Mathematics

By the Numbers

In today’s highly technological society, the study of mathematics has become increasingly important. Mathematics provides a foundation for problem solving and logical reasoning skills. It includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, statistics, and computer programming, among others. Mathematics is the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions. Southwestern College offers transfer-level mathematics courses (numbered 100 or above) that will meet the lower-division needs of college transfer students.  Additionally, Southwestern College offers low-unit or noncredit co-requisite support classes for many of our transfer-level classes.

Program Awards

Our Mathematics programs are included in the Mathematics, Science, and Engineering field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Many career options are available for the mathematics major. Some of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate degree. Possible career options include: numerical analyst, teacher, engineering analyst, systems analyst, operations analyst, casualty rater, technical writer, research assistant, statistician, actuary, and computer specialist.

The average annual salary in this field is $126,740 for occupations like Math Teachers - Secondary or Post Secondary.

Typical Duties

• Training and Teaching Others
  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Getting Information
  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Working with Computers
  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively
  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Coaching and Developing Others
  Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Analyzing Data or Information
  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Documenting/Recording Information
  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information
  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies
  Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Performing Administrative Activities
  Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.