College graduates with a mathematics degree are prepared for a range of career options in business, industry, government and education. Technology industries employ graduates from the mathematical sciences, as do energy, pharmaceutical, insurance and financial services companies. Almost every bureau and branch of the federal government employs mathematicians. Data analysts are in high demand, while the job outlook for actuaries is expected to increase more than twice the overall job market through 2024.
The Mathematics Major helps students learn concepts and techniques in mathematics, statistics, data science, mathematics for teaching, and/or actuarial science. Students receive a solid foundation for different careers requiring advanced analytical thinking and skills or for advanced education in the mathematical sciences. The diverse disciplinary backgrounds of faculty members ensure that a strong traditional program is enriched with courses in applied fields of study.
Concentrations
The Actuarial Science concentration in the Mathematics Major provides the education and experience needed to pursue a career as an actuary for students interested in assessing risk through mathematical and statistical methods. "Actuary" is rated one the top 10 jobs in the country.
The Data Science concentration in the Mathematics major prepares students for careers in the interdisciplinary field of data science. Courses teach students data manipulation, visualization, analysis, and practical techniques of this highly in-demand field, which combines statistics, mathematics and computer science.
The Mathematics for Teaching concentration in the Mathematics major investigates mathematical topics in the elementary and secondary school curriculum at an advanced level. Courses integrate advanced mathematical thinking from Calculus, Geometry, Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, and Probability and Statistics into the mathematical content typically taught at the elementary and secondary level.
The concentration in Mathematical Structures and Applications (offered in both the BA and BS degrees) provides students with a solid mathematical foundation. It is designed for transfer students as well as for students who want to pair a Mathematics degree with courses from another discipline such as Computer Science or Economics or Physics.
Median salary, Mathematician (with master’s degree)
31%
Employment growth in math occupations 2021–31
$55-160K
Salary Range
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Undergraduate Research
Students in the Mathematics major gain hands-on experience through independent research, service learning and field experience.
Honor Society
Students who excel in their mathematics studies are eligible as candidates for induction into the Beta chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society.
Math Club
The Math Club helps math students explore how mathematics can be used to solve problems. The club also competes in mathematics competitions.
"Mathematics can be studied, applied and enjoyed by all.’ This has been the premise I have always operated on as a teacher."
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Kim Ward
Professor and Math Foundations Program Coordinator
“I hope that my research and/or creative student-centered endeavors are helping our students graduate, seek out and obtain their chosen job, and find happiness and enjoyment in their current and future lives.”
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Megan E. Heenehan
Professor and Assistant Chair
“Interactions with students inside and outside of the classroom are the best part of my job. Seeing how students grow over their four years and then hearing what they end up doing after Eastern is very rewarding.”
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Eastern Connecticut State University’s mathematics faculty offers the 24th best bachelor’s degree in the nation, according to 2021 rankings by Study.com. Four New England schools made the top 25; Eastern is the only ranked institution in Connecticut.
Career Options
Actuary
Data scientist
Statistician
Operations research analyst
Financial analyst
Insurance underwriter
Digital analysts
Market research analyst
Mathematician
Teacher
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in mathematics are at the following companies and professional/graduate schools:
Brian is the founder of Emerald Consulting, LLC. “My Eastern education prepared me for the green finance industry by giving me an extraordinary background in mathematics and economics. I spend a lot of time trying to make sense of complex data systems. I wouldn’t be able to do this without my training in statistical analysis or my understanding of economic forces.”
John F. Kennedy High School
Christine DeFilippo ’13
Christine teachers in the Sachem Central and Connetquot School Districts in New York City. “Eastern taught me the communication, critical thinking and analytical skills needed to be a successful teacher. I have learned the importance of being a team player and encourage students to be the best versions of themselves in order to reach their maximum learning potential.”
Data Analyst
Sydney Calvert ’21
“As an honors program student at Eastern, I completed an original undergraduate thesis. This experience allowed me to pursue my passion while gaining real-world experience within the mathematics and data science field. I firmly believe this program and the support from my professors ultimately led me to my dream job as a data science analyst for Nissan North America.”
AI Researcher
Chris Deras-Rodriguez '24
Math and Economics major Christian Deras-Rodriguez co-presented his research on artificial intelligence at a conference in Puerto Rico in January 2024. The research analyzed high-speed rail policy in the United States and "the potential for AI to play a crucial role in shaping equitable policies in high-speed rail development. The cultural connection we felt in Puerto Rico was deeply personal and significant.”
M.S. in Math
Lawrence McGill ’17
Mathematics major Lawrence McGill received his master’s degree in mathematics at Rhode Island College and is now a business analyst at Bentley University. “I had teachers who cared about making me a better student as well as a better person. Given the right resources allowed me to develop qualities that I didn’t have going into college, which I now take with me into the real world.”
Ph.D.
Richard Magner ’15
Mathematics major Richard Magner earned his Ph.D. at Boston University in 2021 and is now a computational scientist at MIT/Harvard’s Broad Institute. “The most useful advice I can offer students is to work on interesting things with professors outside of class. Eastern faculty love to work with students who have initiative. Conducting faculty-supported research is a truly unique experience.”
Mathematics Instructor
James Chadic ’14
Mathematics major James Chadic is an assistant professor of mathematics at Asnuntuck Community College. “I learned from the best. I incorporate the humor and the teaching styles of the professors I had at Eastern. To be a good teacher, it’s not just knowledge that does the job. There’s compassion, there’s love, there’s admiration. It’s not just math skills.”
Technical Support Analyst
Danielle Robillard ’16 M'17
Danielle is a mathematics teacher in the Providence, Rhode Island school district. “Eastern was the perfect school for me as a prospective teacher, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in becoming a part of the education field. The broad range of classes paired with clinical work and student-teaching prepares students for their careers.”
Eastern Connecticut State University’s mathematics faculty offers the 24th best bachelor’s degree in the nation, according to 2021 rankings by Study.com. Four New England schools made the top 25; Eastern is the only ranked institution in Connecticut.
