Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences

Program Description:

An AA degree in Mathematics serves as a foundation for a bachelors degree in Mathematics. This program provides the technical and general education courses and additional support necessary for a successful transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics or related disciplines.
This program qualifies a student for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state universities.
A bachelor’s degree in mathematics prepares a student for many well-paying jobs and careers in a variety of fields from business to computer programming to engineering, and especially in the fields of actuary, budget analyst, economist, financial analyst, mathematics educator, operations research and statistician. Advisors from the mathematics department will work closely with students for course planning in accordance with their intended baccalaureate major and transfer institution.

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Career and Transfer Outlook:

Many career opportunities are open to students who transfer to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution and complete a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
A 2009 study showed that the top three best jobs in terms of income and other factors were careers suited for math majors - Mathematician, Actuary, and Statistician. Of the top 20 out of 200 careers studied, 13 require high level mathematics training. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics lists four high-paying careers in particular: Actuary, Mathematician, Operations Research Analyst, Statistician.
Upon completion of a baccalaureate degree, students in mathematics typically qualify for jobs in business and management, financial planning, teaching, actuarial science. Many of the best careers using mathematics require study beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Helpful Hints:

Students pursuing this program need to have done well in their prior courses in mathematics. A strong interest and background in mathematics is required for successful completion of this program.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of Mathematics Concentration program are prepared to:

• Be able to read, write, and speak accurately about mathematical ideas and use correct mathematical notation.
• Possess technical competence including uses of calculus, linear systems, and/or differential equations.
• Be able to use technology to visualize functions, explore mathematical concepts, and solve problems.
• Be able to use numerical, graphical, symbolic, and verbal representations to communicate with others in both written and oral form.
• Possess a fundamental understanding of mathematics theory including applications of calculus and linear systems, relations of algebraic systems and classical problems, and roles of definitions, theorems, and proofs in algebra and analysis.
• Successfully transfer to a four-year institution.