Mathematics - Liberal Arts & Sciences

Archeology, Engineering, Space systems, and Dietetics; these are all areas in which math plays a huge role in the
everyday functions. The stereotypical crunching numbers for forty hours a week in a white walled office is a thing of
the past. Not many people know the diversity that the field offers. Mathematics deals with logical reasoning and
quantitative calculation, but is now evolving into a field full of idealization and abstraction of its basic subject matter.

The work of a mathematician can fall into the category of either applied or theoretical, or a combination of the two.
The work of theoretical mathematicians is to improve their understanding of math. They are not concerned with the
effects of math on their lives. The idea of learning everything there is to know about math is intriguing. Those involved
in applied math use their math skills to discover new mathematical models and methods that can be used in real life
problems.

Mathematics has been a key ingredient in the physical sciences and technology, and in more recent times it has
taken on a similar role in the life sciences. In Mathematics, the basic goal is to find and explain the patterns of a given
situation be it electrical waves as dealt with in the area of the physical sciences or the changes in the Dow Jones
ratings. Mathematics is beginning to cross over the traditional boundaries that society has made.

Academic Department

 UConn's Department of Mathematics

Nature of Work

The nature of the work done by a mathematician varies. Mathematics is used as a means of solving both practical
and abstract problems. Whether the focus is theoretical, applied, or a combination of the two, the skills acquired can
be transferred to many different industries.

Sample Job Titles

 Operations Research  Applied Systems  Statistician

Analyst Sales
 Systems Level
 Actuary  Theoretical Designer
Mathematician
Potential Employers

When searching for employment, some of the organizations mathematicians may be found in include:

Aerospace corporations, research firms, accounting firms, insurance companies, state and government agencies,
defense contract companies, banking, and various other lines of business organizations.

Useful Skills

Individuals looking for jobs within competitive mathematical fields typically have the following skills: computer skills,
statistical filing, analytical skills, ratio generation, and decision-making skills.

Getting Experience

There are many opportunities in the field of mathematics. The best web site to search for a significant experience in
this area would be the American Mathematical Society. On this site you will find information on graduate school,
internships, news about the world of mathematics, and job postings.
Employment Opportunities

College graduates with a bachelor's degree in mathematics have the training necessary for positions in business,
industry, government and education. Companies in the computer and communications industries employ many
mathematicians, as do oil companies, banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms. Almost every area of the
federal government - including the Department of Health and Human Services, the General Accounting Office,
Department of Energy, Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National
Security Agency employ mathematicians.

Internet Links

 American Mathematical Society

 Northeastern University Department of Mathematics

Wikipedia Blurbs:
Operations research, also known as operational research, is an interdisciplinary
branch of applied mathematics and formal science that uses advanced analytical
methods such as mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and mathematical
optimization to arrive at optimal or near-optimal solutions to complex decision-making
problems. It is often concerned with determining the maximum (of profit, performance, or
yield) or minimum (of loss, risk, or cost) of some real-world objective. Originating in
military efforts before World War II, its techniques have grown to concern problems in a
variety of industries.[1]

Applied systems analysis is the scientific study of environmental, economic,

technological, and social issues in the context of human dimensions of global change.

Actuarial science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods

to assess risk in the insurance and finance industries.
Physics
At UConn, which is one of about 100 major research universities, many opportunities exist for the physics major to
develop skills required to be successful in many different careers. The disciplined work habits and analytical skills are
important assets for careers in physics, as well as medicine or law, which some physics majors have chosen to
pursue. Classes are small and opportunities for unstructured, informal discussions with faculty are readily available.
Independent research projects can be available to fine tune classroom theory.

Instructional software, especially designed for undergraduate instruction has been obtained from CUPLE
(Comprehensive and Unified Physics Learning Environment), a consortium of Physics Faculty from a number of
universities. The Physics Department is a designated test site for CUPLE programs. A wide variety of research
facilities and equipment are readily available to students, including a 2-MeV positive ion and a 2-MeV electron van de
Graaff accelerator.

The Physics Department’s research programs encompass investigations in the following areas: Atomic, Molecular
and Chemical Physics; Condensed Matter Physics; Quantum Optics and Laser Physics; Elementary Particle and
Field Theories, including work in Astroparticle Theory, General Relativity and Cosmology; Nuclear Physics; and
Polymer Physics.

Academic Department

 UConn's Department of Physics

Nature of Work

Broad applications in many industries. Strong math skills a must. Research computers, science, education,
aerospace and manufacturing.

Sample Job Titles

 Software  Research  Geophysic  Environmental

Engineer Scientist ist Physicist
 Professor  Astronomer  Medial  Athletic
Physicist Performance
 Aerospace  Astrophysicist Trainer
Engineer  Optical
 Atmospheric Physicist  Imaging
 Environmenta Physicist Technician
l Analyst  Surface
 Computationa Physicist  Scientific
 Medical l Physicist Journalist
Researcher  Genetic
Engineer  Atomic
Engineer
 Nuclear
Physicist
Potential Employers

Research labs, Higher Education, Government, Manufacturing, all aspects of the Computer industry, Engineering,
Medicine, Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals, Chemical companies.

Useful Skills
Logical thinking, quantitative problem solving and mathematical modeling are the general skills. Particular areas of
expertise include mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermal physics, and quantum physics. Many physics majors
also develop computer programming skills.

Getting Experience

The University of Connecticut has an impressive internship program in which third-year accounting students are
placed with one of the big five accounting firms or with one of a number of the well known local accounting firms.
Another great way to gain experience in accounting is through job shadowing and/or co-ops. Through these methods
of gaining experience one can develop am understanding of the different potential career fields and begin to build a
comprehensive resume.

Employment Opportunities

Forty percent of physicists find themselves working in various other fields including: engineering, computer
technology, biophysics and environmental physics. There are also some opportunities in “high-tech” industries for
those with a Master’s Degree in physics. Those who are interested in teaching will find that there is strong
competition for academic positions.

Internet Links

 American Institute of Physics  Optical Society of America

 Acoustical Society of America  Society of Rheology
 American Association of Physicists in  Association of American Medical
Medicine Colleges
 American Astronomical Society  National Association of Science
Writers
 American Geophysical Union
 National Science Foundation
 American Physical Society
 Physics Web

Geophysics – Looks at physical interactions inside and beneath the Earth’s crust. Studies tectonic drift
and volcanic activity.

Computational Physics – problem-solving using mathematical algorithms and pre-existing theories

Astrophysics – Analysis of systems outside of Earth using principles of physics. Important for the
development of universal principles of physics.

Aerospace engineering – Designing aircraft and spacecraft, optimizing for different conditions, overall
drag, lift/thrust, and payload.

Atmospheric physics – Looks at physical interactions above the Earth’s crust. Analyses weather patterns,
helps to improve meteorology.

Surface physics – studies what goes on at the interface of two phases (when a liquid touches a solid,
etc.)
Scientifica journalism – writing about all of the above and more. May require double major in
Journalism.
Chemistry
Students take a plan of study outlined by the Chemistry Department that will lead to Certification by the American
Chemical Society. Those courses include chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Fields of study include Analytical
Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Biological Chemistry,
and Environmental Chemistry.

Besides bench laboratory skills such as mass spectrometry and surface analysis methods, students studying
chemistry will develop chromatographic, electrical, and optical methods of analysis; strong problem solving skills;
computer; and research and design skills.

Academic Department

 UConn's Chemistry Department

Nature of Work

Individuals working in the field of chemistry can apply their knowledge to various purposes. Many work in research
and development. In basic research, chemists investigate the properties, composition and structure of matter, and the
laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances. In applied research and development,
they create new products and processes or improve existing ones, often using knowledge gained from basic
research. Chemists also work in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants. They prepare
instructions for plant workers which specify ingredients, mixing times, and temperatures for each stage in the
process. (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics, January 1998).

Sample Job Titles

 Chemical Technician  Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

 Environmental Health Specialist  Occupational Safety Inspector
 Crime Lab Analyst  Wood Technologist
 Teacher  Materials Scientist
 Technical Writer  Water Quality Analyst
 Forensic Chemist  Metallurgist
Potential Employers

Many chemists find themselves employed in one of three different arenas: manufacturing industries, government
agencies, and colleges and universities. The chemical manufacturing industry employs almost 50% of chemists,
testing and working with such essentials as plastics, soaps, synthetic materials, drugs, etc. While this industry
provides many of the opportunities for chemistry majors, chemists can also be found working for such government
agencies as: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The Center for Disease Control (CDC), and The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Colleges and universities also provide employment for chemists in research
and development.

Useful Skills

The study of chemistry is rather technical by nature; therefore, the successful chemistry student typically is very detail
oriented. For example, understanding the nature of organic and inorganic compounds and how they interact with one
another is a major premise in chemistry and requires great accuracy and precision. Also, many laboratory
experiments require pinpoint precision, where one minor error could compromise the success of the entire
experiment. Other important skills for students majoring in chemistry are critical thinking ability, problem solving
ability, and writing skills. Individuals possessing a combination of these skills are most likely to succeed in this field.
Getting Experience

The most practical way to gain experience in the field of chemistry, and in related scientific fields, is through
internship and job shadowing opportunities. Interning in a chemistry laboratory will provide the student with a detailed
background of the appropriate procedures, techniques, and methods utilized by chemists. This opportunity will not
only provide the student with practical experience, but will also increase the marketability of this student as a future
job seeker. If working off campus at a lab is not an option, it may be a good idea to seek out faculty who may need
assistance with some lab experiments on campus.

Employment Opportunities

Jobs within pharmaceutical and biotech firms, as well as at colleges and universities, are very competitive for
chemistry majors. However, there are several opportunities in smaller organizations in the service sector that may be
attractive for these students, such as: environmental, waste disposal, and quality control. In addition, there are many
research opportunities within industry and the government.

Internet Links

 American Chemical Society  Jobs for Chemical Engineers and

Chemists
 Chemical News Intelligence
 Association of American Medical
 Careers for Chemistry Grads Colleges
 Chemical Online  National Association of Science
 American Academy of Forensic Writers
Science  National Science Foundation
 American Association of Clinical
Chemistry

Metallurgy is a domain of materials science that studies the physical and chemical behavior
of metallic elements, their intermetallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. It is also
the technology of metals: the way in which science is applied to their practical use. Metallurgy is
commonly used in the craft of metalworking.

Crime lab analysis and forensics are applications of chemistry which I never would have anticipated.
What makes this interesting is that it’s a high-demand position, particularly in urban areas where crime
rates are higher. Plus having a job in forensics or crime lab analysis would put me in close contact with
the police, and it’s always good to have a friend in the police force.
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Students majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology may pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelors of Science
degree. Students study the interrelationships of organisms and their environments and the historical developments of
different biological groups. Studying ecology and evolutionary biology gives one a better understanding of the natural
world. Students must take at least one animal diversity course. There are a variety of subjects to choose from,
ranging from the biology of fish to studying entomology. Plant diversity is also a required subject in which students
must take at least one course with options such as the Evolution of Green Plants or Aquatic Plant Biology. Another
required course is Physiology, and there are recommended courses in various other subjects that students should
take as well. Students in this major will gain the experience with field and lab work that is necessary for successful
graduates in this program.

Academic Department

 UConn's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Nature of Work

Within the field of ecology and evolutionary biology, there are many career options available. One can work on basic
research doing lab work or be involved in more applied work. Applied research can include studying species
harvested for cosmetics or for use in pharmaceuticals, or how harvesting affects species' population. Part of the job
may be doing fieldwork in a variety of locations, working in academics doing research, or publishing findings. In order
to work in the academic field, teaching may be necessary, as well as obtaining a Masters or Ph.D degree.
Communicating through the writing of research results and papers would be a part of the job, as well as presenting
and explaining the results of the research.

Sample Job Titles

 Evolutionary Biologist  Biologist/Ecologist Risk Assessor

 Ecologist  Marine Conservationist

 Research Specialist  State Park Employee

 Environmental Planner  Eco Risk Assessor/Ecotoxicologist

 Research Biologist

Potential Employers

Some potential employers are non-profit and advocacy groups, such as conservation movements or environmentalist
groups. Additionally, employers can be found in the private sector. These include museums, aquariums, and
environmental consulting firms. Other employers that hire people with this major are schools and colleges and the
government including the local, state and federal levels.

Useful Skills

Communication skills are valuable in this field because the ability to share findings among colleagues is most
important. Other useful skills include analytical, mathematical, and logical thinking abilities. Enjoying performing
research and problem solving are also important in this field of work.

Getting Experience

There are several different ways of getting experience in this field. UConn offers courses that require extensive lab
work and fieldwork. It is recommended that students majoring in EEB take at least four of these courses. Other ways
of gaining experience include job shadowing, a co-op, or an internship. Through job shadowing, a student is exposed
to the intricacies of a particular job in this discipline. A co-op or an internship gives the student valuable hands on
experience.
Employment Opportunities

There are several employment possibilities for an EEB major. One can work for the local, state, or federal
government doing a variety of jobs. Another employment possibility is within the field of education. There are various
companies that need EEB majors in order to determine the impact that their company has on the environment, and to
conduct research, or consult on issues.

Internet Links

 The Society for Integrative and  National Association of Science Writers

Comparative Biology
 National Science Foundation
 JobScience.com
 Marine Careers
 Careers in Medical Laboratory
Technology  American Academy of Physicians
Assistants
 American Society for Clinical
Laboratory Science  American Zoo and Aquarium
Association
 Hartford Hospital
 National Oceanographic and
 Association of American Medical Atmospheric Association
Colleges

Ecotoxicologists deal with the study of what is harmful to an ecology, from the individual to the global
ecology.

Biologists tend to do hands-on work with organisms of all kinds, including living, dead, and preserved
specimens.
Psychology
When people first hear that you are considering a major in psychology, the initial thought is that you will be that
typical psychiatrist counseling patients on a black leather couch. But there is much more to the field of psychology
beyond that skewed image. Psychology investigates human development, mentoring roles, organizational structures,
therapy techniques, and the connections of the mind to behavior. The knowledge and skills of psychology majors can
be applied to but not restricted to the areas of residential care, social services, human resources, therapy, and
teaching/research.

Residential care facilities are focused on providing shelter and services for patients with a variety of issues including
mental illness, drug abuse, and delinquency.

Social service draws from many fields including childcare, law, political science, criminal justice, health and nutrition,
and psychology. Entry into the field involves the seeking out of information, connecting clients with resources, and
providing support to those searching for such information and resources.

Human resource professionals attempt to create a company environment that fosters professional and career
development for employees along with organizational development for group and company success.

From training and experience, therapists acquire the skills necessary to treat and rehabilitate individuals with
emotional, mental, or physical problems. Examples of expertise provided by a professional may be cognitive therapy
which focuses on recognizing and altering patterns of negative thought or expressive therapy that involves the use of
the creative arts in treatment.

Teaching and research at an educational institution combines the roles of a skillful and inspirational professional and
of a dedicated and investigative researcher.

Psychology knowledge and skills apply to many employment areas and career opportunities. As a liberal arts major,
psychology provides a degree that could lead to an expertise in marketing strategies or a mastering of group
development. This task of determining your interests and options are up to you, but at least you are aware that
psychology offers more than one stereotypical career path.

Academic Department

 UConn's Department of Psychology

Nature of Work

The nature of the work for a psychology major is specific to the industry that one enters. Those who are interested in
residential care will be in a hands-on environment that requires constant teamwork and flexible schedules. Most
individuals state that they are personally committed to their position and find that the residential facility becomes their
home and place of work.

The setting for individuals interested in social services depends on what population you are working with, source of
funding for the agency, working hours, and specific issues of the clientele. Social service work can be focused on
certain populations including children, elderly, and HIV/AIDS patients. The funding of an agency is important for the
stability of your employment as is the shifting working hours, which may affect your life outside work. Plus, the nature
of social services is to counsel and care for others so the work must apply to issues that you feel comfortable and
passionate about.

In the human resources field, you can acquire positions that handle employment and placement, wage and salary
administration, training and development, benefits administration, outplacement, and research and information
management. With these opportunities in human resources the work includes data analysis and constant interaction
with employees.

As a therapist, work occurs in a client setting and requires constant flexibility. You may work in teamwork settings
with other paraprofessionals, group therapy sessions, and become engaged with families of clients.

Finally, in the educational arena, the nature of the work allows for academic freedom, research opportunities, and
some administrative duties.
Sample Job Titles

 Industrial  Counseling  Job Analyst  Child Life

Relations Psychologist Specialist
Specialist  Job Trainer
 School  University
 Social Psychologist  Public Relations Professor
Worker Specialist
 Market  Residential Care
 Social- Research Analyst  Advertisement Provider
Urban Planner Representative
 Benefits  Probation/Parol
 Child Administrator e Officer
Development
Worker  Employee
Assistance Plan
 Drug Coordinator
Counselor

Potential Employers

The potential employers for psychology majors include the business sector (Aetna Health Care), government
(Department of Mental Health), social services (National Adoption Center), and education institutions.

Useful Skills

The skills that can be useful to psychology majors are research and observation ability, communication, patience,
persistence, and tolerance.

Getting Experience

To gain additional knowledge and skills for your career you must determine what kinds of experience will be most
beneficial. First, you might shadow an individual who works in an occupation in a field of interest to you. This might be
a chance to determine what job field you would like to pursue. After this investigation, you can obtain volunteer or
internship opportunities that are specific to your interests. Research projects with the psychology department are also
an excellent way to gain skills and knowledge about human behavior. Further, consider the qualifications and
certifications needed in your area of interest so that you can be readily prepared for entering the job market. This may
include obtaining an entry-level position for experience or continuing on for a master's degree.

Employment Opportunities

The prospects for psychology majors are high considering all of the sectors for employment. But, for those with a
bachelor's degree, one must start off in an entry-level position or pre-professional therapist. To achieve employment
as a psychologist, specialist, or educator you must continue your education with a masters or Ph.D. program.

In the residential care system, these positions are listed as one of the ten fastest growing occupations of the coming
decade. This is due to an increased appreciation of residential services, a continued recognition of benefits of
inclusion in society, and the lower cost of residential care over previous institutions. In social services, there will
always be problems facing society and therefore, the job outlook is continually positive for employment and
advancement. Possibilities for those interested in human resources are a slight bit more limited due to dependence
on a company's needs and revenues. The number and types of these positions varies according to a company's size,
fiscal health, and the amount of emphasis on employees. The therapy side of psychology expects a future need of
specialization and increased credentials. Finally, for teaching/research positions there are hundreds of educational
institutions but the trend continues to be a reliance on part-time faculty and heavy competition for a full-time
opportunities.
Internet Links

 Social Work Access Network  Encyclopedia of Psychology

 American Counseling Association  Social Psychology Database Forums

 Psychology.net  Society for Human Resource

Management
 American Psychological
Association  Psi Chi Honor Society

 Social Work and Social Services

Online

It seems that people who major in Psychology tend to choose more people-oriented careers. While the
knowledge gained from a Psychology major would be interesting, I would probably be most interested in
the research aspects of this field.
Molecular & Cell Biology
Students interested in the cellular and molecular basics of life and the application of molecular techniques would find
molecular and cell biology an interesting major. Students study physical sciences and need to have a strong base in
mathematics. Molecular and cell biology looks at single cell and multi-cellular level processes, studying how
biologically derived molecules, such as DNA function and carry out specific tasks in organisms. Some examples of
what’s studied by molecular and cell biologists are how cells respond to external stimuli, like hormones, cell motility,
secretion, and the uptake of substances. Cancer cells are studied, looking at how they vary from normal cells as well
as the role of genes in multi-cellular organisms. An important aspect of research in molecular and cell biology is cell
culture techniques. As a molecular and cell biology major one will have a strong basis in life sciences and will develop
strong analytical skills. Students take courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and genetics as well as in
mathematics. Laboratory courses give students hands-on experience for various methods and techniques used in
Molecular and Cell Biology.

Academic Department

 UConn's Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

Nature of Work

Molecular and cell biologists work in a variety of fields; their duties varying from one to the next, but in all of the fields
working in life science is involved. Molecular and cell biologists study molecular aspects of various cellular structures
and processes. Molecular and cell biologists can work on finding cures to various diseases by studying genes and
how they mutate to cause diseases (such as cancer). Drug companies are always researching new products and
molecular and cell biologists are a part of that research. They can work on developing therapeutic drugs to working
on stem cell research and in many other areas within the medical development field. A molecular and cell biologist
may find themselves working on research that involves cloning, subcloning, synthetic RNA transcription, gene
expression, cell growth and development, cell and organelle structure and assembly, and DNA dynamics and
chromosome structure, and other types of laboratory work. Recording and analyzing various types of data is an
important part of working as a molecular and cell biologist and will often be a part of one's job. Applying research to
help solve health problems and to help cure diseases will also be an option for molecular and cell biologists.

Sample Job Titles

 Research  Cellular Biologist  Research  Stem Cell

Technician Biologist Biology Scientist
 Senior Technical Sales
 Molecular Representative  Research  Product
Biologist Associate Manager

Potential Employers

Molecular and cell biologists are prepared to enter various fields; biotechnology, toxicology, and biomedical
engineering all offer potential employment. Many companies have laboratories as well as government agencies such
as the Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health. Scientific journalism can also use people with
knowledge of molecular and cell biology as well as sales and marketing. Drug companies hire molecular and cell
biologists to find new cures and study the effects of new drugs and to work in research labs. Biotechnology
companies are another potential employer of molecular and cell biologists. Business consulting firms have interest in
biology majors because of strong problem solving skills, and teaching is always an option for an MCB major as well.

Useful Skills

Useful skills for a molecular and cell biologist include being good at math, some computer skills, and some statistics
skills. It is also helpful to have good reading and writing skills as well as having a strong interest in science.
Getting Experience

There are various ways of getting experience in the field of molecular and cell biology. One way is to spend time job
shadowing and seeing various jobs within the field to see if they are of interest. Internships and coops are good ways
to gain hands on experience working for industries or in an academic setting. Any lab experience will be valuable
since there is lot of molecular and cell biology jobs involving lab work.

Employment Opportunities

There are a wide range of jobs within the different industries that molecular and cell biologists work in. Companies
within the food industry and cosmetic industry often hire people in order to ensure that their products are safe for
consumer use or consumption. Drug companies hire molecular and cellular biologists to develop new drugs as well
as test them before their release. The government hires people on the local, state, and federal level for various
programs such as disease research. The biotechnology industry researches and develops various medical products
and is an industry with a demand for people with knowledge of biological sciences. Education and consulting are
viable choices also.

Internet Links

 Cell and Molecular Biology  Association of American Medical

Online Colleges

 American Society for Cell  National Association of Science Writers

Biology
 National Science Foundation
 The Bio-web
 American Academy of Physicians
 Biotech Jobs Assistants

 Careers in Human Genetics  American Society of Microbiologists

MCB focuses on what is really huge today: genetics and cellular processes. Most of the work in this field
seems to be research-oriented. Molecular Cell Biologists ask questions regarding how certain chemicals
stimulate certain responses in an organism, why some substances are beneficial while others are
harmful, etc. Research in this field is critical for medicine, both in clinics and in pharmacies. One
breakthrough I would hope to find in this field would be a common characteristic of harmful substances,
such as a virus-specific chemical, that could lead to breakthroughs in vaccinations and treatments, thus
increasing the nation’s life expectancy.