What good is a degree in mathematics?

The study of mathematics will develop your ability to reason logically and to approach problems in all areas of life with resourcefulness. For these and other reasons, a B.Sc. with a major or honours in math has been traditionally accepted as a foundation for many occupations, the most obvious of which is being a mathematician.

What does a mathematician do?

There are many different kinds of mathematicians. Statisticians and applied mathematicians are on the staff of most major companies. Statisticians are required to analyze data involved in product safety, production and marketing. Applied mathematicians are involved in solving a vast variety of technical problems that are mathematical in nature. Some companies also employ pure mathematicians to study the theoretical aspects of problems in their areas.
A person having a Ph.D. in mathematics often chooses an academic life where, besides teaching, he/she is free to work on the theory and problems of his/her chosen area of mathematics. Ask your mathematics professor about the research aspect of his/her life. Ask him/her why he/she enjoys it so much.

I also like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology.

These traditional sciences have a growing mathematical and statistical content. Your scientific efforts can be greatly enhanced by combining your major in one of these sciences with a strong minor in mathematics and statistics consisting of appropriately chosen courses. Combined honours programs have been used in the past by students to obtain a sound mathematical training before pursuing graduate studies in some other subject. Find out what is involved in Biometry, Biostatistics or Geostatistics (these are just examples).

I am interested in business and economics as well as math.

Three graduate degrees that are currently quite popular are in Agricultural Economics, Economics and Business Administration (M.B.A.) Undergraduate preparation for each of these areas could consist of a major (or honours) in mathematics or statistics with carefully chosen electives in economics. Most graduate schools in economics will requrie additional undergraduate courses in mathematics from students with insufficient mathematics background.

I would like to be a lawyer.

The skills in logical reasoning that are developed by a B.Sc. in mathematics are recognized by all law schools. The top graduates each year from major law schools generally contain students who had an honours degree in mathematics before entering law school.

I would like to study medicine.

If you plan on becoming involved in medical research, which involves techniques of statistical analysis and skills of deductive reasoning, it would be very useful to acquire a B.Sc. in mathematics or statistics before entering Medical School.

I want a job in Computers.

There is a great deal of mathematical content in most areas of work involving computers. Many students take combined degrees in mathematics/statistics and computers or a mathematics/statistics degree with a careful selection of computer courses as electives. This satisfies their love for mathematics as well as providing an entry into the burgeoning computer industry.

I would like to teach mathematics.

Those who wish to teach at a High School are well advised to obtain an honours degree in mathematics in addition to a B.Ed. Those who hope to teach at a Technical or Junior College should obtain at least a Master's degree.

Government agencies, business and industry are aware of the advantages of hiring persons who have a strong background in mathematics and statistics, usually along with training in some other area such as computing science, economics, geography, chemistry, physics, etc.