What's today's mathematics, god?

September 30, 2009 8:42 AM

I have discovered, kind of late in life, that I am pretty good at math. How can I capitalize on this?

I am 30 years old with a humanities BA that didn't require much math and is not serving me all that well. I recently went back to community college to beef up my transcript in case I wanted to go to graduate school: Take statistics, calculus, etc. I have been taking classes there, and I pretty much breezed through subjects where everyone was struggling like hell. I got an A in calculus without much effort. I know math will eventually get hard for me and I will struggle like everyone else, but I really enjoy this subject now and want like hell to pursue it.

The problem is I already have this BA. Getting a second BA seems like a nightmare. I am relatively close to getting an associates in math. Couple of years part time study and I would have it, but how much would that actually help me? What can you do with an associates in math? And if I do get it, what sort of occupational or educational doors would that even open? It's not like I can go from an associates in math to a masters program in math. I figure instead of pursuing another BA, I beef out my transcript even more at a 4 year college as a part time student. That seems like a good option, but I am sort of stumped in what I can do in the meantime. I mean, I would like to see some return on my investment of time and energy other than some college credits and personal satisfaction.

Is there something I am missing? What sort of doors would an associates in math actually open, and how could I go about pursuing them? How can I capitalize in the short term, while paving the way for long term?

Bonus: I did very well during while getting my BA: Multiple honors, awards, etc.
Difficulty: I am married with a daughter, and I am the primary provider.

posted by anonymous to Education (14 answers total)

Getting a secondary BA is not a nightmare. I had a friend who did Bio and then went back for an Economics degree because, he too, was more centered on mathematics and business.

It took him a year at an accelerated pace and has payed off handsomely for his career aspirations. He was 26 when he began this endeavor.

Granted, with a child and spouse, the situation is more difficult if you can't devote full time to it, but talk to a local college about what type of transferable credits are at your disposal. If you crush through a mathematics, statistics, economics or engineering degree, you can greatly increase your job earnings over a humanities degree, a prospect which may be worth the pain of that year.

Good luck,
posted by stratastar at 8:57 AM on September 30, 2009

if you enjoy math, take whatever courses float your boat (I'm ABD in math and am having fun taking welding classes at the local juco). if, OTOH, you want to improve your marketability, then I'd suggest stats and comp sci classes that might fit well with your undergrad major.
posted by youchirren at 9:18 AM on September 30, 2009

MBA Finance. You can go into that with any sort of undergrad degree.
posted by Jacqueline at 9:20 AM on September 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

Have you considered studying for certification as an actuary? It contains delicious math, doesn't require you to continue your potential associate's degree, and the profession centres on continuing education designed for someone who is breadwinning at the same time.

Once you get started, many employers will even pay for (and give time off for) exams and prep.
posted by Sallyfur at 9:29 AM on September 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

I second the actuary recommendation. Although, warning from one who has taken the test before: It's randomized and can either be incredibly difficult or absurdly easy.
posted by lizarrd at 9:43 AM on September 30, 2009

You definitely want to consider being an actuary. It's my understanding that you generally don't need a graduate degree in order to get a job, and it pays well, especially if you keep taking the tests and moving up the ladder.

With an associate's in math, you may also be able to get a master's in Operations Research without too much extra preparation link is to my school's computational operations research page; other schools offer it too, obviously. I (an undergraduate) am in a master's OR course right now, and quite a few people were not math majors as undergrads and/or have been out of school for quite a few years. It's worth asking your friendly neighborhood university about, since OR is another thing that people will actually pay you for.
posted by Commander Rachek at 9:45 AM on September 30, 2009

Statistical analysis of another field of interest? I know that in the biology world, everyone loves a good biostatistician and people who with solid math backgrounds have great advantages. I imagine the same holds true in many fields - there is a scarcity of people in the US with the math background to tackle complex statistical analysis and modeling. A background in statistics would be a great asset for a career in biology, psych, sociology, economics, policy etc...
posted by ladypants at 9:49 AM on September 30, 2009

Have you ever tried your hand at computer programming, to see if you have a knack for that as well? A solid background in advanced math and an aptitude for programming could equal lots of job opportunities in the CS/IT fields.

Bonus: If you're pressed for time and a motivated self-learner you can learn to program at home.
posted by shino-boy at 10:09 AM on September 30, 2009

Also, I can't resist: 30 years old ain't too "late in life" to discover something that you're good at (sic). :)

If you *enjoy* doing math as well then it's a double-bonus.
posted by shino-boy at 10:13 AM on September 30, 2009

Have you considered teaching? There is a severe shortage of math teachers all over, and there are MAT (masters of art in teaching) programs that would be glad to have you.
posted by mareli at 10:30 AM on September 30, 2009

Since you're anonymous I don't know where you are, but here's a link to an MAT program a friend of mine teaches in. There are a lot of fellowships out there for people who want to do this. It won't ever be big bucks but it can be very satisfying and you'll have more time with your family in the summer and on holidays.
posted by mareli at 10:35 AM on September 30, 2009

I've done very well by going into work that Arts majors do and distinguishing myself as the person who's fantastic at math. I'm not sure what your background is, but you might find that you can add huge value in your current path if you simply read a few books on finance, economics, market research, etc., and then find ways to apply that.
posted by acoutu at 1:35 PM on September 30, 2009

I know you aren't talking about getting a higher degree, but there was a good article on NYT about statisticians.
posted by kenliu at 5:35 PM on September 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

It's not like I can go from an associates in math to a masters program in math.

But what you can do is go from a BA to another BA, or into a masters program. Agree that a second BA is not really a nightmare. Actually, agree with everything upstream.

I'm doubtful of the value of an AA, since you already have a BA, unless it's specifically required for certification (med tech?). In particular, I think any non-trivial investment in coursework specific to an AA (eg. non-transferable junk, repeat coursework) would be better directed towards interesting and/or relevant coursework.

An alternative to a MAT might be a MEd (Masters of Education) -- it's a relatively quick and painless program; I had a friend who completed his in 3 quarters (a masters degree qualifies one to teach in a community college).

So, per the specific: Is there something I am missing?
I think you're over-estimating the value of an AA, and you're also over-estimating the difficulty of obtaining either a second BA, or a masters degree.
posted by Tuesday After Lunch at 6:32 PM on September 30, 2009