There are math careers and science careers, and there are also lots of occupations that incorporate both subjects. Many of these careers fall into the STEM category: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM jobs are available in the government as well as the private sector.
Math and science careers generally offer high pay and good job stability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage in 2021 for STEM careers was $95,420, which is over twice that of the non-STEM careers ($40,120). The BLS also predicts 10.5-percent job growth in STEM occupations, which is 3 percent higher than the projected growth of non-STEM careers.
Math and science have lots of overlap, which is why there are so many occupations that combine both. For example, physics work is grounded in algebra, geometry, and calculus. Applied mathematics incorporates problems for many different sciences, from biology and chemistry to meteorology.
Most engineering disciplines require a strong understanding of both math and science. For example, civil engineering incorporates physics, statics, algebra, geometry, probability, and calculus.
Part of the reason for strong job growth in STEM fields is the expansion of the computer industry and the increasing reliance on big data. Some of the fastest-growing computer fields are information security analysis, software development, and information research science.
There are hundreds of occupations that have an equal focus on math and science. Here are some to consider.
A biomedical engineer helps design products and systems used in the medical industry. They may develop, test, and improve diagnostic machinery, artificial limbs and organs, and other healthcare equipment. Biomedical engineers may serve as liaisons with medical professionals and other scientists, and they may also provide training, repairs, and adjustments for high-tech medical devices.
A research analyst can work in a wide range of fields. Finance, operations, economics, engineering, and computer science are some industries that employ research analysts. These professionals work with data sets, organizing, reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting the information to make predictions and identify trends. An operations research analyst may also author reports of their findings and decide how to display data visually in most useful and understandable ways to the intended audience.
Civil engineers design pieces of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, water systems, airports, railways, dams, and power plants. They may also help design industrial buildings. A civil engineer may create plans to preserve or improve existing infrastructure. These professionals often contribute to many stages of the process, from initial design to construction.
A web developer designs websites based on the needs and requirements of their clients. Web development may include everything from designing the layout and writing code to providing graphic arts. Web developers must know several programming languages, understand online security, and be able to apply client feedback quickly.
A meteorologist is a scientist who observes and analyzes atmospheric data to predict the weather, climate changes, and other events that affect the earth. They may gather, organize, and interpret data from weather stations, radar, satellites, and other sources. Meteorologists may work for private companies or government agencies and often create and provide weather forecasts and reports.
An IT manager (or information systems manager) provides oversight of a company's computer-related equipment and activities. Some responsibilities may include managing IT networks, diagnosing computer issues, repairing computers, and designing a company's IT infrastructure. They may also purchase new hardware and software and test existing computer systems.
Mechanical engineers work with mechanical devices and systems. They may design, test, improve, and build this type of equipment for their clients. A mechanical engineer can assist with many parts of the design process, from analyzing client requirements to overseeing the manufacturing process and optimizing existing systems.
Actuaries usually work for banks, insurance providers, or other financial institutions. They analyze data to determine the financial cost of actions, such as ensuring a person or company. An actuary must have a good grasp of financial theory, statistics, and data analysis and should know how to read financial records.
Chemical engineers design products and chemicals by applying the principles of chemistry to address real-world problems. Their work must comply with environmental standards and safety regulations. A chemical engineer may work in R&D, production, and testing.
Pharmacists are essential to the healthcare industry. They help patients by preparing and providing medications, particularly those that require a prescription. A pharmacist is an expert in medications and drug interactions and helps ensure that medicine is distributed properly and in accordance with state and federal laws.
Before pursuing an undergraduate math degree or science major, it's essential to have a solid foundation. That means you should be very comfortable with the basics of algebra, trig, biology, chemistry, and physics. If you're having trouble mastering these topics, a private tutor can help.
Learner tutors are experts in math and science. We have tutors specializing in everything from elementary math to college calculus, physics, and linear algebra. With Learner, you can get one-on-one instruction from world-class experts who customize lessons to meet your unique challenges and goals. If you're prepping for standardized tests or a career like technical writing that requires strong language arts skills, you can work with one of our ELA tutors.
Our math tutors don't just rehash tired textbook examples and problem-solving tricks. They help each student engage with the material through a combination of in-depth lectures and intriguing problems featuring real-world applications. This holistic approach to math and science encourages true mastery of key concepts, so math majors are ready to succeed in school and their careers.
Chris is passionate about helping his students learn to love math and physics. He has experience working through learning disabilities and encourages students to guide each tutoring session based on the mathematical concepts they need help with.
Joseph W has a bachelor's degree in engineering physics and years of experience tutoring high school and college students. He's currently pursuing a career as a data scientist in the gaming industry and can offer detailed advice to students who have similar aspirations.
Neda has a master's degree in structural engineering, so she's well-versed in courses incorporating math and science. She helps college students with a wide range of undergraduate math courses and offers test prep tutoring to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT.
With over ten years of tutoring experience and a bachelor's degree in chemistry, Cynthia is an excellent resource for students who need help in math and science. She tailors her lesson plans for every student to help them become lifelong learners who enjoy the intricacies of math and science.
If you want more information about promising careers in math and science, check out these common questions and answers.
Many great jobs combine math and science, and the best one is based on your unique interests and math skills. Some excellent options include data scientist, information security analyst, actuary, computational scientist, and physicist.
There isn't a definitive answer, but some math jobs with the highest salaries are actuary, cryptologist, senior data scientist, algorithm developer, and insurance underwriter.
There will always be some variability in specific job titles and salaries. However, these science fields generally offer the highest salaries: biotechnology, genomics, immunology, genetics, and clinical research.
Many jobs combine math and physics. Some excellent fields incorporating both are civil engineering, technical writing, process engineering, geophysics, data science, meteorology, and aerospace engineering.
It depends. To become a licensed Professional Engineer, you need an engineering degree from an accredited program. However, there are many careers with "engineer" in the title that accept individuals with math degrees.
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