What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Math Education?

Jennie Kroeger

With the growing importance placed on efficiency, big data, and technology by corporations all over the world, highly-educated math teachers are increasingly in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Statistics states that the market for Ph.D.s in math education and related fields will grow by 23% between 2012 and 2022, and mean salary is predicted to hit $110,000. But the big question for anyone who graduates with an advanced degree in math education is: What can you do with it?


Math Education Researchers

In the academic setting, many individuals with advanced degrees in mathematics education pursue careers as directors of research at institutions - both academic and technological. Determined by the types of research programs available and your degree level, many are focused on improving teaching methods, policies, and studying how various socioeconomic issues impact education standards and student outcomes. In particular, these opportunities are best suited to those with master's degrees. In addition to teaching, research careers are highly sought after and are high-paying jobs for math education graduates. [NEW INFOGRAPHIC] According to Glassdoor, Math Researchers' salaries can span a wide range from $60k at the university level, up into the $170k range for a technology company (source). In fact, a recent article in Science magazine noted that there is an increased demand in for math education researchers.


Math Science Professors

Many individuals getting a degree in math education are dedicated to the craft of teaching and helping students master the field of mathematics. For those interested in a career in teaching or academia at the postsecondary level, we offer an online master's program as well as an on-campus doctoral program in mathematics education. As a profession, university professors have a wide range of salaries, largely dependent on what you teach and how long you've been working in the industry. While not as lucrative as an actuarial career, university professors and teachers have the added benefit of ample job security. [NEW INFOGRAPHIC] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, math science teachers with a postsecondary degree earned an average of $74,460 a year in 2011. Incomes span a wide range, with the majority of this group earned between $48,440 and $91,710 per year.   , .


Research Scientists

This is another career opportunity for those with postsecondary degrees in math education. Research mathematicians work in various areas, including universities, government research laboratories and commercial manufacturing companies. Their work is widely varied and often involves proving abstract theories, applying mathematical principles to business strategy and research, and coming up with math-based descriptions to identify trends in a set of data. Other responsibilities include developing new products and providing insights into a business or theory and identifying solutions to key problems. Mathematics scientists generally conduct research to understand various mathematical principles.

On average, research scientists in math earn $111,110 per year which translates to $53.42 per hour. Mathematics research scientists work in positions in the government as well as in private engineering and science research companies. (source)


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