College Degrees that Utilize Math

Many high school students struggle with math, and complain that they shouldn’t have to take math classes because they will “never use this in real life!” But what these high school students fail to realize is that they cannot get that job of their dreams without a college degree, and almost every college degree need some level of math. Here are 10 of the most popular college degrees at universities today, all of which have at least one small math requirement.

1. Engineering

Engineering majors go on to have some of the most lucrative careers of any university graduate. Whether you are more interested in civil engineering (like Maths Insider studied!), petroleum engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or one of the myriad of other possibilities, you will have to complete high levels of math in order to finish a degree in this field. To prepare for this major, high-schoolers should take algebra, geometry, statistics, and a pre-calculus or calculus class if available.

2. Psychology

Psychology is an extremely popular major, partially because it can put graduates into rewarding careers and partially because it offers fascinating insights into humans minds. Many students who cannot decide on a major choose psychology as their fallback. It may come as a surprise to high school students considering psychology as a major that this degree actually requires a moderate level of math. College algebra is generally required by most universities, and a psychology major is almost never complete without at least one statistics class. Students should try to take algebra, geometry, and statistics while they are in high school so they can be better prepared for the psychology major.

3. Biology

Students who are interested in biology will already know that math is a definite requirement. Biology majors must have a practical understanding of algebra and statistics, and students who have already studied these math levels while in high school will find the course load that much easier to deal with at the university level. Biology is such a fun major, and it is full of practical math application that will have students rethinking their theory that math doesn’t apply to real life.

4. Management

It should come as no surprise that most management majors, like accounting, finance, business, and marketing, use math as an integral part of their curriculum. Many high school students apply for majors in management programs because the work is interesting and there are generally more opportunities for them find high-paying jobs after graduation. Students considering a management major should take higher level algebra and statistics while they are still in high school.

5. Health science

Some of the most exciting jobs right now are in the health industry. Pharmacy work, neuroscience, nursing, all are extremely popular majors among college students today. Graduates from majors in the medical field get some of the highest paying and most personally rewarding jobs available. Degrees in medicine require heavy loads of math and science classes, so students interested in studying one of these majors should pursue several math or math-heavy science classes during their high school years.

6. Visual arts

Graphic design is a hot job in today’s market, and students who graduate with a bachelors in visual arts have the opportunity to work in a field that is both lucrative and fun! But these awesome art related majors aren’t just doodles on a page. Most graphic design curricula require at least college algebra, and a further understanding of math and geometry will definitely give an edge to students who want to work with the angles and vectors of most design software.

7. Astronomy

What child hasn’t looked up at the stars and wondered about the great big universe in which we find ourselves? Astronomy is an interesting and fun major that satisfies the curious child in all of us, but it also requires a high level of math. As one of the physical sciences, students will be expected to have a practical undemanding of algebra and geometry when they enter the major, and will need to continue to improve their math skills as they continue through the curriculum. While in high school, students should take algebra, geometry, and a basic physics course, so that they can feel more confident when they reach the college level courses.

8. Sociology

Students of sociology focus on human development and behavior, and a large portion of their study is elated to analyzing statistics across social groups. This is a fun and interesting major that keeps students engaged in the practical application of their study, and math plays an integral part. Students who graduate high school having already taken basic algebra and an introductory statistics course will be better prepared to deal with the hefty math load sociology majors face.

9. Communications

Many students choose to study communications because it holds so many different possibilities for jobs after graduation. Whether you’re looking to help people with communication disorders, or hoping to contribute to one of the many technological advances that allows us to communicate more easily, if you want to be a communications major, you have to take math. A basic understanding of algebra is a good base for any high school student considering communications as a possible major.

10. Computer science

As one of the fastest growing industries in the modern world, computer science has inspired a huge spike in the number of computer science majors studying at the university level. Computer science balances the creativity of the artistic world with the satisfying logic of the math and science world. Graduates from computer science majors go on to design video games, and phone or tablet apps, they work on special effects for films, develop software for upstart companies, or even have a steady job helping older, more established companies come into the new age of technology. This most popular and lucrative option is extremely attractive to high school students, and requires high levels of math. Students in high school should aim to finish algebra, geometry, statistics, and at least a pre-calculus course before heading off to their university studies.

Focus on math

While math can initially be a difficult subject for high school students, it is an incredibly important subject for them to work on. Students who are skilled in math courses have so many more options when it comes to college degrees. Focusing on math during their high school years can help students learn to appreciate and even enjoy all the opportunities math can present to them. Not only will math be helpful in college, but all of these majors lead to careers that use math as well. Math is such an important part of our world today, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and appreciate math!

Written by Ashley Johansen on Maths Insider