General Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Mathematics
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About the Department
Carmen Caprau, Department Chair
Peters Business Building, Room 381
559.278.2992
csm.fresnostate.edu/math/
Mathematics and related subjects play important dual roles in our culture. On the one hand, mathematics is a study in its own right; on the other hand, it is an indispensable tool for expressing and understanding ideas in the sciences, engineering, and an increasing number of other fields. As a consequence, employment opportunities for mathematicians have been expanding in recent years. The courses offered by the department are designed to develop skills in, and an appreciation and understanding of, both roles.
Because there are so many different areas in which a trained mathematician can find employment or continue studies, the department offers a large number of electives within the mathematics major. By selecting appropriate courses, students have considerable flexibility to accommodate their individual interests. Students should consult with a department adviser for specific recommendations as to which electives are suited to their career paths.
Electives in applied mathematics prepare students to assume positions in technical industries, government employment, or to continue advanced studies in the applied area.
Electives in pre-college teaching in mathematics provide students with the necessary background for obtaining a California Secondary Teaching Credential in mathematics. In order to complete the credential requirements, a fifth year of education courses, classroom observation, and practice teaching is needed. At the present time, there is an increasing demand for well-trained people in this area.
Electives in pure mathematics prepare students for the pursuit of graduate studies leading to advanced degrees and employment at the college or university level, or research in industry or for government agencies.
Electives in statistics and probability provide a foundation for students planning to work as statisticians for industry or government agencies. They also can enhance employment opportunities in the bioscience and health-related fields. Statistics courses (in addition to MATH 75 [or MATH 75A and MATH 75B ], MATH 76 , and MATH 77 ) are essential for the first two Actuarial Examinations offered by the Society of Actuaries.
Interesting Classes You Might Take
- Introduction to Advanced Mathematics
- Mathematical Software and Programming
- Discrete Structures
- Theory of Numbers
- Graph Theory
- Mathematical Modeling
- Linear Algebra and Abstract Algebra
- History of Mathematics
- Applied Complex Analysis
- Differential Geometry
- Mathematical Statistics
- Applied Probability
What You Can Learn
- The use of mathematics in the modern world. The language and problems of mathematics, including set theory, symbolic logic, types of proofs. Techniques of data analysis and mathematical modeling. How calculus can be used to solve problems in science and engineering. Developing skills in logical thinking and problem solving.
Careers Opportunities
A degree in mathematics can open the door to a huge range of amazing careers. After all, math is involved in just about every job in some way, and it’s particularly essential in the in-demand fields of science, technology, and engineering. Math majors tend to have well-developed skills in logical thinking and problem solving. They are experts at analyzing data and creating models to extract meaningful conclusions. They can identify patterns and use quantitative data to construct solutions. That’s why the kind of jobs you can get with a math degree are so diverse. You could pursue careers in areas like data science, insurance, banking, education, logistics, and more.
Math skills are clearly important in many careers, most notably the science, technology, and engineering professions. But such skills also feature prominently in some careers that may not seem like a natural end point for someone with a math degree. Video game developer and computer animator are just two examples of less-obvious jobs that actually use calculus, for instance.
What You Can Do
- Teach, pursue advanced degree, or work in finance-related fields, business, government, and industry; actuarial work.
- A major in mathematics is a springboard to a wide range of rewarding careers. Whether you focus on theoretical mathematics, applied math or statistics, the analytical and quantitative skills you develop in a math program are valuable assets that many employers need. Take a look at some of the types of organizations that hire math majors:
- Government agencies and academic research institutes
- Engineering firms
- Biomedical and health services companies
- Insurance agencies
- Real estate firms
- Medical device manufacturers
- Airlines and other transportation service providers
- Financial institutions
What You Can Earn
The list below is meant to inspire your career exploration, but don’t think you’re limited to these suggestions. Many jobs that don’t specifically mention math degrees are available to graduates with these skills, so don’t sell yourself short. You likely have more options than you realize. It should be noted that several careers in the mathematical sciences also require a master’s or doctoral degree.
- High school math teacher: median salary - $61,820
- Data scientist: median salary - $100,910
- Insurance underwriter: median salary - $76,390
- Purchasing agent: median salary - $75,410
- Market researcher: median salary - $63,920
- Cost estimator: median salary - $65,170
- Accountant: median salary - $77,250
- Operations research analyst - $82,360
- Financial advisor: median salary - $94,170
- Actuary: median salary - $105,900
- Mathematician and Statistician: median salary - $96,280
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics.
ProgramsBachelorMasterCredentialMinor
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