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Where Can Math take me?

The undergraduate mathematics major offers a foundation for students interested in understanding how to approach problems with mathematical solutions. The mathematical economics major offers students a program that combines mathematics, statistics and economics.

Where Can Mathematics Take Me?
Where Can Mathematical Economics Take Me?


Where Can Mathematics Take Me?

A Career in Numbers? You Do the Math

Mathematics is challenging, rewarding and fun. It is both logical and creative. Students who major in mathematics have a variety of opportunities. The mathematics major prepares students for traditional pursuits such as graduate study, teaching and work as an actuary. Students with a love of math find a mathematics major can be combined with a pre-professional curriculum or a major in the sciences or engineering to provide a strong background for graduate study or employment in a field related to mathematics.

The mathematical economics major provides an opportunity for students with an interest in mathematics and business or economics to combine these interests. The Department of Mathematics offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Each degree can be taken with Option A: Mathematics or Option B: Mathematical Sciences. The mathematics option is chosen by most students. The mathematical sciences option combines the study of mathematics, statistics and computer science and prepares students for careers involving the applications of mathematics.  A mathematics minor is available for students who would like to continue their study of mathematics, while majoring in another field. In addition to the bachelor’s degrees, the Department of Mathematics offers programs leading to the Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees.

What skills does studying mathematics develop?

  • critical thinking
  • problem solving
  • analytical thinking
  • quantitative reasoning
  • ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas
  • construct logical arguments and expose illogical arguments
  • communication
  • time management
  • teamwork
  • independence

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are unlimited for mathematics majors. They may pursue graduate education, career paths in business, science or technical fields or disciplines such as social services, education and government. Some of the occupations that mathematics majors enter include:

  • accountant
  • actuary
  • computer programmer
  • doctor
  • engineer
  • investment manager
  • lawyer
  • government research and laboratories
  • theoretical mathematician
  • mathematician
  • numerical analyst
  • statistician
  • teacher
  • market researcher
  • systems analyst
  • banking
  • government
  • space/aircraft industry

For more information about careers, go to the following:

For more information about career opportunities, contact career counselor Jamie Johnson at jjjohn4@email.uky.edu or (859) 257-4023.


Where Can Mathematical Economics Take Me?

A Compilation of Competence: The Mathematical Economics Degree

The mathematical economics major offers students a degree program that combines mathematics, statistics and economics. In many ways, the mathematical economics program parallels the engineering philosophy.  It combines the quantitative methods of mathematics with an applied science in order to solve real problems. With the ever-increasing importance of the service sector in our economy, the mathematical economics degree will prove to be a valuable asset. The program will give the student an opportunity to study a fascinating collection of ideas and it will also provide the student with very marketable skills.

What skills does studying mathematical economics develop? 

  • capability in mathematics and statistics
  • aptitude in problem solving skills 
  • ability to communicate with public speaking and written assignments
  • capacity to collaborate with others

Career opportunities

In today’s increasingly complicated international business world, a strong preparation in the fundamentals of both economics and mathematics is crucial to success. This degree program is designed to prepare a student to go directly into the business world with skills that are in high demand, or to go on to graduate study in economics or finance. A degree in mathematical economics would prepare a student for the beginning of a career in operations research or actuarial science. Other occupations include but are not limited to the following:

  • economist   
  • management accountant
  • actuary
  • bank examiner  
  • market research analyst
  • financial analyst  
  • marketing/sales manager
  • financial planner  
  • claims examiner  
  • investment manager
  • international trade specialist  
  • real estate investor
  • statistician
  • teacher
  • professor

For more information about careers, go to the following:

For more information about career opportunities, contact the UK Career Center