Earning a Mathematics degree can significantly increase your job opportunities and earning potential. Many different disciplines can be pursued and combined. The concentrations/degrees below are the most common areas where scholarships are available:
- Mathematics
- Actuarial Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
College and Universities
The first place to look for scholarships is the financial aid office of the college you are attending or planning on attending. They have a list of specific scholarships for Mathematics students.
Professional Groups
Another important place to look is professional groups or associations. These organizations' purpose is to support and guide people who work and want to work in this field. Here are some national professional associations that are currently offering scholarships:
- American Mathematical Society (AMS) - They were founded in 1888 to further mathematical research and scholarship. The society currently has approximately 30,000 members throughout the United States and around the world. It fulfills its mission through programs that promote mathematical research, increases awareness of Mathematics's value to society, and foster excellence in mathematics education.
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - Founded in 1893, this non-profit member association is dedicated to promoting and improving engineering and technology education.
- American Statistics Association (ASA) - Founded in 183, they are a scientific and educational society to foster excellence in using and applying statistics to the biological, physical, social, and economic sciences.
- Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) - This non-profit organization is dedicated to encouraging women in the mathematical sciences.
- Casualty Actuarial Society - They are an organization dedicated to advancing the body of knowledge of actuarial science applied to property, casualty, and similar risk exposures, promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and competence for the members, and increasing the awareness of actuarial science.
- Mathematical Association of America (MAA) - The world's largest organization is devoted to the interests of collegiate mathematics.
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) - A non-profit professional association whose purpose is to improve mathematics education for all students in the United States and Canada. Composed of more than 120,000 teachers, educators, and other professionals, it is now the largest mathematics education organization in the world.
- Society of Actuaries - An educational, research, and professional organization dedicated to serving the public and Society members. Its mission is to advance actuarial knowledge and enhance actuaries' ability to provide expert advice and relevant solutions for financial, business, and societal problems involving uncertain future events. The vision of the Society of Actuaries is for actuaries to be recognized as the leading professionals in the modeling and management of financial risk and contingent events.
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) - It is dedicated to advancing the application of mathematics to science and industry, promoting mathematical research that could lead to effective new methods and techniques for science and industry, and providing media for the exchange of information and ideas among mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. The AMS also provides career information and services to the mathematics community through the AMS-SIAM Mathematics Careers Bulletin Board. This interactive service informs students about non-academic career choices in the mathematical sciences.
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - It is dedicated to stimulating women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrating the value of diversity.
Regional Groups
National associations aren't the only organizations offering scholarships. There are also many regional associations and local affiliates that hand out awards to deserving applicants. Starting locally may increase your chances of winning quality scholarships.
You can locate regional associations and local affiliates that offer scholarships by searching the net and contacting your local Chamber of Commerce. You can also get leads from your local high schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.