Mathematics
Program Description
An Associate in Arts (AA) in Mathematics degree will prepare students to transfer to a university for future employment in actuarial sciences, statistics, education, cryptology, cartography, topology, and research. Students should work closely with their academic advisor in their choice of courses as they consider which mathematics specialty best fits their career goals.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to present mathematical ideas to others in both oral and written form
- Show proficiency with a broad range of mathematical concepts from arithmetic and algebra through calculus and differential equations
- Use mathematical methods to analyze real-world problems and then use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions based on the interpretations of the results
- Effectively apply appropriate technology to help solve mathematical problems
- Work as individuals and as members of collaborative teams to apply analytical and quantitative tools to a variety of applications
- Demonstrate an ability to investigate a mathematical problem through numerical, graphical, analytical, and contextual approaches
Have questions about this program?
Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Mathematics - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
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.
Duties/Tasks
- Ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves and liabilities necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
- Design, review, and help administer insurance, annuity and pension plans, determining financial soundness and calculating premiums.
- Determine, or help determine, company policy, and explain complex technical matters to company executives, government officials, shareholders, policyholders, or the public.
- Provide advice to clients on a contract basis, working as a consultant.
- Analyze statistical information to estimate mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates.
- Construct probability tables for events such as fires, natural disasters, and unemployment, based on analysis of statistical data and other pertinent information.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of reinsurance with other companies.
- 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.
- Determine equitable basis for distributing surplus earnings under participating insurance and annuity contracts in mutual companies.
- Provide expertise to help financial institutions manage risks and maximize returns associated with investment products or credit offerings.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$98,380
$98,380
Entry Level Salary
$78,050
$78,050
Mid Level Salary
$91,620
$91,620
Expert Level Salary
$129,320
$129,320
Average Hourly Wage
$47.30
$47.30
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$37.52
$37.52
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$44.00
$44.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$62.17
$62.17
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Duties/Tasks
- Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses.
- Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques.
- Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
- Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.
- Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics, pharmacology, life sciences, and social sciences.
- Design research studies in collaboration with physicians, life scientists, or other professionals.
- Prepare tables and graphs to present clinical data or results.
- Write program code to analyze data with statistical analysis software.
- Provide biostatistical consultation to clients or colleagues.
- Review clinical or other medical research protocols and recommend appropriate statistical analyses.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$97,450
$97,450
Entry Level Salary
$49,080
$49,080
Mid Level Salary
$99,370
$99,370
Expert Level Salary
$156,710
$156,710
Average Hourly Wage
$46.85
$46.85
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$23.60
$23.60
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$47.00
$47.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$75.34
$75.34
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
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.
Duties/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.
- Conduct research to extend mathematical knowledge in traditional areas, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and logic.
- Develop mathematical or statistical models of phenomena to be used for analysis or for computational simulation.
- Perform computations and apply methods of numerical analysis to data.
- Assemble sets of assumptions, and explore the consequences of each set.
- Develop new principles and new relationships between existing mathematical principles to advance mathematical science.
- Develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in areas of science and engineering or that come from applications in business or industry.
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
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.
Duties/Tasks
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
- Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
- Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
- Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
- Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
- Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$78,330
$78,330
Entry Level Salary
$48,090
$48,090
Mid Level Salary
$77,160
$77,160
Expert Level Salary
$122,890
$122,890
Average Hourly Wage
$37.66
$37.66
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$23.12
$23.12
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$37.00
$37.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$59.08
$59.08
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
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.
Duties/Tasks
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Identify relationships and trends in data, as well as any factors that could affect the results of research.
- Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
- Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Present statistical and nonstatistical results, using charts, bullets, and graphs, in meetings or conferences to audiences such as clients, peers, and students.
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Design research projects that apply valid scientific techniques, and use information obtained from baselines or historical data to structure uncompromised and efficient analyses.
- Process large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, using computers.
- Adapt statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields, such as economics, biology, and engineering.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$97,450
$97,450
Entry Level Salary
$49,080
$49,080
Mid Level Salary
$99,370
$99,370
Expert Level Salary
$156,710
$156,710
Average Hourly Wage
$46.85
$46.85
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$23.60
$23.60
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$47.00
$47.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$75.34
$75.34
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sotero Alvarado | Math Center Coordinator/Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7715 | Sotero.Alvarado@azwestern.edu |
| Nicole Bethurum | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7544 | nicole.bethurum@azwestern.edu |
| Miguel Sanchez | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7765 | miguel.sanchez@azwestern.edu |
| Lauryn Geritz | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 317-6062 | lauryn.geritz@azwestern.edu |
| Renee Macaluso | Associate Dean of Mathematics, Science & Engineering | (928) 344-7640 | Renee.Macaluso@azwestern.edu |
| Greg McGuire | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7732 | Greg.McGuire@azwestern.edu |
| Peggy Locklear | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 314-9570 | peggy.locklear@azwestern.edu |
| Brett Peterson | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 314-9456 | brett.peterson@azwestern.edu |
| Whitney Peterson | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7587 | ila.peterson@azwestern.edu |
| Elena Zieba | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 317-6283 | Elena.Zieba@azwestern.edu |
| Kweiman Yang | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 314-7792 | kweiman.yang@azwestern.edu |
| Rebecca Kessler | Professor of Mathematics - South Yuma County | (928) 314-9453 | Rebecca.Kessler@azwestern.edu |
| Liang Zhao | Professor of Mathematics | (928) 344-7782 | Liang.Zhao@azwestern.edu |