If you’re a math major seeking a postgraduate degree, you can consider earning a master’s degree in a field where quantitative analysis skills are essential. Depending on your career interests, different areas are ideal for you to pursue after your major. While some options, such as a master’s in math, may be obvious, many other degrees can help you, depending on your career goals.
- A Master’s in Mathematics
You’ll need a bachelor’s in mathematics or a related discipline for this degree. In the U.S. and Canada, you might also need a good GRE score. This degree is ideal for students that want to specialize in a particular area, such as statistics, mathematical finance, mathematical modeling, or mathematical sciences.
It takes about a year or two to complete the program. Once you’ve completed it, there are different careers you can follow, including statistician, chartered accountant, investment analyst, corporate banker, and quality surveyor.
- A Master’s in Finance
In this program, you’ll learn quantitative models, industry practices, and advanced financial theories. This program requires applicants to have an undergraduate degree in finance or other related subjects, such as economics, mathematics, and business.
It takes about 12 to 18 months to complete the program. Possible career options include financial consultants, quant specialists, investment bankers, auditors, and corporate financial officers.
- A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
If you want to be a pro in investment or business management, then an MBA degree is worth considering. This program improves your understanding of different business functions, such as marketing, finance, accounting, and relationship management.
You’ll need an excellent GMAT score to get into an MBA, which takes about two years to complete. However, there are accelerated options that take a year. This program leads to different career paths, such as human resources, marketing, consulting, finance, and general management.
- A Ph.D. in Computer Science
You can also opt for a doctorate in computer science, which takes about four to five years to complete. You need a bachelor’s degree in computer science to apply for the program, though some schools usually prefer a master’s degree. You’ll also need to submit your GRE scores.
You can choose your specialty areas, such as software engineering, computer science, human-computer interaction, computational biology, robotics, and machine learning. Once you’ve completed it, you can become a computer network architect, electrical engineer, university professor, or software developer.
- A Ph.D. in Physics
With this program, you can explore the principles and properties of time, space, matter, and energy. Most schools require GRE scores submission when applying for these courses.
This program takes about five to six years to complete. Graduates can find careers in industries, government, universities, and laboratories. You can be a biochemist, materials engineer, geoscientist, nuclear engineer, or teacher.
- A Master’s in Accounting
If you want to pursue a master’s in accounting, most schools will expect you to have an accredited bachelor’s degree in accounting or other related fields. You may also need a GMAT score of above 500, while other schools set a minimum of 650.
This program covers different areas, such as taxation, forensic accounting, regulatory compliance, and financial analysis. It takes about 12 to 18 months to complete the program, opening doors to different careers, such as auditor, forensic accountant, public accountant, and financial accountant.
- A Master’s in Statistics
Most schools expect you to have a bachelor’s degree in math or other related fields, such as finance, economics, statistics, and science. The program covers statistic computing, theoretical statistics, probability, and modern applied statistics.
It takes about 12 to 18 months to complete this master’s program. You can become a data scientist, project analyst, applied researcher, actuarial associate, and statistic scientist for career options.
The Application Process
When you’re ready to apply for any of the above master’s degrees, take the time to research specific schools. This is vital in understanding their requirements. Most schools will need a bachelor’s degree in that particular field and excellent graduate exam scores.
As mentioned above, the type of graduate exam to take is dependent on your area of study. If you’re interested in a postgraduate business degree, be sure to look up the GMAT test dates to allow adequate time for preparation. Note that some schools will need a minimum score of 650 for prospective applicants. Otherwise, most other degrees require the GRE.
Get Your Master’s Degree
A major in math gives you various studying options, and the ultimate choice depends on your career aspirations. After you get your bachelor’s, you can specialize or branch out to a related field in a postgraduate program. Whatever your choice, it’s vital to take the time to prepare your application and understand the specific requirements of the school you want.
