The first step, however, is an education. Whether you plan on attending a two-year or four-year institution, the math courses you take in high school could make the difference in graduation. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, students who finish a course above algebra II — for example, trigonometry or calculus — double the odds that they will complete their bachelor’s degree. “I encourage all students to take as much math and science in high school as they can,” says Dr. Janet Hugo, director of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts. “Whether they go on to college or straight into the work force, they will use math constantly.”

A good, intensive math and science education can start earning you money before you even get to college. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Web site, four years of math and three years of science in high school are required to qualify for many federal student aid programs. “Four years of math is crucial,” says Dr. Mary L. Good, Donaghey College professor and dean of the College of Information Science and Systems Engineering at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. “Those are the foundation courses that science and engineering courses are based on.”

A combination of math and science appears on most college entrance exams, but it certainly won’t be the last time you’re tested on your skills. Both four-year and two-year institutions consider your high school courses during the admissions process, but many require you to take additional math and science placement exams for entrance into demanding programs. No matter what degree you pursue, however, most colleges require all students to take at least one math and one science course to meet general university requirements for graduation.

Arkansas offers plenty of educational opportunities for those with strong math and science backgrounds. The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts specializes in educating high school juniors and seniors from all backgrounds interested in mathematics and the sciences. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has developed the CyberCollege, which is one of the premier technology and engineering colleges in the state.

As the world becomes wired, so do the hottest jobs on the market. “As the knowledge-based economy continues, a facility in math and science is necessary for almost anything one wants to do,” says Good. From saving lives to “green” technology, math and science are today’s innovation trailblazers. The best part — you don’t have to leave the state to find one of these top-paying careers. Many large technology and engineering companies are located right here in Arkansas, such as Southwest PowerPool, Alltel, Acxiom and Entergy.

So do the math…and science! “The real thing is that students need to take advantage of doing science and math in high school so that their options are not limited. If they get a good solid math and science foundation, then their choices of college majors are unlimited,” says Good. “Don’t limit your opportunities.” Now that’s advice you can take to the bank.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Fact 1: Last year, the average starting salary of computer science graduates was $50,046, almost $20,000 more than the starting salaries of graduates not in the fields of math or science.

Fact 2: Eight out of the top 10 hot degrees are based on math and science, including engineering and information sciences.

Fact 3: Graduates from Arkansas schools are making nationally competitive salaries upon graduation. According to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, its graduates in engineering, computer science and information science are making between $48,000 and $56,000 straight out of college.

Featured Fields

A focus on math and science in school can open doors to stellar careers in areas like these:

• Wireless technology
• Neuroscience
• Data security
• Video game development
• Pharmacy
• E-commerce
• Software development