Careers in Mathematics OR Mathematics in Your Career

When it comes to people who study mathematics, there can be two types of people:

One type of person actually enjoys math (a person like me). This type of person studies mathematics because they find it intellectually stimulating. They believe in math and the answers it beholds. This type of person may want to go on to study math in college.

Another person, however (and for some strange reason) doesn't like math! This person studies math because they feel like they have to, not because they want to. They will do what they must to achieve a goal (whether that be a high school diploma, a college degree, any type of certification, etc.) - and if studying math is a means toward that goal, they will do what they must.

And some people are a little bit of both, but for the purposes of this blog assignment, I would like you to choose which one of these people sounds most like you. Do you truly enjoy math? Do you think you might be interested in learning about math to the depths of calculus and beyond? Or do you simply study math because you have to?

For those of you that would study math by choice, do some research. Find out what types of careers one might pursue with a degree in mathematics (Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctorate). Do any of these careers peek your interest? Comment back with a list of careers you have found and pick one that you think you would enjoy. Describe the amount of study that is required and what a person in that field actually does for a living.

For the rest of you. Start by choosing a career that you think you would enjoy. Essentially, start with an end and describe the means by which you would get there. (For example: If you want to be a Doctor, how would you begin? What types of degrees are required? And most importantly, to what level of mathematics would you have to study and how much mathematics would you use on the job.)

I will start by giving you MY outline.

Though I do enjoy mathematics, I did not go to college with a strong curiosity or interest in studying mathematics. So for the purposes of this assignment I will start with my "end."

Goal - Become a College Professor in the field of Educational Psychology.

As a college professor, I would like to teach some form of educational psychology.
To become a college professor in the field of Education, I must first have educational experience.
Choice of Educational Experience - High School Mathematics

Levels of education/experience required -

College Professor -
1. Bachelor's Degree in either Psychology or Education
2. Master's in Education
3. Doctorate in Educational Psychology
4. Teaching Experience (Choice - High School Mathematics)

Teaching Experience -
1. Post Baccalaureate in Teacher Education
2. Certification in Mathematics

Level of Mathematics Required -

1. Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III
2. Three upper level math courses (Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, & Foundations of Mathematics)

In chronological order in looks like this...

1. Bachelor's in Psych. - 4 years
2. Post Baccalaureate + Cert. in Math - 3 years
3. Teaching Experience - ? years
4. Master's in Education - 4 years (part-time)
5. Doctorate in Educational Psychology - 4 years(part-time)

On the job - As a college professor I will be required to do a lot of research in my field. A lot of research means a lot of STATISTICS, so as you can see not only will math be important as I teach it, but will continue to carry great significance throughout my career.