Mathematics and Statistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Programs in Mathematics and Statistics encompass a broad range of theoretical and applied disciplines focused on the analysis, modeling, and interpretation of quantitative data. This field equips learners with advanced analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and computational skills essential for navigating complex real-world challenges across science, business, engineering, and public policy.
- Advanced Calculus: Explores the principles of differentiation, integration, and infinite series in higher dimensions, forming the foundation for modeling continuous change in physical and economic systems.
- Linear Algebra: Investigates vector spaces, matrices, and linear transformations, providing critical tools for data representation, machine learning algorithms, and structural modeling in engineering and computer science.
- Probability Theory: Studies the mathematical foundations of randomness and uncertainty, enabling precise prediction and risk assessment in fields ranging from finance to epidemiology.
- Statistical Inference: Focuses on drawing conclusions from data using sampling techniques, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals, supporting evidence-based decision-making in research and industry.
- Mathematical Modeling: Applies mathematical techniques to simulate real-world phenomena, from climate systems to market dynamics, using differential equations, optimization, and numerical methods.
- Data Analysis and Visualization: Emphasizes the interpretation of large datasets through descriptive statistics, exploratory data analysis, and interactive visual tools to communicate insights effectively.
- Computational Mathematics: Integrates algorithm design, numerical analysis, and programming to solve complex mathematical problems efficiently using modern computing platforms.
Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Mathematics and Statistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Mathematics and Statistics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians and Data Scientists. 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 390,010 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 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1022 | $79,350 | $48,150 - $161,020 | 48,820 | N/A |
| Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other 15-2099 | $71,490 | $40,330 - $154,140 | 4,660 | $34.37 |
Mathematics and Statistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $64,930 in Delaware to $158,142 in California—a 144% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 390,010 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 and Statistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 31 institutions offering Mathematics and Statistics 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 and Statistics is found at University of Notre Dame (ND) (156 graduates), New York University (NYU) (140 graduates), University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (54 graduates), Webster University (44 graduates), and Fordham University (38 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 575 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 Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
156 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
140 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Other Award
|
54 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Webster University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
44 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
38 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| Emory University |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | wpi.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
4 | Camden, New Jersey | Public | camden.rutgers.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| Saint Xavier University (SXU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | sxu.edu |
| Chatham University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | chatham.edu |
| Saint Mary's College of California |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Moraga, California | Private | stmarys-ca.edu |
| Carroll College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Helena, Montana | Private | carroll.edu |
| Hamilton College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Clinton, New York | Private | hamilton.edu |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Alva, Oklahoma | Public | nwosu.edu |
| Saint Mary's College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | saintmarys.edu |
| Grinnell College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grinnell, Iowa | Private | grinnell.edu |
| Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Richmond, Kentucky | Public | eku.edu |
| Coppin State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | coppin.edu |
| Montana Technological University (Montana Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Butte, Montana | Public | mtech.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Master's
|
1 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Newark, New Jersey | Public | newark.rutgers.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Mathematics and Statistics programs
How much can I earn with a Mathematics and Statistics degree?
Salaries for Mathematics and Statistics 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 $158,142 compared to $64,930 in Delaware. Approximately 390,010 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 and Statistics programs?
Currently 31 accredited institutions offer Mathematics and Statistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Notre Dame (ND) (156 graduates), New York University (NYU) (140 graduates), and University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (54 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 and Statistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 295 in 2010 to a peak of 609 in 2020, before declining slightly to 575 in 2023-24. This represents a 95% 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 and Statistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Mathematicians, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 390,010 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.
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