A UC Davis graduate with a mathematics or applied mathematics major can compete for a variety of private sector positions, particularly those which demand mathematical and computational skills, e.g., in computer industry, biotechnology, financial services, law, medicine, engineering, actuarial work, insurance, and communications. Also available is a variety of government jobs. There is great demand for mathematics teachers on all levels. In addition, our graduates are well-prepared for graduate studies, either in mathematics, applied mathematics, or in a related field.
MAST — Teaching Credential
Relative to K-12 teaching, the Mathematics and Science Teaching Program at UC Davis (MAST) provides information about multiple pathways to a teaching credential. Their academic advisers will show you how to explore your interest in teaching /and/ earn academic credit. They also provide information about scholarships and financial aid for prospective teachers. For questions, email them at MAST@ucdavis.edu
Professional Societies and Career Opportunities
- The American Mathematical Society, under their Career and Employment section, has excellent career resources such as:
- Learn about careers in statistics at the American Statistical Association(ASA) website. This site provides general examples of statistical careers and also describes several fields that a statistician may work in, such as law, forestry, education, medicine, and the social sciences.
- Read a wide variety of career profiles of actual people at the Mathematical Association of America(MAA) website. The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) maintains a listing of MAA Math Classifieds on their web page, sortable by area of interest, employer type and state.
- The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) also provides information about careers in applied math and computational sciences.
- Learn about actuary careers, there are several resources. The Society of Actuaries maintains a career web page for applicants, interns and recruiters interested in risk assessment. The actuarial profession also operates some web sites, such as Be An Actuary and Actuaries: Risk is Opportunity. The Department of Mathematics in at least one university (Austin) has an actuarial program, and the curriculum may be of interest.
- Feel free to check out a portion of our annual career event for the 22-23 academic year: Our Mathematics and Statistics Career Night (22-23)
Unconventional and Unique Job Opportunities
- Movements can be projected using linear algebra: rotation, sizing changes, and movement shifts. Geometry is also needed because of different shapes, curves, and lines that are modeled.
- Number Theory!
- Cryptography has adapted to focus on the use of different mathematical models in order to adequately protect information. Cryptographers use a mix of information theory, computational complexity, statistics, combinatorics, abstract algebra, number theory, etc.
- Calculus used to calculate speed, height, angles, etc. Factors such as mass, acceleration, stress also require the use of math and modeling in order to adequately and safely get the desired ride wanted.
- Use math to predict the future of the atmosphere (Numerical Weather Prediction), mathematical & statistical modeling from previous data also allows one to predict what the weather will be like in the future.
- Mathematicians are used to logic based arguments like proof writing and analytics which allows them to excel as lawyers
- Sports announcers use math to predict the outcome of later games, as well as to calculate a players statistics
- Need math to calculate force, acceleration, distance etc of a machine and to calculate the changes which need to be made to hit these targets
- Make use of linear algebra and matrix algebra, as well as 3D modeling to successfully create their game.
Typical Career Paths
- Database Administrator
- Utilize specialized software to store, organize, and implement data, need mathematical skills to help make the database more effective and useful to the company
- Financial Analyst
- Assess the performance of stocks, evaluate financial data, and study economic business trends, need the ability to use math and statistics to succeed in the career
- Market Research Analyst
- Monitor the market, forecast sales trends, and measure the effectiveness of marketing programs using advanced methods and math
- Actuary
- Assess risk vs financial costs to help businesses make decisions, needs basic understanding of math to compile statistical information, estimate probability, and test insurance policies
- Financial Advisor
- Understand the details of stocks, bonds, taxes, interest and many other mathematical issues involved in finances and meet with clients to advise on financial services
- Operations Research Analyst
- A career that uses problem-solving in math such as identifying problems, creating mathematical equations to solve them, and using the information to inform policy makers and business leaders
- Budget Analyst
- Work for businesses and organizations to prepare budgets, create financial reports, and plan spending
- Accountant
- Examine financial statements, compute tax information, and organize financial records, a degree in math is useful for this career
- Cost Estimator
- Estimate the costs of certain projects for companies and organizations, collect and analyze data with the goal of figuring the time, materials, and labor, as well as the total financial costs along with reducing total prices
- Insurance Underwriter
- Measure statistical probability and costs of coverage to offer coverage that is profitable and sustainable, works with lots of numbers and figures, requires an understanding of math