Because mathematics is the language of scientists and engineers, and because the study of mathematics sharpens your analytical skills, a degree in mathematics is good preparation for many different careers. An actuary uses probability and statistics to estimate risks and to determine premiums for insurance policies. Most actuaries work for insurance companies. More and more mathematicians are entering the world of business and finance.

For many years mathematicians have solved problems arising in science and engineering. Companies that hire scientists and engineers also hire applied mathematicians. Operations research deals with problems related to efficient allocation of resources, such as where to locate warehouses in order to minimize delivery time to stores, or how to schedule airline flights in order to maximize profit. With the ever-increasing amount of data available to us today, the field of statistics is playing a more and more vital role.

Pharmaceutical companies use statistics to determine the effectiveness of new drugs; manufacturing companies use statistics in their quality control process; pollsters use statistics to gauge public opinion; and the Bureau of the Census uses statistics to gather and interpret information about the population. Many math majors have found rewarding careers in teaching, particularly at the high school level.