Being a mathematician or statistician isn't just about solving equations, it's about
solving real-world problems in education, engineering, financial services, healthcare
and other industries.
A degree in mathematics can lead to a job as an actuarial scientist or research analyst,
while a post-graduate degree can lead to a career as a mathematician, statistician,
or secondary education teacher.
Harper’s Mathematics program includes courses in different areas to expose you to
the possibilities within the industry. By completing courses in calculus, physical
and life science, behavioral science and physics, you will be prepared to transfer
to a four-year institution to complete your bachelor's degree in mathematics or actuarial
science.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a mathematics, actuarial science, or related major. Speak with your advisor about
the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Become a licensed STEM teacher for grades 5-12
Expand diversity in the field of STEM education through the Noyce Teacher PRIDE Scholars Program thatawards Harper graduates $15,000 annually for two years to complete a STEM degree at
Elmhurst University. Applications from a wide range of diverse communities are encouraged. Learn more and apply today.
Explore Mathematics Careers
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Mathematics degree program. Each career
profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open
positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Mathematics Careers page.
Actuaries
Actuaries
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Actuaries career profile for most current data.
$121,640 Median Salary
1.9% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
171 Job Postings
Description:
Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement
rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment
of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary
to ensure payment of future benefits.
Core tasks:
Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure
payment of future benefits.
Collaborate with programmers, underwriters, accounts, claims experts, and senior management
to help companies develop plans for new lines of business or improvements to existing
business.
Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability,
and retirement rates.
Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining
financial soundness and calculating premiums.
Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science
and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving
specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching
and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Core tasks:
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such
as linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Quick facts:
Mathematicians
Mathematicians
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Mathematicians career profile for most current data.
$123,020 Median Salary
0% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
2 Job Postings
Description:
Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques
to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical
methods.
Core tasks:
Address the relationships of quantities, magnitudes, and forms through the use of
numbers and symbols.
Disseminate research by writing reports, publishing papers, or presenting at professional
conferences.
Maintain knowledge in the field by reading professional journals, talking with other
mathematicians, and attending professional conferences.
Apply mathematical theories and techniques to the solution of practical problems in
business, engineering, the sciences, or other fields.
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop
and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation,
or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support
software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics
networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Core tasks:
Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other
end users.
Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and
statistical tests.
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models,
as necessary.
Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
Quick facts:
Statistical Assistants
Statistical Assistants
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Statistical Assistants career profile for most current data.
$66,818 Median Salary
-0.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
0 Job Postings
Description:
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical
studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use
by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
Core tasks:
Compute and analyze data, using statistical formulas and computers or calculators.
Check source data to verify completeness and accuracy.
Enter data into computers for use in analyses or reports.
Compile reports, charts, or graphs that describe and interpret findings of analyses.
Quick facts:
Statisticians
Statisticians
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Statisticians career profile for most current data.
$112,435 Median Salary
12.9% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
34 Job Postings
Description:
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize,
interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize
in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or
economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Core tasks:
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships
among sources of information.
Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity,
applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research
questions of interest.
Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs,
charts, and tables.
Quick facts:
Survey Researchers
Survey Researchers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Survey Researchers career profile for most current data.
$80,138 Median Salary
-3% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
16 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey
data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social
scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Core tasks:
Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis.
Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs,
and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports
and response rate calculations.
Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods,
sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
For more information about starting your mathematics education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
