When most people think of mathematics, they often picture numbers and symbols combined to make complicated equations. However, math is a broad subject with countless real-life applications. Mathematics majors will study the relationship between numbers by seeking out patterns and drawing conclusions about the world around us. You’ll develop advanced problem-solving, logical reasoning and analytical skills that will help you succeed in a wide range of careers.
If you’re passionate about using numbers to understand the world, consider earning a mathematics degree at Mount Wachusett Community College.
What Kinds of Math Degrees Are There?
Almost any major requires an understanding of math at a certain level. Economics, statistics, biology, engineering, chemistry and many other programs cover mathematics in some form. If you want to focus your studies on mathematics specifically, we have two math degrees for you to consider:
- Pure mathematics: This field focuses on the abstract side of math, dealing with theorems, proofs and other theoretical concepts. It includes mathematical activities with no direct application.
- Applied mathematics: This degree focuses on the practical side of math, applying math techniques to solve real-life problems. People use applied mathematics to find solutions in many different fields like medicine, business and science.
The Associate of Science in Mathematics degree from Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) prepares students to pursue a pure or applied mathematics bachelor’s degree at another reputable school.
Starting Your Math Degree at the Mount
Community colleges offer students the same quality education as a four-year university for a fraction of the cost. Starting your education at Mount Wachusett Community College helps you gain the skills you need to succeed in more advanced programs at an affordable price.
At the end of the program, you will graduate with an A.S. in Mathematics and be prepared to transfer as a junior to any public university in Massachusetts. The transition is seamless because you’ll be taking the core courses universities recommend for the first two years of a math major under the terms of the MassTransfer Block. Earning your associate degree at MWCC saves thousands of dollars that you can use to pay for a bachelor’s degree or graduate school.
Transfer to a 4-Year College or University for a Bachelors in Math
Getting an associate degree in mathematics at Mount Wachusett Community College prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university. Your Associates in Math from MWCC will enable you to continue your math education in preparation for a rewarding career. Many employers are eager to hire graduates with a mathematics background because math majors have strong critical thinking skills.
If you’re unsure what to study in college, an associate in mathematics is an excellent foundation for entering many other programs. Studying mathematics prepares you to solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare and other fields.
What Classes Will I Take for an Associates in Math?
If you like numbers and want to be challenged by a supportive faculty, you’ll love our mathematics degree courses. Math majors take essential courses covering calculus, linear algebra, statistics and ordinary differential equations to gain a solid foundation in mathematical concepts. You’ll also study physics and even dive into computer programming with Java.
You can complete the associate mathematics degree requirements in two years or more if you choose. We offer a well-rounded program to prepare students to earn mathematics degree jobs or enroll in higher education.
Mathematics Degree Salary
In 2020, mathematicians earned an average salary of $110,860 per year. However, there are many other career opportunities for mathematics graduates that may pay more or less. Graduates with an associate degree or higher in mathematics have the necessary skills for many different jobs. You can earn a wide range of salaries, depending on the industry and the level of education you pursue.
What Can I Do With a Math Degree?
Math majors are in high demand as the number of job openings for mathematicians and statisticians is predicted to grow 33% by 2030. Graduates who studied math have access to career opportunities in mathematics and many other fields. A math degree can provide the skills you need to pursue countless positions.
Here are common entry-level jobs for math majors with an associate degree:
- Administrative assistant: Your attention to detail and problem-solving skills will make you an excellent candidate for performing administrative tasks. As an administrative assistant, you’ll complete tasks like processing data, organizing records in a database, calculating information and finding solutions for clients. Administrative assistants make an average salary of $40,990 per year.
- Financial clerk: A financial clerk works for a bank or private business to record financial transactions and produce detailed reports. A degree in math will help you perform these duties with critical accuracy. Financial clerks earn a median income of $41,520 per year.
- Operations assistant: An operations assistant has many roles in supporting the operations manager in a manufacturing facility. You’ll help analyze the organization’s financial performance and create solutions with your mathematical knowledge.
- Loan officer: Math majors learn critical thinking skills that are essential for earning a loan officer position. Loan officers evaluate their customer’s finances to determine their eligibility for financial assistance. The average salary for a loan officer is $63,960.
Math majors with an advanced degree can fill the following positions:
- Actuary: Actuaries use their knowledge of math, finance and statistics to measure and avoid financial risks for businesses. A bachelor’s degree is needed to become an actuary. The median salary is $111,030 per year.
- Teachers: With a bachelor’s degree in math, many graduates become middle or high school teachers for subjects like algebra, geometry or calculus. The median salary for a high school teacher is $62,870 per year. Students who complete a master’s degree or higher can become professors at a college or university. The median salary for postsecondary teachers is $80,560.
- Engineer: An associate degree in math provides a solid foundation to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering. There are many different career fields that you can enter with an engineering degree, from surveyors and nuclear engineers to architects and civil engineers. The average salary for these positions ranges from $51,630 to $137,330 per year.
- Financial analyst: A mathematics associate degree teaches skills like problem-solving and quantitative reasoning to prepare you for a successful career as a financial analyst. After completing a bachelor’s in finance, you could earn a job performing market research, developing financial models for clients and finding potential business opportunities for your employer. Financial analysts earn a median salary of $83,660 per year.
- Statisticians: Statistics are used in many different industries to help organizations create strategies for the future. A statistician will collect, analyze and interpret data to help businesses make sound financial decisions. The median yearly salary for a statistician is $92,270.
Earn a Math Degree at MWCC
At Mount Wachusett Community College, we make education accessible to everyone. We’ll do whatever it takes to help our students succeed with flexible scheduling and comprehensive student resources.
A degree in mathematics can open many doors. Contact us today for more information about the mathematics program at MWCC.
Math Faculty
Stephanie Pollard
Math Department Chair, Assistant Professor
978-630-9391
spollard2@mwcc.mass.edu