Career possibilities
Mathematics
A qualification in mathematics and statistics prepares you for a a wide range of careers that require quantitative skills. Mathematicians and statisticians play a crucial role in many areas of science, particularly computer science and the life sciences.
'If possible do maths...[it] is the single most useful ability to have in your kit-bag to equip you for any eventuality. In any case employers set a lot of store by mathematical ability and are more likely to hire someone with a good background in mathematics.' – Ross Gittins, Sydney Morning Herald Economics Editor
The Department helps to produce 'Maths Ad(d)s', a booklet that lists recent job advertisements to demonstrate the many and varied job opportunities available to maths graduates. The booklet also includes advice on applying for jobs.
Drop into our offices to pick up a copy:
- Melbourne: Department office, Physical Sciences 2, Level 2
- Bendigo: see Simon Smith, Business Building, Room 212.
Statistics
There is currently a global and national shortage of suitably qualified statisticians. In 2008, Google Chief Economist Hal Varian described statistics as the 'dream job of the next decade.'
'The biotechnology revolution is creating huge opportunities for statisticians...However, most biological scientists today are not trained in statistics and thus do not have the skills required to analyse this data...Combined with the low number of people studying statistics, this has created both an enormous shortage of good statisticians to do the work, and a lack of critical mass in Australia to develop new technologies.' – Dr David Mitchell, CSIRO Mathematical and Information Sciences
Statistics program accreditation (Major in Statistics)
La Trobe was the first University in Australia to have its statistics program accredited by the Statistical Society of Australia Inc [PDF 991 KB]. Students completing this program obtain Graduate Statistician status upon joining the society. Currently La Trobe is the only university in Victoria that has this accreditation.
The accredited major in statistics consists of the following units:
| Year |
Units |
|---|---|
| First year |
Any one of STA1LS, STA1SS, STA1PSY* |
| Second year |
STA2MD and any one of STA2ABS, STA2AMS** |
| Third year |
STA3BS, STA3SI, STA3AS and STA3LM. |
** Students who have completed STA2AS or STA2BS or STA2MS (no longer available) satisfy the requirement “and any one of STA2ABS, STA2AMS”.
