can lead to great careers.

Math can be very hard for some students. Here are the best tips and tricks to pass all your math classes, no matter how hard they are, How To Pass Your Math Classes.

Actuarial Science

What is Actuarial Science? I get this question from time to time as students get confused. Actuarial Science is a career that assesses future financial risk. This discipline uses a lot of mathematical, statistical, and financial methods to back up predictions of what will happen. Actuaries are essential to the insurance industry and financial institutions.

If you enjoy solving problems, identifying and evaluating risk, and analyzing statistics, this might be the career for you. Actuaries need to have a bachelor’s degree. Typically, actuaries have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, business, actuarial science, or some other analytical field. You need to be well-versed in financial theory and statistics. There are a series of exams you will need to pass to become a certified actuary.

2021 Median Pay: $105,900 per year

Be sure to check out the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) as they offer a lot of resources.

Accountant

An Accounting Degree is one of those excellent college degrees for those who excel in math. The accounting degree is designed for students who are seeking accounting positions in business, industry, or government. Every business, whether it’s a corporation, small business, government agency, church, etc., will need an accountant.

A bachelor’s in accounting is the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Almost all accountancy bachelor’s degrees will meet the requirement to take the state CPA exam. Once you become a  licensed CPA your job prospects will grow and become even more in demand.

Accountants prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly. They also assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.

2021 Median Pay: $77,250 per year

If you would like to see some of the top careers you can have with an accounting degree, What You Can Do With An Accounting Degree, provides a great list.

Male architect working at a table uses his math degree to draw house plans

Architect

There are several types of degrees and degree programs for students who want to use their math skills to pursue a degree in architecture. People need places to live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat. Architects are responsible for designing these places. They work on public or private projects and design both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architects discuss with clients the objectives, requirements, and budget of a project. In some cases, architects provide predesign services, such as feasibility and environmental impact studies, site selection, cost analyses, and design requirements.

Architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) and building information modeling (BIM) for creating designs and construction drawings. However, hand-drawing skills are still required.

Architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Most architects earn their degree through a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program. Many earn a master’s degree in architecture, which can take 1 to 5 additional years.

A typical bachelor’s degree program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design with an emphasis on computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), structures, construction methods, professional practices, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts.

State licensing requirements can be found at the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

2021 Median Pay: $80,180 per year

Economist

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree will qualify for some entry-level positions. A graduate degree is sometimes required for advancement to higher-level positions.

Economists apply both qualitative and quantitative economic analysis to topics within a variety of fields, such as education, health, development, and the environment. Some economists study the cost of products, healthcare, or energy, while others examine employment levels, business cycles, exchange rates, taxes, inflation, or interest rates.

Economists often study historical trends and use them to make forecasts. They research and analyze data using a variety of software programs. They sometimes resent their research to various audiences.

Many economists work in federal, state, and local governments. Economists working for corporations help managers and decision-makers understand how the economy will affect their business. Economists may analyze issues such as consumer demand and sales to help a company maximize its profits.

2021 Median Pay: $105,630 per year

Surveyor

Surveyors mark and document the location of legal property lines. For example, when someone buys or sells a house or commercial building they may mark property boundaries to prevent or resolve disputes. They use a variety of measuring equipment depending on the type of survey.

Surveyors typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges and universities offer programs that prepare students to become licensed surveyors. A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as engineering or natural resources, may be acceptable as well. Many states require individuals who want to become licensed surveyors to have a bachelor’s degree from a school accredited by an organization such as ABET therefore be sure that the college you choose has the right accreditation.

When taking measurements in the field, surveyors make use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a system of satellites that locates reference points with a high degree of precision. Surveyors use handheld GPS units and automated systems known as robotic total stations to collect relevant information about the terrain they are surveying.

They also use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—technology that allows surveyors to present spatial information visually as maps, reports, and charts.

2021 Median Pay: $61,600 per year.

—Sensei