Mathematics

Have you always had a knack for calculations or simply enjoy crunching numbers? Perhaps a future in mathematics is your calling and majoring in Mathematics at York University will help you take the first crucial step in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to follow this path. Study of Mathematics will prepare you for a career centered in the mathematical and technological world where research, development and consulting are but a few of the possibilities at your disposal following graduation.

Career options in mathematics

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with Mathematics studies than others.

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Actuary
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Airplane Pilot
  • Architect
  • Artificial Intelligence Designer
  • Auditor
  • Automotive Designer
  • Biostatistician
  • Business Systems Analyst
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Code Designer
  • Computational Physicist
  • Computer Engineer
  • Computer Network Specialist
  • Computer Programmer
  • Construction Consultant
  • Economist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Financial Analyst
  • Flight Engineer
  • Hardware Designer
  • Industrial Designer
  • Industrial Mathematician
  • Information Technologist
  • Investment Banker
  • Logistics Specialist
  • Materials Researcher
  • Mathematician
  • Meteorological Technician
  • Network Administrator
  • Professor
  • Quality Controller
  • Researcher
  • Risk Management Analyst
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Safety Engineer
  • Satellite Technician
  • Security Systems Programmer
  • Statistical Programmer
  • Statistician
  • Tax Investigator
  • Teacher
  • Technical Sales Representative
  • Telecommunication Specialist
  • Video Game Developer
  • Web Page Designer

 

NOTE: Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education, or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description and overall background of some of the careers mentioned above, refer to Job Bank’s Trend Analysis tool by typing the job title into the search engine.  

 

Additionally, consider visiting the Career Cruising website. To locate the university’s username and password, you must login to Experience York using your Passport York information. It can be found under the “Career Education & Development” drop-down menu on the left then under “Career Development Tools”. 

Skills Developed through a mathematics Degree

Studies in Mathematics can develop many different professional abilities and can introduce you to a vast body of mathematical, technical and theoretical knowledge.

Core Mathematics Skills

  • An understanding of foundational and fundamental mathematical concepts, theory, and applications
  • The ability to understand and apply mathematical models to interpret and predict the outcome of real-world phenomena, such as propagation of waves, viruses and rumours, the potential fate of populations/species, et cetera
  • The skills to gather data and to formulate and test statistical hypotheses
  • The ability to carry out complex mathematical operations and comprehend complex technical material and its implications on everyday life and technology
  • The ability to see the world from a different, original perspective

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

  • An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
  • Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
  • The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
  • The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of an argument
  • The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas

Management and Teamwork

  • The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result
  • Logical thinking skills and the ability to interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
  • The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.