What A Master of Science in Mathematics Degree Can Do For You by Chasie Dieter

If you’re wondering whether spending an additional year or two studying for a Master’s degree is worth it, the answer is an emphatic yes. A Master of Science in Mathematics degree can help you fulfill different career goals as such it would be best to invest time money effort into it. Please share this with any students you know so they can plan ahead.

Widen your Horizons

• With a degree in mathematics, employers realize your ability to apply logic, and think quantitatively. Jobs considered to be directly related to a math degree include aerospace engineer, meteorologist, research scientist (math), investment analyst, statistician, higher education lecturer, and secondary school teacher. A Master’s in math can also provide a way into financial accounting, insurance, banking, management services and consultancy, and information technology. Check some real data about engineering pay from the CNN Money site.

The World is Your Oyster

• The Observatory on Borderless Higher Education, is a body researching higher education programs worldwide. In its January 2013 newsletter it highlighted an increasing demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates worldwide. The shortage of such qualified people, has prompted discussions within the American government as to whether making US visas available to those immigrants holding Master’s or PhD’s in STEM subjects, may attract greater numbers of graduates to enter the country. The Observatory maintains STEM graduates entering the US will need to increase by some 20-30% by 2016 to meet demand. This figure is expected to continue increasing over the coming years.

Major Shortages in the UK

• The UK’s Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is also concerned about the shortfall of people with higher level postgraduate qualifications in the STEM subjects entering the job market. They estimate that by 2020, with the changing job market, and economy improving, almost 50% of vacancies will be for higher skilled positions. Many businesses are already highlighting the difficulty in finding people holding Master’s or PhD’s in appropriate STEM subjects.
• With this concern over too few highly qualified postgraduates, even the UK’s House of Lords has become involved. In a recent report they emphasized the ‘significant’ role STEM postgraduates play in research and development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership abilities. The report continued that the government needed to take the lead in ensuring that students were fully aware of the opportunities available to them by continuing postgraduate studies to a Master’s or PhD in the STEM subjects.

Opportunities for Master’s in Mathematics have never been better

• Over the last few years, career opportunities for those holding math related degrees have increased enormously. The employment rates for graduates in all employment areas is very high, and the few who are unemployed are often undertaking further part-time or full-time studies. Here is one place Chasie recommends for this type of degree.

Chasie Dieter

• Chasie is an English instructor who is known for her passion for teaching. In addition to a strong grasp of the English language, her grammatical expertise as well as creativity and writing prowess made her one the most sought after instructors in her home city.  Chasie’s goal is to bring you thought-provoking articles that elicit deep thinking and analysis. You can reach her by email at chasie.mediainteractive@gmail.com.

Dr. Doug’s Comments

• Although you might think that the target audience for this post would be students or adults with four-year degrees, I suggest that you share this information with students of any age. The way most schools work, if you don’t start taking advanced math in middle school, your chances of majoring in engineering, math, or physical science are not too good. Thanks Chasie for a fine guest post.

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