Math Degree Jobs & Grad School: What's Possible?

  • Context: Math 
  • Thread starter Thread starter PhysicsHigh
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the career prospects for individuals with a bachelor's degree in mathematics, the potential pathways to graduate school, and the feasibility of transitioning into fields such as physics or mathematical biology. Participants explore various job opportunities and the implications of their academic choices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the types of jobs available with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and the potential for pursuing a PhD in related fields such as physics or cosmology.
  • One participant suggests that universities generally accept applicants who majored in mathematics or a related field for graduate programs, highlighting applied mathematics as a beneficial major due to its flexibility.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the need to "catch up" in graduate school if they choose a mathematics major while intending to pursue physics.
  • Questions are raised about the career prospects in mathematical biology and whether an undergraduate degree is sufficient for later pursuing a PhD in that area.
  • A participant mentions their own background in pure mathematics and their limited exposure to applied mathematics, prompting them to consider job options that align with their academic experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best academic paths and job opportunities, indicating that multiple competing views remain regarding the transition from mathematics to other fields and the adequacy of a pure math background for certain careers.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect uncertainty about the specific job roles available to math graduates and the requirements for graduate programs in related fields, as well as the implications of having a pure versus applied mathematics background.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a mathematics degree, those interested in graduate school options in physics or mathematical biology, and students evaluating their career prospects in relation to their academic focus.

PhysicsHigh
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What are the different jobs these degrees can get with just a bachelors. Where can they lead and what kind of PHD's can you go for? Can you major in math and go to grad school for physics or cosmology?
 
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PhysicsHigh said:
What are the different jobs these degrees can get with just a bachelors. Where can they lead and what kind of PHD's can you go for? Can you major in math and go to grad school for physics or cosmology?

Yes. Most universities tend to accept applications from applicants that majored in the field or a related one. Applied math sounds like a good degree in my opinion. You get a taste of the pure side of math, but then get the chance to take electives that may lean more towards physics or engineering. I know someone majoring in applied math right now, and he's taking physics courses as his electives so he can keep his options open for graduate school(either math or physics or mathematical physics :-p).

But honestly, if you were already considering physics for graduate school, then you might as well get your B.S. in it. I would hate to get to graduate school and have to "catch up" to all the other students.
 
Thanks, um also what is a career in mathamatical biology like? Can you start with an undergraduate degree and get a phd in it later? Again what are some jobs for the 2 majors
 
PhysicsHigh said:
Thanks, um also what is a career in mathamatical biology like? Can you start with an undergraduate degree and get a phd in it later? Again what are some jobs for the 2 majors

Er.. let's not worry about this sorry. Just what I said first. Thanks
 
I'm also interested in this. I'm a math major (pure math) and I haven't taken many courses that use applied math, like physics or economics. So I'm also trying to think about what jobs there are that use math, and whether those options are reasonable for me, given my lack of courses other than pure math courses and courses like English literature, history, and Chinese language
 

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