What does a mathematics professor do?
Mathematics professor responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real mathematics professor resumes:
- Manage a university mathematics laboratory.
- Work in the preparation of federal proposals for teaching math through technology.
- Develop lesson plans using PowerPoint presentations, library resources, and computers.
- Compose a syllabus and lesson plan that coordinates with faculty members' schedules.
- Develop a syllabus to cover the needed topic in a given time frame.
- Have to take care of teaching algebra, calculus, probability and trigonometry.
- Review of first and second order polynomials, graphing equation, inequalities and solving systems of equations.
- Use flexibility, resourcefulness, and organizational and interpersonal skills to assist in learning through a positive, encouraging environment.
- Attend several conferences of the NCTM.
Mathematics professor skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Mathematics Professors are proficient in Math, Student Learning, and Intermediate Algebra. They’re also known for soft skills such as Critical-thinking skills, Interpersonal skills, and Resourcefulness.
We break down the percentage of Mathematics Professors that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Math, 14%
Discovered Two-Isometric Matrices in the C2,1 dimension with the development of my math program in Java Programming.
- Student Learning, 12%
Led variety of departmental and college-wide committees including hiring, student learning outcomes, institutional research, and Reading2Learn.
- Intermediate Algebra, 11%
Improved student's analytical skills in intermediate algebra by relating base algebraic concepts to higher order mathematics such as operations research.
- Syllabus, 10%
Revised the syllabus to meet accreditation standards Set instructor teaching schedules Advised students
- Pre-Calculus, 10%
Used Texas Instruments graphing calculators for Differential Calculus and Pre-Calculus.
- Chemistry, 7%
Experimented with different surface chemistry to improve quality of yields -Participated in poster session and presentation to faculty and graduate students.
Most mathematics professors use their skills in "math," "student learning," and "intermediate algebra" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential mathematics professor responsibilities here:
Critical-thinking skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a mathematics professor to have is critical-thinking skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "to conduct original research and design experiments, postsecondary teachers need to analyze information logically." Mathematics professors often use critical-thinking skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "helped non-traditional students develop critical-thinking abilities via mathematical concepts. "
Interpersonal skills. Many mathematics professor duties rely on interpersonal skills. "postsecondary teachers need to work well with others for tasks such as instructing students and serving on committees.," so a mathematics professor will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways mathematics professor responsibilities rely on interpersonal skills: "created original syllabus with emphasis on movement experiences to foster intra and interpersonal awareness. "
Resourcefulness. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of mathematics professors is resourcefulness. This skill is critical to many everyday mathematics professor duties, as "postsecondary teachers must be able to present information in a way that students will understand." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "use flexibility, resourcefulness, and organizational and interpersonal skills to assist in learning through a positive, encouraging environment. "
Speaking skills. A big part of what mathematics professors do relies on "speaking skills." You can see how essential it is to mathematics professor responsibilities because "postsecondary teachers need good communication skills to present lectures and provide feedback to students." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical mathematics professor tasks: "presented my original research on "conceptual understanding of limits in calculus" at the nctm conference in boston, mass. "
Writing skills. A commonly-found skill in mathematics professor job descriptions, "writing skills" is essential to what mathematics professors do. Mathematics professor responsibilities rely on this skill because "postsecondary teachers need strong writing ability to publish original research and analysis." You can also see how mathematics professor duties rely on writing skills in this resume example: "implemented math literacy assignments, to integrate reading and writing in math. "
The three companies that hire the most mathematics professors are:
- University of Wisconsin System2 mathematics professors jobs
- Concordia University Irvine2 mathematics professors jobs
- Loyola Marymount University1 mathematics professors jobs
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Compare different mathematics professors
Mathematics professor vs. Statistical methods teacher
An assistant professor of mathematics is in charge of teaching students and performing academic support tasks for mathematics professors in learning institutions. Among their responsibilities include conducting research and studies, developing learning and coursework materials, monitoring the students' activities, handling calls and correspondence, producing reports or proposals, and facilitating discussions. They may also assist students and faculty, supervise activities, and take part in meetings and conferences. Furthermore, an assistant professor may also recruit and train junior staff, all while adhering to the institution's policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a mathematics professor are more likely to require skills like "student learning," "intermediate algebra," "syllabus," and "pre-calculus." On the other hand, a job as a statistical methods teacher requires skills like "statistical methods," "classroom management," "social studies," and "mathematics." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Statistical methods teachers tend to reach lower levels of education than mathematics professors. In fact, statistical methods teachers are 9.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Mathematics professor vs. Computer information systems department chairperson
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, mathematics professor responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "math," "student learning," "intermediate algebra," and "syllabus." Meanwhile, a computer information systems department chairperson has duties that require skills in areas such as "net languages," "windows," "classroom observations," and "wheel chair." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Computer information systems department chairpeople earn lower levels of education than mathematics professors in general. They're 23.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for mathematics professors in the next 3-5 years?
Coskun Cetin
Professor, California State University
Mathematics professor vs. Assistant professor of mathematics
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, mathematics professors are more likely to have skills like "student learning," "financial mathematics," "accreditation standards," and "teaching methodologies." But a assistant professor of mathematics is more likely to have skills like "semester," "graduate courses," "geometry," and "numerical analysis."
Assistant professors of mathematics make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $63,707. On the other hand, mathematics professors are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $59,302.When it comes to education, assistant professors of mathematics tend to earn lower degree levels compared to mathematics professors. In fact, they're 5.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 13.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Mathematics professor vs. Associate professor of mathematics
Types of mathematics professor
Updated January 8, 2025
