Should I Major in Math? 🤔 WATCH THIS VIDEO! The unfortunate truth about a Mathematics Degree! 

Fellow applied mathematics major here. I'll touch on something you said regarding the perception of people with math degrees, first thing someone says is 'O wow Mr smarty pants', na man it doesn't work that way. You don't just walk in and breeze through the material unless you're a rare bird. If you want a math degree it's gonna cost you time and a lot of it. It did for me any way.

This is an excellent and informative video about Math majors. I have a lot of respect for Math majors. I started off as a Math major but changed my major from Math to Accounting. I stopped being a Math major since the proof oriented Math courses that Math majors take once they finish Advanced Calculus and Differential Equations were too difficult for me. I've always been really great at Math. I got A's and B's in Math all through elementary school, middle school, and high school. I did very well in computational college Math courses such as College Algebra, Statistics, Pre Calculus, Calculus, etc, but I struggled with the proof oriented Math courses such as Discrete Math, Abstract Algebra, Abstract Analysis, Topology, etc. I'm really good at computational kind of Math but stink at the highly advanced abstract reasoning proof oriented Math that Math majors learn about. I agree with you how if a person wants to major in Math, it's best for them to minor or double major in an applied mathematical field such as accounting, finance, statistics, engineering, computer science, etc since a Math degree by itself is too general. A lot of people who majored in Math struggle with employment after college since a Math degree is too general, not specialized enough, etc. Banking jobs often prefer people with accounting, finance, economics, or business administration degrees over people with Math degrees. Engineering jobs prefer people with engineering degrees over people with Math degrees. Computer oriented Math jobs often prefer people with Computer Science degrees, software engineering degrees, computer engineering degrees, etc over people with Math degrees. I do agree with you how Math majors have a reputation for being very smart. From my experience meeting Math majors, I definitely agree how Math majors are super smart. A lot of people think Math is the hardest major in college, and it seems like it might be since the proof oriented Math courses Math majors take have a reputation of being so difficult they make Advanced Calculus, Differential Equations, Organic Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology seem like mickey mouse classes. Keep up the great work with your videos. I wish you the best in life.

Hahaha yes this is very relatable. I’m majoring in math too, and in my first math class, the male to female ratio started at 2:1 and 6 months later, I was the only female in a class of 13

If you are a math major, consider your minor being in a more specific field in math. You can be a math major and minor in economics, finance, accounting, statistics, ext......

I was a Mathematics major with a Secondary Education and a Business Administration minor. I knew I always wanted to teach but I got another minor just in case I did not want to teach anymore down the line. I passed my certification exams in Texas. I am in my first year of teaching Mathematics and I love it!

This video is telling a true. Most math majors need a second degree for finding non-academic jobs. My recommendation for people who are thinking in majoring in math is to get an undergraduate degree in some professional area (namely: engineering, economics, or computer sciences) first and after that get the math degree at graduated level. This is the way to follow in countries like France or Chile. Majoring in math right after high school is not a good idea unless you are an extremely gifted person for math.

The ugly truth for me is mathematics is such a creative and beautiful subject. But not as employable if you don't know a lot about the subject you're applying it to. Yet, math is basically everything hahah.

math major here loved the video. the studies at the end are definitely true. math majors are worth doing just make sure you know what you're doing career-wise with it and supplement that so minor in accounting if thats where you want to go; do a masters in education if you want to teach; learn programming if you want to go into that etc.

Hi, very genuine feedback. Very sincere effort to explain the future post maths major. Really appreciate it. Best wishes for your life. You will do well in life. God bless!!

i so happy i found this channel with need more of us like you

Thank you for this video, I just subscribed. I totally relate when you talked diversity and how you may not fit in groups because of your appearance. I had this problem throughout my associate degree in math. But I think Math is one of the few subjects or majors that this may not be an issue because it doesn't involve much group activities, labs or hands on techniques. Take physics for example, it would be immense to make friends and form groups to work on labs, homework and other things because of the nature of the subject. I just haven't seen this necessity with math thus far. I basically got through all my classes without depending on others or even making new friends, you always make a couple of friends of course and you always refer to tutors and instructor if you need but otherwise, you're simply on your own and I like about math.

I had the same experience in my chemistry classes at Rutgers University. Not much diversity. Im pretty sure I was the only black male to graduate in my class. Keep being a trailblazer bro!

Right now I'm a second year math major so even though I have not finished yet I would like to offer my view in the hope that it might help someone. Studying math is different then the math you do in high school, you might hear this a lot but it really is true so read a bit into abstract math and see if it peaks your interest because you're going to see a lot of it. The top thing I often get asked is what I'm actually going to do with it (and if I want to teach) and I have a somewhat complicated response. To me my math major has always felt as the fundamental building blocks to something different (a masters for example) and not really something I would just do standalone and start working after that. My plan right now is to also major in computer science (by doing both you can get a lot of "discounts"/exemptions so it is really not as bad as it sounds) and apply my mathematical knowledge there, in addition to that I still plan on doing a masters but I haven't really decided what yet so I'm leaving that up in the air for now. It really is a hard major for most people, I don't intend to scare anyone with this but know that if you were/are one of those people that didn't have to do anything in high school (like me) that you won't succeed if you don't change that (Ofc there are those "special few" but I wouldn't assume that you're one of them). If you're passionate about math you'll be right at home, tons of people and professors to have math discussions with and if you like math these will be some of the most interesting conversations you'll ever have. In the end it is really hard to decide what to major in and heck you might even choose wrong (I choose business before this one) but that's okay and a struggle that everyone goes through. Good luck to anyone reading this/choosing a major. PS: doubt anyone cares but I'm majoring at TU Delft in the Netherlands for both mathematics and computer science if you were wondering.

I am glad to have found you. I now tutor students. It bothered me that I did not see diversity in math class in Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. Yet, I have diverse students reluctant to do the "hard stuff" because it is lonely in the departments. But you did it. Now I have an example that is recent.

my good friend from high school ran into the same problem. African American, not being invited to study groups etc....she wanted to get her PhD, but felt like there was too much resistance. settled for her masters.

Thanks, this video and comments helped a lot.

Great video. I just subscribed. I love mathematics. It's more to help you learn to think and reason logically. Most math majors I know became math teachers in HS and college. And some went into engineering.

I like your vibe. Subscribed

Hi from a math major from Mexico. The job thing is real. I'm working in marketing and studying at the same time, indeed I don't use topology on my day to day work (thanks God because topology made me miserable). I don't feel I know a lot of maths either, they hired me because of the little programming I know (c and python), stats and the little English and French I speak. So that's my advice to any reader who wants to major in math, learn a bit of statistics, coding and any language.

Currently in the military, graduated Highschool in 2021. Math was always the unit where it came easy to me. I should've prosper farther. Thinking it'd be a fun idea to maybe go about getting a degree in it?

I 100% agree with everything you said in the video. I graduated from a local University with a BS in Math in Dec of 2018 and boy its been a struggle and an eye opening experience to the "workforce". I am a first generation Mexican-American. I am also one of the oldest among by siblings and my cousins. I am the first one of this generation to graduate from college and to study math. As a Latino male from South NJ, the university was primary white. When was in college I would definitely stick out around campus and especially in my math classes. I can relate with you on the diversity topic. It was a new experience coming from a very diverse high school to a place where I am 1 of 7 in the math program. The jack of all traits was related as that was how I attempted to sell myself whenever I had an interview. Unfortunately, I had trouble landing a "big boy job" up until Oct of 2019, nearly an entire year. I ended up finding work in the midwest, in Chicago. I am extremely lucky to have family in Chicago that can lend me a roof and bed so that I can move there. I have many interests from possible pursing the Actuary career on the side by taking the preliminary exams to going back to school for finance, risk management, or a masters in math. The great thing about now living and working in Chicago is that there are so many schools with great math related programs to look into. This was my experience as a first generation Mexican-American male from South NJ. Hopefully someone reading this comment in the future can gain and plan according. I absolute loved studying math and I just wish I in a position to study math at a graduate level because I truly love mathematics. Practice smart and study hard, fellow math people!

I think math as a major is great if you are thinking about graduate school. for example like you said finance, computer science, stats etc. these grad programs are really math heavy and math majors do very well there.

You have my respect! Math is an art like martial arts.

Holy crap, this is the first video I’ve seen from you and I didn’t realize right away that you went to the same school I’m going to right now.

Couldn’t agree more with everything you said, I have a BS in math, and starting out in the job market with no “specialized skills” can be difficult. Personally I think mathematics is a good major for undergrads to consider, there’s plenty of employers out there who respect it and understand its value, but my advice to anyone considering math is that you should start thinking early about what you want to do with your degree, and from there pair it with a minor (or a second major) that’s relevant to your career plan. Your math degree is only as useful as what you apply it to

I majored in Math and Comp. Science. Excellent recommendations.

Currently in the military and think back in at school, I really did enjoyed learning. Now I’m thinking I want to be come a professor and math seems like a good subject to teach. However, I just don’t know if it’s wise to get out of the service and start all over again in a new career. I got to make my decision sooner or later.

Your the man. I love math. I do not have a degree in it but studying it. Only a BA in criminal justice lol. Bought books on trig, algebra 2 and precalculus. Not rushing to study calculus because I want to master the basics first. My goal is to just tutor or some teaching. Be good at calculus3/linear algebra etc.

This is a great video !

Hey Chuck, :) Thank you for this video. There are also Minors, Concentrations, Programs available for Math majors. Did you do any of this?

I think you really nailed it. Any advice for a recent undergraduate in Applied Mathematics / Statistics. 1. What jobs to apply for? 2. Ideas for Graduate Studies?

Don't many university math programs have concentrations to avoid it being too general? Things like industrial/applied maths, actuarial science, etc?

Awesome Content 🙂

Hi I'm from the philippines and I just graduated as BS mathematics and I can relate to all what you had said😅😅😂

RU-vid algorithm brought me here from Shane Hummus

I don't look like you, but I don't like being in groups either. Usually I find that the other students are either way ahead of me, or way behind. If they are a bit ahead, but not too much, I might learn something; if they are behind me, they will expect me to help them catch up, but I'm not really that good at math. It is more like I'm stubborn, so I don't give up. I have 6 credits to go for my Mathematics BA from CUNY Hunter College. I may get a graduate degree and teach math. We'll see...

I am a chemical engineering graduate but at the moment jobs aren't flying in. So i am considering going back to varsity to do a pure maths degree, would you recommend? and why

Eyy. Same school and degree as you. Who was your favorite instructor?

I took math classes up to numerical methods, so I was able to get into a Masters in Economics program. I'm not sure if the Economics program is specialized in general, but you can specialize depending on the classes you take. I'm just wondering if I could get a job with Economics, I know I can probably do research at one of the Federal Reserve banks, but I'd have to travel a bit and live by myself, ahaha.

As a mathematics major, I can tell you how alone it is being "the other" but if you have a loud personality, groups will gladly let you in. Also I hung out with a lot of computer science majors as well.

After I finished high school I wanted to do a BSc Mathematics. As I was about to apply I asked myself "Now how am I going to make money off this?". I couldn't answer that question. So I ended up doing BSc Electronic Engineering. Next year I'm enrolling for BSc Hons Applied Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics (I'll take which ever comes first). Now I'm more informed where I can actually apply maths deeply, that is, in maintenance engineering.

Should I major in Math? I really love Math and I want to become a secondary school math teacher in the future, God willing

I am majoring in math too and I agree. You are a jack of all trades. But for me most importantly a 'problemsolver'. And a very very strict and logical one. I realized after all these years (i am in my 4th year now) that my way of thinking about problems changed alot because you have to be very precise with your arguments. Especially in pure maths like topology or complex analysis where there is no room for 'guesses'. Thinking analyticly about a difficult problem for a long period of time is a very hard learned skill imo because sometimes(or rather often) it can be very frustrating if you cannot figure sth out.

Good video. However the part where you talk about your personal experience should of been last. When I clicked on this video, I did not expect that. I expected the points that you made later regarding jobs etc. I also expected you talk about how you found the course materials. Did you experience any difficulty with a given topic ect.?

I am currently majoring in mathematics, and want to go into pure mathematics research!

I went to school in Utah that group thing happened to me

Obviously yeah, Numbers don't lie and Mathematics is universal.

The speaker hoisted up one linear algebra and one calculus textbook in his video description. I guess those are also undiscussed cues?

Hello, I would like to reach out to you and talk more about your experiences being a black math major. I am exactly like you and experience the same types of behaviors in the class. If you could provide social media that you respond too, that would be great.

Is a Math Major with a CS Minor something worth considering? I am planning on trying to learn how to program while studying math and hoping the Math Bachelors will be enough.

What was your social life like as a math major?

Hi, I'm also doing BS-Math. Would you please suggest me, is it worth doing MS regarding job opportunities?

I just want to ask, what type of job you are doing right now being a math major, besides utube. Is ìt worth majoring in it?

So what is your master's in?

What if I major in math and minored in physics? Just wondering about the job prospects for that kind of major combo. And what about a double major in math and physics? Currently, I am trying to make that decision, because I want to do research with math and at the same time study and research the universe (especially the cosmos). I was thinking about research in astrophysics and astronomy, but I don't know if studying math and physics would be good for that specifically.

I don't know if you mean it was a racial thing about groups, but I myself was never a people person, and I felt the same way when we broke into groups, too, and I'm White like most of the other people were in my classes. I didn't like finding a group to get into and I work better on my own. College is not _all_ about getting the skills for a career. I mean, it IS about that, but it is a lot more, too. I think being a math major is an ideal major in that it puts a premium on logic, which will be an asset to you for life. Going for a masters in another field is also a fine idea; it broadens you out. Good luck in your future!

I thought, Doing applied math will increase my IQ and problem solving ability. Can a business major do so ? Other I want to work in hedge fund or finance. Should I go into engineering , applied math or statistics and business double major. Help me. I’m confused. I fear artificial intelligence and automation. Suggest me a major that will help me in future.

i am confused that shall i start to do Maths ? Is there any suggestions

I want your honest opinion. I’m really introvert person I don’t want to do a career that will give me stress for the rest of my life, I hate presenting or dealing with more than one person, but I love math and have A , A- In all my Math classes in my two years college, I’m thinking going back to school to get a degree. Do you think the work environment is excellent for introvert base on your own experience? Please

My daughter is a math major but does not know want jobs to seek out.

What did you get a master degree in

i have a degree in astrophysics and when i watch pure math vids, i always wonder what's the point of doing it... that's why i am a physics guy and not a math guy: i need to understand how the math relates to the real world...

I'm 29 without my grade 12 and I want to double major in computer science and math.

The GMAT is easy if you have a math degree. I did not study for it and must have gotten over 95% of math questions correct.

aye good content brutha, i would be in your group

Podziwiam ludzi, którzy studiują matematykę. Zawsze to powtarzałem swojemu kumplowi czarnuszkowi jak przechodziliśmy obok b7. Ten czarnuszek tutaj z filmiku jest troszkę inny i ma tylko licencjat. Mi się udało przetrwać magistra i powiem, że to niezła życiowa przygoda. Pozdrawiam swojego Czarnuszka (nie tego tu).

That's why I sent my daughter to an HBCU

Even as a white, male student, it can be an uncomfortably homogenous major, depending on the program. That's probably my biggest gripe so far, honestly.

I disagree with the jack of all trades. Almost no one who is not a math major will be in any class of yours starting from real analysis and abstract algebra. No other major will have the exposure the a year of analysis (3 semesters if including complex), a year of abstract algebra, differential geometry, topology, and whatever other courses in math I wish to take. Now to clear up, you could only take applied math courses and maybe your experience would differ. But if you say math in general you are including a degree that has all these "pure" math courses. Almost everyone needs a math degree to begin publishing research in math. Maybe some other majors would be able to transition but it is also much harder and rarer to see. My point is, you are not a jack of all trades. You are specialized in MATH.

I'm a double math major hoping to go further with pure Mathematics

Can anyone tell me why did you choose mathematics?

I regret not watching this before I decided to become one...hahaha

How many hours would you study a day including weekends? I'm about to start in August.

Any suggestions on what kind of jobs to be applying to? Math degree with some knowledge in java, c#, and sql

Mathematicians are not "jack of all trade" Only when they don't really take time to study well during undergraduate days

Were you more of an analysis or algebra kind of guy?

You can join my group any time!

I really want to be a Math Teacher , but getting there scares the shit out of me.

Did a masters really help? I was told it’s essentially a glorified boot camp 6 months to 1 year and a half?

Do you think the job outlook would be significantly better with an Applied Math degree? I'm not sure what type of math you studied, whether pure math or general math or applied math, but it sounds like maybe you were more on the theoretical side. I'm considering Applied Math vs Physics vs Engineering because I think Physics or Applied Math would be more interesting, but then again engineers tend to get jobs right after the bachelor's degree more easily. And also if you know, do you think Applied Math or Physics might be better in terms of job opportunities? Thank you for the video!

Wtf did this guy really just mention deversity as something that important when doing your major bruh

So what can people do with an applied math degree

I think it is a great major but that most students who do study math, plan to teach, work as an actuary or go to grad school. So students should know what they plan to do with a degree in math, long before they graduate from college, and therefore, could take education courses, if they intended to teach, or more stats and probability courses, if intended to work as an actuary. Students could also have a double major in math and computer science or minor in math. I don't think because you had a 'bad' experience in your math class, as you said you felt as if you were alone, means that students should avoid majoring in math, instead, you could encourage more students to love math and study math, by becoming a math teacher in schools, where many students tend to perform poorly in math.

Why not work for a financial services hedgefund?

I need to travel the world...

That group thing happened to me but I went to school in Utah

Just graduated from ASU in biology with a minor in math,, just curious, what did you get your masters in ?

Many math classes were required by engineers and other majors and they all stuck together except when they would sit by a math major to get a better grade. So I wouldn't feel bad of you are excluded.

Any tips for real analysis?

You would have been cool to work with.

I have a BS in math. The most important thing I can tell people about math is do not major in it. You have to put so much effort and it pushes your mind to its limit. But, that means nothing to potential employers.

Be a physics major! You’ll still have to take tons of math.

I’ve been in the workforce for over 30 yrs. A math major HAS to be combined with something else. That way you have a superpower that you can also use to do “Something else”. After you get moving, you’re rolling.

Awesome to see you representing African American math nerds. STEM tends to be super white on RU-vid and doesn't reflect the real diversity out there in STEM fields!

If you have the time, you should totally get into the RU-vid math niche.

I dont want to live in america anymore