Are You Interested in Mathematics?

Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes and patterns and how they relate to the world. Mathematics can be studied on its own, or it can be applied to other disciplines, like physics, engineering and computer science. Students and experts in this field are called “mathematicians,” and they use mathematical theory and computational techniques to solve scientific, technological, engineering and economic problems.

“I like going into the unknown, tackling problems that no one has ever solved before.”

Dr. Justin James

Space Systems Engineer
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR)

Types of Careers in Mathematics

Accountant

Actuary

Application Developer

Auditor

Biostatistician

Computer Programmer

Cryptologist

Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Systems Specialist

Economist

Engineer

Financial Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

Market Researcher

Mathematician

Meteorologist

Operations Research

Programmer

Risk Analyst

Software Developer

Statistician

Systems Analyst

Theoretical Mathematician

Unit Supply Specialist

Plus Many More!

Mathematics Jobs in Action at the DoD

“The Air Force needs to make a lot of important decisions. There are lives on the line in the Department of Defense, and if we can figure out the ways that we need to get information to people effectively so they can make good decisions then that helps save the lives of our soldiers.”

Leslie Blaha, Ph.D., Principal Investigator

Meet DoD STEM

Leslie Blaha, Ph.D.

Principal InvestigatorBattlespace Visualization Branch, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory

Leslie Blaha received her undergraduate degree in mathematics and statistics from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and went straight through graduate school and the Ph.D. program at Indiana University. She graduated with degrees in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Science.

Now Dr. Blaha works in the Battlespace Visualization Branch in the Human Effectiveness Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory, specializing in the mathematical and statistical modeling of decision-making processes.

She finds the new challenges she faces and the interaction with a variety of people to be the most rewarding aspects of working for the Department of Defense. She encourages networking, being open-minded, and seeking internship opportunities.

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Learn More About Mathematics Through These Opportunities

National Math Club

MATHCOUNTS provides engaging mathematics programs to U.S. middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes towards mathematics and problem-solving. MATHCOUNTS provides game instructions, math explorations, problem sets and monthly challenges that can be enjoyed by students of all skill levels.

Students

Educators

Volunteers

National Math + Science Initiative College Readiness Program

The National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) increases students' access and achievement in rigorous mathematics, science, and English to prepare them for the 21st-century economy. NMSI's College Readiness Program partners with schools and districts nationwide to provide teachers with training, support, and resources to teach advanced STEM courses.

Educators

Cryptanalysis and Signals Analysis Summer Program

The National Security Agency's Cryptanalysis and Signals Analysis Summer Program offers undergraduate mathematicians and computer scientists a chance to contribute to mission-essential technical operations. Students learn how transform data into intelligence reports by analyzing signals and protocols.

Students

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