What can I do with a major in Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of structure and pattern. Applied mathematicians develop models of structures in the real world, and in this way mathematics provides a language for many other physical and social sciences. In pure mathematics, the structures are more abstract, and the emphasis is on proof of ideas. Mathematics students will study both pure and applied mathematics, offering the opportunity to see real-world applications of theoretical studies. In all areas of mathematics, research is very active, with a rapid expansion over the last few decades.
The mathematics degree program offers courses in algebra, analysis, geometry, and statistics. Often students will combine mathematics with courses in physics, computer science, chemistry, economics, management, or other areas of interest. The department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a major in Mathematics for the Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree program.
Students interested in Mathematics can complete:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts and Science
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Management
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Aptitude for Accuracy of Details
- Communicate Ideas Clearly
- Computer Knowledge
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Enjoy Applying Mathematical Techniques
- Enjoy Synthesizing Data
- Extensive Knowledge of the Scientific Method
- Formulate Scientific Problems
- Formulating & Modeling
- Learn New Information & Apply it to Professional Demands
- Logical Thinking
- Numerical Computation
- Organize & Interpret Scientific Data
- Problem Solving
- Technical
- Understand & Express Complex Technical Information
- Work Independently
- Written & Oral Communication
Work Environment
A mathematics education provides a solid training that is sought after by employers and allows flexibility in your career choices. Graduates of this program may work in industries/organizations such as aeronautics, aerospace, agriculture, banking, Canadian armed forces, research/academic institutions, public and private schools, fisheries, financial and insurance companies, federal & provincial government organizations, real estate and leasing companies, pharmaceutical companies or research laboratories. Graduates may also pursue work in the fields of manufacturing, medicine, psychology, health care, social assistance, public administration, communications or biology and life sciences.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Research
- Development
- Design
- Data Collection and Processing
- Testing
- Operations
- Quality Control
- Statistical Processing Control
- Environmental Analysis
- Consulting
- Administration
- Information Analysis
- Education
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Costing Analyst
- Entry Level Actuary Analyst
- Investment Services Administrator
- Junior Economist
- Research Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Retirement Actuary
- Students Trainee (Mathematics/Statistics) Internship
- Technical Architect
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Actuarial Consultant
- Actuarial Economic Capital Contractor
- Applied Mathematician
- Assistant Professor (Mathematics, Actuarial Sciences, Applied Mathematics)
- Associate Actuary
- Astronomer
- Biomathematician
- Biostatisticians
- Computer Scientist
- Consulting Actuary
- Economist
- Field Actuary
- Financial Mathematician
- Health & Benefits Actuarial Consultant
- Insurance Actuary
- Investigations and Resolutions Statistician
- Investment Banker
- Life Actuary
- Longevity Risk Modeling Statistician
- Mathematical Consultant
- Mathematician
- Meteorologist
- Operations Research Analyst
- Pension Actuary
- Personal Lines Actuary
- Pricing & Product Development Actuary
- Research Assistant
- Research Scientist
- Reserve Actuary
- Risk Manager
- Sales Manager
- Senior Actuarial Analyst
- Software Developer
- Statistical Associate
- Statistician
- Systems Analyst
- Teacher
- Theoretical Mathematician
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Account Executive Insurance
- Accountant
- Aerospace Engineer
- Agricultural Commodity Inspector
- Agriculture Engineer
- Agrologist
- Air Traffic Controller
- Aircraft Structural Technician
- Alternative Energy Technologist
- Architect
- Asset Management Specialist
- Audiologist
- Audiometric Technician
- Audit Services
- Automated System Technologist
- Avionics Technician
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineering Technologist
- Biotechnology
- Border Service Officer
- Business Insight & Analytics Manager
- Computer Scientist
- Cryptologist
- Data Miner
- Demographer
- Director Canadian Retirement & Saving Programs
- Director of Finance
- Ecologist
- Engineer
- Environmental Economist
- Epidemiologist
- Exploration Geophysicist
- Financial Analyst
- Geologist
- Human Resources & Compensation Consulting
- Investment Banker
- Investment Manager
- IT Service Management Process Specialist
- Market Research Analyst
- Pension Analyst
- Physicist
- Pricing Officer/Manager Programming Analyst
- Quantitative Associate Director
- Securities Data Analyst
- Senior Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
- Software Developer
- System Analyst
- Tax Manager
- Technical & Vocational Instructor
Useful Resources
- Association for Women in Mathematics https://awm-math.org/
- Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society CAIMS – The Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society
- Canadian Institute of Actuaries http://www.cia-ica.ca/
- Canadian Mathematical Society http://cms.math.ca/
- Canadian Operation Research Society http://www.cors.ca/
- Mathematical Association of America http://www.maa.org/careers/
- Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association http://www.mathteachers.ab.ca/
- Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex System https://www.mitacs.ca/en/newsroom/media-kit/about-mitacs
- Society of Actuaries http://www.soa.org/
- Statistical Society of Canada http://www.ssc.ca
- The Canadian Society of History and Philosophy of Mathematics http://www.cshpm.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.