Introducing College Majors: Natural Sciences
Mathematics-Related Majors: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics
Mathematics is called the foundation of all disciplines, and there is some truth to this statement. Undergraduate mathematics programs typically offer two degrees options: a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
The key difference between them is that the BS degree places more emphasis on technical and scientific aspects of mathematics. BS students take more advanced courses in both theoretical and applied mathematics, along with classes related to physics, computer science, and engineering.
On the other hand, many liberal arts colleges award a BA degree in mathematics. While BA students also take a substantial number of math courses, they have more flexibility to take classes in the humanities and social sciences. Generally, a BS degree leans more toward quantitative studies.
Types of Mathematics Majors
Common math-related majors include Mathematics, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
- Mathematics focuses on theory and building new mathematical frameworks. It is less concerned with real-world applications.
- Applied Mathematics combines math with other fields like engineering and physics to solve real-world problems, such as optimizing supply chains, modeling disease transmission, or designing big data algorithms.
- Statistics is considered a branch of applied math that focuses on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. In simple terms, statistics uses data to make decisions.
The key difference between mathematics and statistics lies in their relationship to reality:
- Mathematics does not necessarily require data or real-world context.
- Statistics is entirely based on real-world data. If the data source is flawed, the statistical model will fail. Moreover, statistics has strong practical applications in various fields.
Application Information
· There are no additional application requirements for math majors. However, high school math courses are critical. In addition to advanced math, it’s better also to take courses in statistics and physics.
· The number of applicants for math majors is generally lower compared to fields like engineering and business. If a student excels in math in high school and does not dislike the subject, applying as a math major could be a good option to getting into a top university. In an ideal world, students can align both their preferred major and college. However, in reality—especially when applying to top schools—students may need to make trade-offs. For example, they might need to prioritize between getting into a top school or pursuing a specific but competitive major like computer science.
Top schools for Applied Mathematics:
MIT, NYU – NYU was the top-ranked applied math program for a long time.
Other strong programs include UCLA, Brown, UT Austin, University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), and UNC Chapel Hill.
Top schools for Statistics:
Yale, Duke, Northwestern. Other highly ranked schools include UVA, Emory, and UNC Chapel Hill.
Career Prospects
Many students with an undergraduate degree in math pursue master’s or Ph.D. programs in engineering or business schools. A strong math background is an advantage for careers in actuarial science, accounting, or finance.
The median salary for math and statistics jobs is around $104,000. However, pure math or statistics jobs can be harder to find. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were only about 30,000 job openings in math and statistics in 2023. In contrast, applied math roles like actuarial science, and big data are much more in demand. For example:
- Big data jobs: In 2023, there were 200,000 job openings in the U.S., with a growth rate of 36%.
- Actuarial science: This was covered in our episode on business-related majors.
Biology-Related Majors: Biology & Biochemistry
Biology covers a broad range of topics, including plants, animals, microorganisms, ecology, evolution, and genetics. Biochemistry is a specialized branch of biology that focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms. It studies proteins, acids, enzymes, DNA, RNA, and other molecules at the molecular level. Biology covers a broad range of subjects, studying all living organisms, including plants, animals, microorganisms, ecology, evolution, and genetics. In contrast, biochemical research operates at the molecular level, concentrating on proteins, acids, enzymes, DNA, RNA, and other molecular structures.
Application Information (Biology/Biochemistry)
Almost all universities offer biology programs. Top schools for biology include:Stanford, Harvard, MIT, UCLA, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, and UCSF.
Career Prospects
- Biochemistry graduates often work in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or medical institutions.
- Biology graduates may pursue careers in research, but many need to earn a Ph.D. or even postdoctoral experience.
- Careers in biomedical engineering or bioinformatics tend to have better job prospects compared to traditional biology roles.
- The median salary for biochemistry-related careers in 2023 was around $107,000.
Chemistry-Related Majors: Chemistry & Materials Science
- Chemistry involves the study of matter, its properties, and the changes it undergoes. It's a vast field, and organic chemistry is often considered one of the toughest subjects for students.
- Materials Science is a cross-disciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, and engineering to study materials and their applications. Applications of materials science include electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology. Examples of materials science innovations include batteries, nanomaterials, and biomaterials such as artificial organs, synthetic skin, and surgical adhesives.
Application Information
Top schools for chemistry and materials science include:MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UIUC, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, Penn State (PSU), and University of Florida (UF).
Career Prospects (Chemistry/Materials Science)
Materials science graduates often work in industries such as:
- Electronics and telecommunications
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Aerospace
- Environmental sustainability
Most materials science jobs require only a bachelor's degree, making it a field with a relatively low entry barrier.
Environmental Science
Due to growing attention to climate change and pollution and waste management, environmental science has become increasingly popular.
Key areas within environmental science include:
- Ecology
- Climate studies
- Pollution and waste management
- Conservation
- Earth sciences
- Environmental policy and law
Application Information
Top schools for environmental science include:
- University of Florida (UF)
- UC Berkeley (UCB)
- University of Michigan (U Mich)
- UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- UC Davis (UCD)
Career Prospects (Environmental Science)
Environmental science graduates can work in:
- Government agencies (such as the EPA)
- NGOs
- Research institutions
- Consulting firms (as environmental consultants)
- Private companies (especially in renewable energy and sustainability sectors).









