Is There Really a Shortage of Math Majors?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Apple_Mango
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the claim of a shortage of math majors in college and whether this assertion is substantiated. Participants explore various perspectives on the implications of promoting STEM education and the perceived necessity for more students to pursue mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of the claim regarding a math shortage, noting that it is often mentioned without sufficient evidence.
  • Others suggest that endorsements of STEM by public figures, such as Melania Trump, imply a recognition of a math shortage, although this is challenged as being based on a singular event.
  • There is mention of the requirement for math in American schools, leading to speculation about whether initiatives to promote math are a response to a shortage.
  • One participant provides data indicating a higher unemployment rate for math majors compared to other fields, suggesting potential issues in the job market for math graduates.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliance on anecdotal evidence and the need for more concrete data to support claims about math shortages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a math shortage, with some questioning the evidence supporting the claim and others suggesting that the promotion of STEM indicates a need for more math graduates. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on anecdotal evidence and the need for more comprehensive data to draw conclusions about the job market for math majors. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the implications of STEM promotion.

Apple_Mango
Is there really a math shortage because not enough people are studying math in college? I always hear this claim being thrown around though I'm not sure if it's true.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Apple_Mango said:
Is there really a math shortage because not enough people are studying math in college? I always here this claim being thrown around though I'm not sure if it's true.
... is not a valid citation here on PF.
 
Apple_Mango said:
I always see articles trying to push more STEM.
Again, things like "I always see articles" is not a valid citation.

For instance, Trump's wife went to schools and endorse STEM. I figure that this means there is a math shortage of some sort or other wise they wouldn't push for STEM.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/15/polit...-trump-andrews-air-force-base-stem/index.html
OK, an example. Good, but you seem to be basing a conclusion on some random event by a political wife. Not particularly meaningful.
 
phinds said:
Again, things like "I always see articles" is not a valid citation.

OK, an example. Good, but you seem to be basing a conclusion on some random event by a political wife. Not particularly meaningful.
Math is required for all students in schools for America. I was wondering is this attempt is only done simply to get people into math because there is a math shortage.

I have also some other articles from famous companies like Microsoft going to elementary schools inspiring students to get into STEM.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Some real data is in order (as demanded by forum rules):
https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market/college-labor-market_compare-majors.html

The unemployment rate for math majors in January was 5.9%, which is much worse than the overall unemployment rate for college grads of 2.5% (though that includes graduate degrees...and still seems impossibly low). The national rate overall was 4.5% (which is quite good). A few others:
Mechanical Engineering: 3.2%
Physics: 3.7%
Chemistry: 4.5%
English: 6%
Political Science: 5.7%
Apple_Mango said:
Math is required for all students in schools for America. I was wondering is this attempt is only done simply to get people into math because there is a math shortage.
We recently had a long thread about that (required math in school). Similar arguments to what you are angling toward can be made about any subject that students don't want to learn.
 

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