The study of mathematics and statistics emphasizes careful problem analysis, precision of thought and expression, and the mathematical skills needed for work in many other areas. Mathematicians and statisticians are interested both in the theory and the applications within their disciplines. Theoretical mathematicians discover new theorems and increase basic knowledge in pure fields like abstract algebra, analysis, or topology. Applied mathematicians and statisticians use tools growing out of calculus, computing, statistics, and operations research to solve problems in science, industry, government, and other areas.<br><br>Mathematicians or statisticians may work in highly technical areas such as computer programming, or they may work in economics (as statistical analysts), in operations research, in insurance (as actuaries), or in any other field requiring sophisticated analytical skills. Some of these fields include sciences such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, engineering, biology, oceanography, meteorology, and ecology, or fields as diverse as linguistics, law, or business.<br><br>Our graduates are very successful in obtaining employment. A recent survey showed that approximately 40 percent of our graduates who earn an arts and science degree attend graduate school, 40 percent go into careers in business, industry, and government, 10 percent go into teaching, and 10 percent pursue an actuarial career. Other areas of employment for our graduates are in statistics, computing and information systems, and operations research.<br><br>Most mathematics majors who earn an education degree go into teaching, but some go into graduate school or business and industry.<br> <br>Many important problems in government, private industry, health and environmental fields, and the academic world require sophisticated techniques for their solutions. The study of mathematics and statistics provides specific analytical and quantitative tools for dealing with these problems. Employers view graduates with a strong background in mathematics and statistics as good problem solvers. There is also a growing demand for graduates with broad mathematical training in addition to experience with computers. Often these graduates can quickly acquire the technical knowledge that is needed in many specialized fields on the job.