Mathematics Why Major in Mathematics? The Mathematical Association of America gives three reasons: 1. By majoring in Mathematics, you demonstrate to employers that you are not afraid of intellectual challenges. 2. By majoring in Mathematics, you earn the respect of employers who will appreciate your thinking skills. 3. By majoring in Mathematics, you experience solid analytical training that empowers you to learn what you need on the job. In a recent survey, employers have identified four main reasons why they would hire Mathematics majors rather than majors in another field. They said that Mathematics majors: • • • •
reason quantitatively, draw conclusions from data, apply problem solving strategies, and think analytically and logically.
“The highest form of pure thought is in mathematics.” – Plato
Research Opportunities Selected topics explored in research projects and honors theses by undergraduate Mathematics majors while at Saint Peter’s included the following: •
Applying game theory to contemporary geopolitical contexts;
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Studying optimal Rubik’s cube algorithms for robot solvers;
Students who major in Mathematics develop an advanced level of mathematical maturity, as well as enhanced logical thinking and problem-solving skills, all of which are useful in any profession. In particular, these degree programs empower majors to study at the graduate level, work at an industry job that requires higher mathematics, and/or teach mathematics at the elementary, middle, or secondary school levels.
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Investigating number theory to generalize properties of prime numbers and the Fibonacci sequence;
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Analyzing baseball statistics with sabermetrics;
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Investigating structure in randomness by coloring positive integers relative to linear equations;
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Exploring discrete dynamical systems through cycle partitions in generalized Bulgarian solitaire;
Career Opportunities
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Implementing a mathematical model to study the influence of neuromodulatory input on the gastric mill rhythm of the crab, Cancer borealis.
Program Objectives
Students who graduate with a degree in Mathematics can hold positions such as: Actuary • Airport Planning Specialist • Archaeologist • Astronaut • Astronomer • Attorney • Author • Banker • Bio-statistician • Census Researcher • Communication Products Developer • Computer Programmer • Computer Troubleshooter • Cryptographer • Data Processor • Economist • Environmental Psychologist • FBI Special Agent • Financial Analyst • Immunologist • Industrial Engineer • Investment Counselor • Lawyer • Map Maker • Market Researcher • Media Products Developer • Medical Doctor • Medical Equipment Developer • Meteorologist • Musician • Nuclear Engineer • Nutritionist • Operations Research Manager • Ophthalmologist • Pension Manager • Pharmaceutical Researcher • Plant Manager • Quality Controller • Risk Analyst • Sculptor • Social Security Administration Counselor • Software Developer • Statistician • Structural Engineer • Teacher • Television Producer • Textbook Editor • Weapons System Mathematician
For course descriptions and additional information visit
www.saintpeters.edu/academics 11/21
Career Resources A wealth of career information is contained in the following three publications that are available from the online MAA bookstore (www.maa.org): 101 Careers in Mathematics She Does Math We Do Math! Careers in the Mathematical Sciences Other career resources can be found through the following websites: www.maa.org www.siam.org www.ams.org www.nctm.org www.awm-math.org www.beanactuary.org www.nam-math.org www.lathisms.org www.amstat.org www.lathisms.org https://amte.net www.mathematicallygiftedandblack.com