Mathematics is a subset of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and a math major focuses solely on mathematics, while a STEM major includes other subjects such as science, technology, and engineering.
More detailed answer to your question
Mathematics is a fundamental subject that is a part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). While both math and STEM are related, there are some key differences between a math major and a STEM major.
A math major focuses solely on the study of mathematics, including topics such as calculus, abstract algebra, and differential equations. On the other hand, a STEM major encompasses a wide range of subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and math.
According to the National Math + Science Initiative, “STEM tends to cover broader subjects, and students in a STEM program may take classes in multiple subjects that incorporate math, while mathematics usually concentrates on one subject area.”
While both math and STEM majors require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, there are some key differences in the career paths they can lead to. Math degrees may lead to careers in academia, actuarial science, finance, data analysis, or research, while STEM degrees may lead to careers in professions such as computer science, engineering, healthcare, or biotech.
Here is a comparison table showcasing some of the key differences between a math major and a STEM major:
| Math Major | STEM Major | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Mathematics | Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics |
| Career Paths | Actuarial Science, Research, Data Analysis, Finance | Computer Science, Engineering, Healthcare, Biotech, Renewable Energy, Data Science, Aviation, etc. |
| Courses | Calculus, Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, etc. | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Coding, Data Analysis, Data Structures, etc. |
| Skills Required | Strong Analytical, Logical, and Problem-solving skills | Analytical skills, Logical reasoning, Technical Skills, Creativity, Teamwork |
In conclusion, while math and STEM are closely related, there are some key differences between a math major and a STEM major. Both require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but a math major is focused solely on the study of mathematics, while STEM majors encompass a broader range of subjects and career paths.
As Rosalind Krauss, an American art critic once said, “Mathematics, it turns out, gives us a language to deal with reality that is beyond the everyday.”
Interesting Facts:
- The acronym STEM was first used in the United States in 2001 in a report from the National Science Foundation.
- There is currently a shortage of professionals in STEM fields in many countries around the world.
- The use of math in art, music, and other creative fields is called math art.
Response via video
“The Math Major” video discusses the differences between applied and pure math. Applied math is using math to solve problems outside of math, such as modeling oil spills, predicting stock market fluctuations, and creating wildfire forecasts. Pure math involves proofs, where students learn to prove mathematical concepts and equations like proving that the product of two odd integers is odd. Additionally, the video explains a proof involving the assumption that the square root of 2 can be represented as a ratio of two integers leading to a contradiction, showing that the square root of 2 is irrational. Learning these proofs is important for opening up opportunities in other pure math courses and careers such as abstract algebra.
Other options for answering your question
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) encompasses four different but related disciplines. Science majors focus on formal and natural sciences. Technology majors focus on mechanics and production. Engineering majors focus on the designing and building of structures. Math majors focus on principles and equations.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) encompasses four different but related disciplines. Science majors focus on formal and natural sciences. Technology majors focus on mechanics and production. Engineering majors focus on the designing and building of structures. Math majors focus on principles and equations.
Edit: after feedback from a few people who honestly spent more time than I in the math world I’m updating my answer. To be clear my experience comes from one undergraduate and one masters program. It is far from a sufficient sample size. My answer is simply my experience of why many people in my class who started with B.S. pure math changed to another program or major.
There are many factors but they all kinda fit a general theme that math majors are notoriously extremely difficult and has a very high standard. I did the most rigorous major that wasn’t in the special program at UCSB (college of creative studies).
1. Math is hard. I was very good at math going into college but once it switched to proof based math the difficulty ramped up dramatically. Usually a major has “weeder classes” and then the other upper divisions aren’t as horrible. That’s was not my experience in mathematics. The difficulty only kept going up as I went further. Each quarter the classes got smaller and smalle…