Study Mathematics in United States
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Mathematics in The US
A degree in mathematics from universities in the United States will highly benefit your career aspirations, regardless of whether you wish to enter the US job market or plan on finding employment elsewhere. Higher education in the United States has a long history of teaching mathematics and producing renowned mathematicians, making US universities the very best for the study of mathematics. A maths education carries countless advantages, and the skills you learn at university can be applied in your professional life as well as your everyday life.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying mathematics in the United States:
Reasons to Study Mathematics in The US
Excellent Mathematics Faculties
Mathematics is an important field of study, not only because the world needs it but also because it helps individuals become creative and critical thinkers and problem solvers. Higher education institutions in the US understand just how beneficial mathematics is and just how equally important it is to create highly qualified professionals and engineers. Mathematics is rather popular in the United States, which means students can choose from a wide range of schools and specializations while receiving quality and world-class education from renowned professors. It is no wonder that US graduates are among the most valued in the job market, specifically considering United States universities rank among the top in worldwide ranking lists for the study of mathematics.
Highly-Valued Skills and Qualifications
The US is a highly developed country, which means it has the right resources to advance the higher education system, which is what attracts millions of international students. As a mathematics major at US universities, you will obtain particularly useful skills when it comes to the application of mathematics in your professional life as well as skills related to career success, such as creative and analytical thinking skills, to name just a few. The great thing about gaining skills in mathematics is that you will use these skills outside of your professional life as well. Whether you are navigating percentages and mortgage rates or simply using your computer, mathematics will more often than not help you understand the world better.
US Mathematics Graduates Lead Lucrative Careers
Pursuing a career in mathematics in the United States is not easy, but it isn’t impossible either. Employers are constantly looking for ambitious minds who have gained the perfect set of skills during their studies and practical experience. But they are also looking for people who are team players, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Needless to say, a degree in mathematics will lead you towards intriguing careers in a wide variety of industries, such as engineering, finance, banking, education, research companies, and even the government. All these industries will pay a reasonable amount in exchange for your mathematical skills. The median annual pay according to 2020 estimates for mathematicians and statisticians in the US is approximately $93,290, which means math degrees are personally, professionally, and financially rewarding in the US.
Requirements
Students are required to fulfill university-specific requirements when applying for a degree program in mathematics. For example, you will need to provide your previous education academic transcripts (including a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs), SAT/ACT scores (depending on the university, sometimes these scores are optional), GRE scores for master’s programs, and other documents like a statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, work experience, etc. Moreover, international students whose native language is not English must prove English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Application Process
Most students in the US submit their university applications online, specifically through the Common Application. The Common App is designed to facilitate the process of applying to an undergraduate degree program in the US. There are also other similar application platforms in the US and other ways to submit your application, such as directly through the university of your choice. You will be asked to submit all the required documents (as mentioned in the Requirements section above), as well as pay an application fee (for each university you apply to). The application fee is around $50, but it depends on the university because some universities have higher/lower application fees.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Mathematics in United States?
The duration of an undergraduate degree in mathematics is typically four years in the United States. On the other hand, a master’s degree in mathematics in the US takes around two years to complete. Students attending graduate school will need to decide whether they want to study theoretical or applied mathematics. The former usually prepares students for a doctoral degree in theoretical mathematics, while the latter is typically concerned with practical applications of mathematics. PhD mathematics programs typically take from three to five years to complete.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Mathematics in United States?
There are so many good higher education institutions in the United States, meaning students have the opportunity to choose the one that best suits their preferences (either related to the study program, location, scholarship opportunities, and tuition fees). The average cost of tuition and fees for mathematics programs in the US is around $7,500 for in-state students and approximately $26,600 for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs in mathematics in the US is around $20,978 per year. Keep in mind that tuition and fees change from one university to another, and Ivy League universities usually have higher tuition and fees.
Mathematics Career Prospects in United States
Career prospects for US mathematics graduates are pretty good in the national and international job market. United States qualifications are highly valued for their quality, and career opportunities that come with a mathematics education are quite in demand in today’s job market. You can choose numerous career pathways with a mathematics degree, including teaching roles, research, data science, engineering, etc. If you wish to teach mathematics at a collegiate level, you will need further education in addition to your undergraduate degree (you might be required to have a master’s degree or PhD if you want to pursue a career teaching at the university level).
On a general note, mathematics majors can use their skills across a wide range of careers and industries. Salary prospects for mathematics majors are broadly satisfactory in the United States. According to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for mathematicians and statisticians in the US is $93,290, while high school mathematics teachers earn a median salary of $62,870 per year. The job market for mathematics in the US is rather adequate. In fact, overall employment for mathematics and statisticians is expected to grow 30% by 2029.
