How to become a mathematician
Crunch numbers and develop mathematical theories and ideas.
Pathways to this career
Complete a bachelor degree in mathematics or a related field such as computer science, engineering, statistics or physics. Students also complete a double degree in mathematics and a related discipline.
Postgraduate study is often required by employers, so continue study with a masters or PhD in mathematics.
If you wish to go down the research or academic route then a PhD is required.
Meet people who understand the unique triumphs and challenges of mathematics by joining meetup groups, industry bodies and associations.
What does a mathematician do?
Duties and tasks
Mathematicians study mathematical principles and develop their own mathematical theories and ideas. They may work in the theoretical realm or they may apply their findings to financial, business, governmental, engineering, and social science issues in the larger world.
Apply principles of mathematics to complex financial and business problems.
At times, teach or mentor younger mathematicians.
Develop mathematical models to analyse and interpret data.
Disprove the work of other mathematicians.
Formulate their own theorems and fields of study.
Study areas of higher mathematics.
Use mathematics to assess risks and predict future demands.
Industry bodies
Related jobs
Discover related degrees
Master of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)
PostgraduateUSQ-SMS-MAS
Maths for problem solving and decision making
Boost your career options with a broad understanding of maths and statistics. You’ll learn the fundamentals of algebra and calculus. Explore algorithms for computing. Work with data and statistical models. Build skills for research and experiment design.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Mathematics
PostgraduateUND-MTH-GCE
A postgraduate course in maths that improves your career prospects
This university qualification in mathematics will suit teachers looking to add maths to their repertoire. But math problem solving skills are valued across many fields including finance and health. Upskill in maths and get ready to pursue opportunities.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateECU-DSC-MAS
Develop your career in a fast-growing sector
Fill the gap in organisations on the hunt for expert data wizards. Draw on your passion for maths, stats and science in a field that’s tipped for strong future growth. Think critically about collecting, storing, analysing and communicating data.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover related subjects
UndergraduateMUR-MAS164
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Mar 2026, 1 Jun 2026
Introductory Calculus with Applications
UndergraduateMUR-MAS182
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Jun 2026, 31 Aug 2026
UndergraduateUND-MATH3040
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026
UndergraduateUND-MATH3030
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 16 Feb 2026, 20 Jul 2026
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