Math Professor

Your Fit

Income

$79K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Math Professor?

A Math Professor is an academic professional who teaches mathematics at the college or university level. They are responsible for instructing students in various mathematical subjects, conducting research, and publishing scholarly papers.

Sample job titles:

Instructor, Mathematics Instructor (Math Instructor), Mathematics Professor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Math Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Math Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$61K per year	$79K per year	$106K per year	$161K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $30K above the national average.

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What does a Math Professor do?

Work environment

Math Professors work primarily in colleges and universities, both public and private. Their environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and computer labs. They may also spend time in research facilities and attend academic conferences.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches undergraduate and graduate math courses.
Conducts original research in mathematics and publishes findings in academic journals.
Advises and mentors students on academic and career goals.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to the university community.
Continually updates knowledge in the field of mathematics.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pure Mathematics: Specializing in theoretical aspects of mathematics such as algebra, calculus, and geometry.
Applied Mathematics: Focusing on practical application of mathematical principles in fields like engineering, finance, and technology.
Statistics: Concentrating on the theory and methods of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting empirical data.
Mathematical Education: Specializing in the pedagogy and methods of teaching mathematics.

Description

Math Professors play a vital role in higher education, imparting mathematical knowledge and fostering analytical and problem-solving skills among students. They are expected to stay abreast of developments in the field of mathematics and incorporate these into their teaching. Research is a significant part of a Math Professor's career, requiring them to continually contribute to the academic community through publications and presentations.

The role of a Math Professor involves more than just teaching; it includes mentoring students, developing curricula, and often participating in administrative and departmental duties. Professors must be able to communicate complex mathematical concepts in an understandable and engaging way. They often have the freedom to explore various topics of interest in their research, which can be highly rewarding.

This career offers intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to shape future mathematicians and professionals in related fields. Math Professors have the chance to collaborate with colleagues globally on research projects and academic initiatives.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The joy of teaching and making complex mathematical concepts accessible to students.
Contributing to the advancement of mathematical knowledge through research.
Intellectual stimulation from constantly learning and exploring new areas of mathematics.
Mentoring and guiding students in their academic and professional development.

You might make a good Math Professor if you are...

Passionate about mathematics and enjoy solving complex problems.
Skilled in communicating complicated ideas clearly and effectively.
Interested in conducting research and contributing to academic knowledge.
Self-motivated with a commitment to lifelong learning in mathematics.
Enjoy working with students and fostering their academic growth.

Pros:

Opportunities for intellectual growth and conducting original research.
Autonomy in teaching and choosing research topics.
Job security, especially in tenured positions.

Cons:

The lengthy process and competitive nature of obtaining tenure.
Balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities can be challenging.
Pressure to publish and contribute to academic scholarship regularly.

How to become a Math Professor

Typical education

Becoming a Math Professor typically requires a Ph.D. in Mathematics, which can take about 5-7 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree. Some community colleges may hire professors with a master's degree in mathematics.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics courses to build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts.
Computer science classes to develop computational and programming skills.
English and communication courses to enhance writing and presentation abilities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in math clubs, competitions, and academic Olympiads.
Engaging in research projects or science fairs with a focus on mathematics.
Tutoring peers in mathematics to develop teaching skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field.
Consider participating in research projects or internships during undergraduate studies.
Earn a Ph.D. in mathematics, focusing on a specific area of interest.
Gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships or similar roles.
Stay involved in the mathematical community through conferences and workshops.

More resources

American Mathematical Society (AMS) - Provides resources and support for mathematicians and educators.
Mathematical Association of America (MAA) - Offers professional development, publications, and a community for math educators.
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) - Focuses on applied and computational mathematics, offering research and career resources.
Chronicle of Higher Education - A key resource for academic news, including developments in mathematics education.

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