In addition, about 16,000 persons held mathematics faculty positions in colleges and universities, according to the American Mathematical Society. Most nonfaculty mathematicians work in the government and in service and manufacturing industries. A significant number of mathematicians also work in State governments. In the private sector, major employers within services industries include research and testing services, educational services, and computer and data processing services. Within manufacturing, the aircraft, chemicals, and computer and office equipment industries are key employers.
Some mathematicians also work for banks, insurance companies, and public utilities.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement A bachelor's degree in mathematics is the minimum education needed for prospective mathematicians. A master's degree in mathematics is sufficient preparation for some research positions and for teaching jobs in many junior or community colleges and in some small 4-year colleges. However, in most 4-year colleges and universities, as well as in many research and development positions in private industry, a doctoral degree is necessary. In private industry, job candidates generally need a master's degree to obtain jobs as mathematicians. The majority of bachelor's and master's degree holders in private industry work, not as mathematicians, but in related fields such as computer science, where they are called computer programmers, systems analysts, or systems engineers.