It depends on your interests and career goals. Math can be a valuable and versatile major that can lead to professions such as finance, data analysis, or teaching, even if you are not pursuing a STEM career.
So let’s take a deeper look
Mathematics is a fascinating field that has many applications beyond the traditional STEM fields. If you are considering whether or not to major in math, it is important to consider your interests and career goals. Math can be a valuable and versatile major that can lead to professions such as finance, data analysis, or teaching, even if you are not pursuing a STEM career.
One of the benefits of majoring in math is that it can provide you with highly transferable skills that can be applied in a wide range of fields. According to a 2017 report by the Mathematical Association of America, “mathematics majors develop a unique set of abilities in analyzing, simplifying, and solving problems that can be applied across a variety of domains.” This means that if you choose to major in math, you will be developing skills that are in high demand by employers in a variety of industries.
Another interesting fact about math is that it is a constantly evolving field. As new mathematical concepts are discovered and developed, the field itself is transformed. The famous mathematician Henri Poincare once said, “Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things.” This quote speaks to the creativity and versatility of mathematics, and the importance of ongoing exploration and discovery within the field.
If you are interested in majoring in math but don’t feel confident in your abilities, it is worth noting that many resources are available to help you succeed. One such resource is the Association for Women in Mathematics, which provides mentoring, networking opportunities, and other resources to help women excel in math. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer tutoring services, study groups, and other resources to help students who are struggling with math coursework.
In conclusion, whether or not to major in math is a decision that should be based on your own interests and career goals. However, if you do choose to major in math, you will be developing highly transferable skills that are valued by employers in a variety of fields. As the field of mathematics continues to evolve and expand, there will no doubt be many exciting opportunities for those with a strong background in math.
| Pros of Majoring in Math | Cons of Majoring in Math |
|---|---|
| Highly transferable skills | Can be a challenging subject |
| Valued by employers in a variety of fields | May require additional support or tutoring |
| Can lead to a variety of careers beyond STEM fields | May not be a good fit for those who dislike problem-solving |
| Ongoing opportunities for exploration and discovery | Can be a high-pressure field with a lot of competition |
Sources:
- “What Can You Do with a Math Major?” by Sarah Anderson & Katrina Swett, Math Horizons (2017)
- “Henri Poincare Quotes” by Henri Poincare, BrainyQuote (n.d.)
- “Association for Women in Mathematics” (n.d.)
Response via video
In this video, a YouTuber discusses their struggles with math as a computer science major, but emphasizes the importance of persistence and hard work. Despite struggling with math throughout high school, they pursued pre-med courses with calculus in college and sought out resources to overcome the difficulty. After realizing medicine wasn’t for them, they hesitated to pursue computer science due to the required math but ultimately found the major challenging yet enjoyable. They encourage others not to give up on computer science due to the math, but to instead take advantage of resources and work hard to succeed.
I’m sure you will be interested
Is a math major a STEM major?
STEM degrees are college programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM degrees have seen increasing demand in jobs for the last decade.
Are non-STEM majors worth it?
Yes, a non-STEM degree is worth it. Many non-STEM degrees lead to careers that are just as lucrative and fulfilling as STEM careers.
What is the best non-STEM major?
In reply to that: While you can find high-salary earning potential with a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) major, you can also pursue non-STEM majors that lead to high-paying roles. Majors in the arts, humanities, social sciences and public administration fields are great high-paying options.
Is it smart to major in math?
Response: Careers in mathematics rank highly in the reports on top jobs, with statistician, mathematician and data scientist all in the top 10 consistently over the past several years. For all these reasons, a degree in math is a smart choice.
Should you focus on non-STEM majors?
Therefore, putting an emphasis on non-STEM majors is a great way to zero in on bachelor’s degrees that don’t require copious amounts of math but still allow you to make great money throughout your career. However, you may need to take a math placement test at the start of your degree.
Should I major in math?
As an answer to this: Knowing the history, most US public schools or universities will teach Math with a focus on Algebra and Calculus. Some students might go onto study Differential Equations, Linear Algebra and Statistics. Those who enjoy it enough might end up deciding to major in Math.
Which bachelor’s degrees don’t require math?
In reply to that: One of the best ways to pinpoint a bachelor’s degree or majors that don’t require math that also offer outstanding earning potential is by focusing on programs that don’t heavily revolve around science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are collectively referred to as STEM.
Why is math important for a STEM career?
As an answer to this: Math is the fourth field of study in STEM. Math is one of the most important skills for a STEM career because it’s used extensively in all four STEM fields. Students earn math degrees in disciplines such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Should you focus on non-STEM majors?
The response is: Therefore, putting an emphasis on non-STEM majors is a great way to zero in on bachelor’s degrees that don’t require copious amounts of math but still allow you to make great money throughout your career. However, you may need to take a math placement test at the start of your degree.
Why is math important for a STEM career?
The response is: Math is the fourth field of study in STEM. Math is one of the most important skills for a STEM career because it’s used extensively in all four STEM fields. Students earn math degrees in disciplines such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Is a STEM degree right for You?
As an answer to this: There are a number of factors for students to consider when deciding if a STEM degree is the right path, but Khubchandani says it helps to have a natural curiosity in a particular field. An interest in analytical writing and critical evaluation is also a strong indicator that a STEM field might be a good fit, he says.
Which bachelor’s degrees don’t require math?
The reply will be: One of the best ways to pinpoint a bachelor’s degree or majors that don’t require math that also offer outstanding earning potential is by focusing on programs that don’t heavily revolve around science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are collectively referred to as STEM.