Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Math Professor
What math professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a math professor?
Teach calculus. From there, the day usually includes teach math and statistics courses, write problem sets and exams, and hold office hours. Teaching, research and service with flexible hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a math professor working full time.
- Teach calculus.
- Hold office hours.
- Work on a proof.
- Teach linear algebra.
- Meet a graduate student.
- Write an exam.
- Grade problem sets.
Where math professors work
Math faculty work in classrooms, offices and math learning centers.
Hours and schedule
Teaching, research and service with flexible hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach math and statistics courses
- Write problem sets and exams
- Hold office hours
- Support tutoring programs
- Conduct research
- Advise math majors
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- LaTeX
- Graphing software
- Learning management systems
- Online homework systems
- Statistical software
- Whiteboards
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Love of math shared daily
- Flexible schedule
- Research freedom
- Steady course demand
What’s hard
- Lower pay than industry
- Competitive tenure track
- Grading load
- Math anxiety in students
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love mathematics
- I’m patient with learners
- I enjoy proofs
- I want research freedom
- I like teaching
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Math Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect student privacy
- Follow academic integrity rules
- Maintain boundaries
- Follow campus safety