Mathematics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Mathematics is a foundational discipline dedicated to the study of patterns, structures, and relationships through rigorous logical reasoning and quantitative analysis. This program equips students with advanced problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of abstract and applied mathematical principles, preparing them for careers in research, technology, finance, education, and beyond.
- Algebra: Explores the properties and relationships of mathematical structures such as groups, rings, and fields, providing tools for solving equations and modeling complex systems.
- Analysis: Focuses on limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration, forming the theoretical backbone of calculus and advanced mathematical reasoning.
- Geometry and Topology: Investigates spatial properties, shapes, and the nature of space, from classical Euclidean forms to abstract manifolds and higher-dimensional structures.
- Number Theory: Studies the properties and relationships of integers, including prime numbers, divisibility, and Diophantine equations, with applications in cryptography and computer science.
- Applied Mathematics: Applies mathematical methods to real-world problems in physics, engineering, biology, economics, and data science through modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques.
- Probability and Statistics: Provides frameworks for analyzing uncertainty, interpreting data, and making informed decisions based on empirical evidence and stochastic processes.
Mathematics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Mathematics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Mathematics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians and Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 151,910 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Mathematicians 15-2021 | $121,680 | $63,430 - $187,660 | 2,220 | $58.50 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1022 | $79,350 | $48,150 - $161,020 | 48,820 | N/A |
Mathematics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $64,930 in Delaware to $159,580 in California—a 146% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 151,910 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Mathematics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering Mathematics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Mathematics is found at University of California (UCSD), San Diego (146 graduates), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (105 graduates), Yale University (17 graduates), Lesley University (14 graduates), and University of California (UCD), Davis (11 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 352 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
146 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
105 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Yale University |
Bachelor's
|
17 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Lesley University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
14 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | lesley.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 | Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| Barnard College |
Bachelor's
|
7 | New York, New York | Private | barnard.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Pitzer College (PZ) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Claremont, California | Private | pitzer.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Master's
|
4 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Master's
|
4 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Nicholls State University |
Master's
|
3 | Thibodaux, Louisiana | Public | nicholls.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Sonoma State University (SSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Rohnert Park, California | Public | sonoma.edu |
| Southern University and A & M College (SUBR) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | subr.edu |
| Seton Hill University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Reinhardt University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Waleska, Georgia | Private | reinhardt.edu |
| Anderson University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Anderson, Indiana | Private | anderson.edu |
| Buena Vista University (BVU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Storm Lake, Iowa | Private | bvu.edu |
| Grambling State University (GSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grambling, Louisiana | Public | gram.edu |
| Middlesex Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Bedford, Massachusetts | Public | middlesex.mass.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Mathematics programs
How much can I earn with a Mathematics degree?
Salaries for Mathematics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Mathematicians earn around $121,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $159,580 compared to $64,930 in Delaware. Approximately 151,910 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Mathematics programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer Mathematics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSD), San Diego (146 graduates), University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (105 graduates), and Yale University (17 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Mathematics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 249 in 2010 to a peak of 440 in 2020, before declining slightly to 352 in 2023-24. This represents a 41% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Mathematics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians, and Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 151,910 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Mathematics Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Mathematics field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
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Applied Mathematics
Any instructional program in applied mathematics not listed above.
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