Black Intelligentsia Libraries
The New Way Of Thinking
Mathematician
Do you love math to the point where you just can't get enough of it? Do you love puzzles and the mental challenges of strategy games? Ever been accused of over-analyzing and over-thinking problems and situations and of being overly-inquisitive? Often? If so, then you're not a "weirdo." You are gifted in Math and Science and should pursue the career that celebrates these quirky, innate talents: Mathematician.
Mathematicians are Scientists who use advanced mathematics to develop and understand mathematical principles, analyze data, and solve real-world problems, conducting research in fundamental mathematics and in the application of techniques thereof. They use mathematical theory, computational techniques, algorithms, and the latest computer technology to solve economic, scientific, engineering, information, security, logic, and business problems.
The duties of a Mathematician include but are not limited to: expanding knowledge in mathematical areas (algebra, geometry, etc.) by developing new rules, theories, and concepts; using mathematical formulas and models to prove or disprove theories; applying mathematical theories and techniques to solve practical problems in business, engineering, the sciences, and other fields; developing mathematical or statistical models to analyze data; interpreting data and reporting conclusions from their analyses; using data analysis to support and improve business decisions; reading and analyzing professional journals, talking with other mathematicians, and attending professional conferences to maintain knowledge of current trends; conducting mathematical research; and teaching at universities.
High school students interested in becoming a Mathematician benefit from taking Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Trigonometry, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Economics, and Computer Applications. Students who are interested in becoming Mathematicians should take as many (preferably ALL relevant) math courses as possible in high school. Students entering Mathematics Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous mathematical research training should expect a period of 4 years to complete said program. In private industry, Mathematicians need a two-year master's degree. Many who earn a four-year Ph.D. (particularly in theoretical mathematics) work as Professors and/or Administrators at universities, with teaching and research responsibilities, conducting individual research or collaborating with other Professors and Mathematicians from the same institution or from different locations.
The two types of Mathematicians are: Theoretical Mathematicians (conduct research to identify and resolve unexplained issues in mathematics, exploring new areas and relationships of mathematical theories to increase knowledge and understanding about the field, much of which have been important parts of many scientific and engineering achievements); and Applied Mathematicians (use theories and techniques—mathematical modeling, etc.—to solve practical problems, typically working with individuals in other occupations to solve problems).
Due to increases in digitally-stored data (people and companies conducting business online), businesses' need to analyze large amounts of information and collected data, and information security analysts' use of data-security systems to protect the confidentiality and personal information of individuals, employment of Mathematicians is projected to grow 23 percent over the next decade. A double major in mathematics and a related discipline, very strong quantitative and data-analysis skills, and a graduate degree in math are particularly desirable to many employers and should grant the best job prospects.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $101,360
Salary Range: ~$56,040 - $152,950+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming a Mathematician have been to major in Mathematics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Mathematics, Applied Physics, Engineering, Engineering Physics, Statistical Science, Statistics, Applied Statistics, Actuarial Science, Physics and Astronomy, or Computer Science.
Required courses include: Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Physics, and Statistics. Some Mathematicians become middle school or high school Math Teachers. In finance, Mathematicians are referred to as Quantitative Analysts, Financial Analysts, Economists, Actuaries, or Statisticians. Those working in computer systems design and related industries are known as Computer Programmers or Systems Analysts. Physicists, Astronomers, Engineers, etc. also use mathematics extensively.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges and universities that have Mathematics and related majors are: Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, Alabama); Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama); Miles College (Fairfield, Alabama); Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama); Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, Alabama); Talladega College (Talladega, Alabama); Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama); Philander Smith College (Little Rock, Arkansas); University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Arkansas); Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware); Howard University (Washington, DC); Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach, Florida); University of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC); Edward Waters College (Jacksonville, Florida); Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida); Florida Memorial University (Miami Gardens, Florida); Albany State University (Albany, Georgia); Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, Georgia); Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia); Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia); Paine College (Augusta, Georgia); Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia); Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia); Kentucky State University (Frankfort, Kentucky); Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana); Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland); Xavier University (New Orleans, Louisiana); Dillard University (New Orleans, Louisiana); Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, Louisiana); Bowie State University (Bowie, Maryland); Coppin State University (Baltimore, Maryland); University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne, Maryland); Alcorn State University (Lorman, Mississippi); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Mississippi); Tougaloo College (Jackson, Mississippi); Rust College (Holly Springs, Mississippi); Harris-Stowe State University (St. Louis, Missouri); Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Missouri); Bennett College (Greensboro, North Carolina); Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, North Carolina); Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina); Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina); Livingstone College (Salisbury, North Carolina); North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); North Carolina Central University (Durham, North Carolina); Shaw University (Raleigh, North Carolina); Winston Salem State University (Winston Salem, North Carolina); Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas); Texas College (Tyler, Texas); Lincoln University (Lincoln University, Pennsylvania); Cheyney University (Cheyney, Pennsylvania); Allen University (Columbia, South Carolina); Langston University (Langston, Oklahoma); Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina); Claflin University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Morris College (Sumter, South Carolina); South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee); Lane College (Jackson, Tennessee); Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio); Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, Ohio); LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis, Tennessee); Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee); Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas); Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas); Wiley College (Marshall, Texas); Saint Augustine's University (Raleigh, North Carolina); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia); Virginia State University (Petersburg, Virginia); Virginia Union University (Richmond, Virginia); Voorhees College (Denmark, South Carolina); Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins, Texas); and West Virginia State University (Charleston, West Virginia).
Available Scholarships
