Best Mathematics And Science Colleges in the U.S.

Questions About Mathematics And Science Degrees

What are the different degrees I can get in mathematics and science?

For careers in math or science, students often need to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher. Taking the math path? You can choose from bachelor’s programs in general mathematics, applied mathematics, actuarial mathematics, mathematics education, and statistics. If you’re passionate about science, you can study areas like biological sciences, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, environmental science, nanoscience, health science, forensic science, geology, astronomy, and physiology.

Math and science students often choose to study at the graduate level. Regardless of the program, graduate programs require at least 30 credits of coursework. As a math major you can pursue degrees in applied mathematics, quantitative finance, accounting, actuarial science, applied mathematics and statistics, and scientific computation. Science degree options are more varied. For instance, you can further your education in the general areas of physics, chemistry, or biology. Or, you can study a specialty area like bioinformatics, marine biology, ecology, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, applied physics, atmospheric science, biomedical science, neuroscience, or genetics. When it comes to the math and sciences, if it fascinates you, you can usually find a way to study it!

What are some of the skills and experiences I will gain through mathematics and science?

Study math and you’ll become a skilled problem solver who has excellent attention to detail. In class, math students learn to solve complex real-world problems by building mathematical models—problems like, what’s the amount of financial risk involved with investing in a particular company? You’ll analyze and seek solutions to realistic problems using software programs like Maple or SPSS. In addition to core mathematics coursework, you’ll take one or more humanities and social sciences electives. Programs require students to take electives so they can better understand how math, science, and culture shape one another.

Science students can expect to take some combination of biology, chemistry, and physics courses during their first couple of years in college. If you choose to study science, you’ll also need to develop math skills so you can analyze scientific data. Therefore, you might be required to take classes like statistics or calculus. You can definitely expect to spend time in your school’s laboratories. In lab students learn to run experiments, use equipment like microscopes and incubators, and write lab reports. Through these activities you’ll also become a skilled observer, data collector, team player, and project manager. Companies that hire math and science grads look for these skills.

What are mathematics and science programs seeking in their applicants?

College admissions committees will review your academic transcript. It’s really important that you earn a B or higher in most or all math and science classes. You should also take math and science courses during all four years of high school (and win the fight against senioritis!). Applying to graduate school? Admissions committees look to see that applicants have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in a related undergraduate program.

Academic achievement isn’t the only thing the admissions office is going to look for in your college application. They will also check to see if you participated in math or science-related extracurricular activities. You might want to take a leadership position in math club, host a fundraiser for cancer research, or enter your DIY solar panel in the science fair while you still can. Anything goes! Not only do extracurricular activities make you a well-rounded applicant, they make you unique and memorable.

Should I study mathematics and science online or on a campus?

It depends how comfortable you would be solving complex problems independently and communicating with teachers mostly online. Online programs are great for students who learn best through reading, self-reflection, and written dialogue. However, if you like to learn by watching others and asking questions, you might be better suited for on-campus study. Enroll on campus and you’ll also have access to laboratories, advanced software programs, and hands-on research activities.

What are the cutting-edge careers in this industry?

Math majors can land lucrative careers as actuaries, which CareerCast ranked number one on their list of “Best Jobs in 2015.” Several jobs mentioned in O*Net Online’s list of new and emerging jobs require skills in mathematics. Some of these jobs include risk management specialist, biostatistician, environmental economist, and quality control analyst. If you have a chemistry or biology background, you can apply your knowledge in a forensic science career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forensic science technician is one of the fastest growing jobs. Further, the U.S. News and World Report predicts that the demand for scientific researchers is likely to boom in 2020. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook data and emerging technology, they expect that scientists will have more opportunities to conduct new research in fields like nanotechnology and biotechnology. As long as there are new discoveries to be made, there will continue to be a demand for math and science experts.

How do you work your way to the top in the mathematics and science industry?

What’s the formula for jumpstarting your math and science career? Academic success plus out-of-classroom experience! Master important formulas, theories, methods, and terms taught in your courses. Then, seek out opportunities to apply your knowledge in real world situations. Become a research assistant and you can collect samples or analyze data sets for faculty-led experiments. Or, conduct your very own original experiment by taking an independent study course. Really motivated students present their results at conferences like the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. And don’t forget to join clubs and organizations—just like admissions committees, employers love applicants who participate in relevant activities. Microbiology society and accounting club are just some of the specialized groups you might find on campus.

Are there scholarships or grants available to people looking to study mathematics and science?

Yes! Just search “STEM scholarships” online. You’ll immediately find lots of funding opportunities for math and science students. If you’re a woman pursuing a STEM degree, you’ll find many scholarships and grants intended to help you finance your education. For example, apply for Zenefits’ Advancing Women in STEM Scholarship and you could be awarded $6,000 for tuition and school supplies. Many scientific professional organizations offer scholarships and grants. For instance, the American Chemical Society awards $5,000 to a minority student pursuing a chemistry career each year. Even loan companies award money to students. Great Lakes gives out over 800 scholarships annually to students enrolled in STEM programs. Individual colleges and college networks offer unique opportunities to their future students as well. For example, if you live in New York and graduate in the top 10 percent of your class, you may receive full tuition coverage when you attend a State University of New York school. With so many scholarships and grants to consider, you’ll have to pick and choose. Focus on applying for only those in which you meet or exceed the eligibility requirements and directly relate to your interests and experiences.