What's the value of a Bachelor's in Math?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the value of a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, particularly comparing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and the implications for job opportunities and further education. Participants explore the relevance of programming skills and the potential impact of pursuing a Master's degree on career prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about job prospects with a B.A. in Math and questions the necessity of a Master's degree for better opportunities.
  • Another participant suggests that a B.A. and B.S. are not significantly different in terms of job prospects, especially for those considering graduate studies later.
  • A participant notes that a Master's degree can enable teaching at the post-secondary level and may open up more job opportunities.
  • There is a suggestion that a B.A. is often associated with teaching roles, while a B.S. is viewed as more research-oriented.
  • Some participants inquire about the importance of programming skills in the job market for math graduates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relative value of a B.A. versus a B.S. in Mathematics, nor on the necessity of a Master's degree for better job prospects. Multiple viewpoints regarding the importance of programming skills and career paths remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the job market and educational requirements, with some emphasizing the importance of graduate education while others focus on immediate employment opportunities. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on the relevance of programming experience.

muzihc
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I'm going to graduate from an average state school in 2011 with a math degree. I AM planning to graduate with honors.

What jobs will I find?

How much of a difference does a Master's make? Two more years isn't a big deal, but I've had my fill of academia, so I'd rather go straight to the job market--unless a Master's really helps.

Edit:

Also--and it pains me to say this--I will be graduating with a B.A. instead of a B.S. For a B.S., I only need ONE additional math course, but the thing is I have to select my minor from the hard sciences, and I've already completed my minor (psychology). If a B.S. is a really big deal, I'd be willing to jam in the extra 6 or so courses that I'd need, though. I'd probably choose economics or biology.
 
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Do you have any experience or interest in programming?
 
lisab said:
Do you have any experience or interest in programming?

I'm a little interested, my only experience is a course in C programming.

How much programming would I need to know?
 
To my knowledge, although I have little personal experience, there isn't too much of a difference between a B.A. and B.S. nowadays, particularly if your interested in getting a Masters or Doctorate later.

The most traditional thing to do with a Math Major is become a Math teacher at the high/middle school level.
 
A master's will allow you to teach at the post-secondary level, either teaching AP classes in a high school or lower division classes at a college or university.
So yes, it does open up a significant number of jobs.

A B.A. is typical for people who want to teach and have a minor (well-rounded), while B.S. is more geared towards preparation for graduate school and research. However this will not have as much effect in admission to grad school as the GRE or your gpa will.

All the math majors I know plan to go to graduate/medical/veterinary/dental school or teach at the high school level.
 

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