Jobs that Use Calculus
Students wondering 'what jobs use calculus?' or other advanced math skills should know that there are many different careers in various fields that require knowledge of calculus. Students typically study calculus in high school and/or college. While there are many math and statistics degrees available at the postsecondary level that include calculus courses, there are also many other degree programs that require calculus in order to help prepare students for jobs that require calculus. Many of these careers are in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. Some of these jobs that use calculus include job titles like:
- Astronaut
- Aerospace engineer
- Mathematician
- Software developer
- Postsecondary teacher
- Economist
- Chemical engineer
- Operations research analyst
- Electrical engineer
- Environmental engineer
Calculus Careers
While there may be many more jobs that could benefit from a knowledge of calculus, there are several jobs that require calculus on a regular basis to make various kinds of calculations, predictions, and models. Here we explore just a few of the available calculus careers in three different fields (engineering, computer science, and business) and their job descriptions.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers usually need to earn at least a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and may choose to earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license. Bachelor's degree programs in aerospace engineering typically require multiple courses in calculus, including courses like vector calculus. Other important coursework for aspiring aerospace engineers includes topics in physics, computer programming, and chemistry.
Aerospace engineers use their advanced math skills to help design, make, and test aerospace products, such as satellites, spacecraft, aircraft, and missiles. They must ensure that these products meet safety and quality standards. Other job duties may include:
- Determining if projects are technically and financially possible
- Setting criteria and standards for designs
- Inspecting and correcting malfunctions on products
- Checking to see if products meet customer requirements and environmental regulations
Software Developer
An aspiring software developer can choose from several different schools with software development programs, as software developers typically need at least a bachelor's degree. Students may also pursue bachelor's degrees in areas like computer science, but all of these degree programs require coursework in calculus and subjects like computer programming.
Software developers may use calculus as they design and develop computer programs that make devices and networks work. Some developers may focus on applications software, while others focus on systems software. In general, these professionals may be responsible for:
- Determining and meeting a user's software needs
- Preparing models and diagrams for programmers
- Performing software maintenance and testing
- Suggesting necessary software upgrades
Economist
Economists usually need a master's or doctoral degree in the field and must have a strong mathematical background. Even at the bachelor's level, degree programs in economics require courses in calculus. Economists also benefit from hands-on experience analyzing data and using statistical software.
These professionals study and analyze economies and various economic issues using advanced mathematics. Understanding the distribution of goods, as well as the production needs of these goods, can help economists work to solve different economic problems. Other job duties for economists may include:
- Studying and predicting market trends
- Collecting economic data
- Applying mathematical models and statistical techniques to data
- Preparing findings in reports or papers
