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How much math do I need to study for a career that mixes creativity and technical thinking?
For a career like this, maybe an architect or product/sustainable designer, how much should I prioritize math in college and now in high school?
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29 answers
Updated
Tina Y.’s Answer
If you're thinking about a career in architecture, you'll usually need to take Calculus in college. But don't worry too much about it because, in the real world, engineers handle most of the complicated math.
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Phill’s Answer
Hey Neve,
It is great to hear that you are considering pursuing engineering or architecture. I am an Industrial Designer, and I can say colleagues of mine in said fields do tend to need to know a good deal of math. It does depend on which direction exactly you take it, but once you understand it, you can have fun with it.
Within Industrial Design, basic math is needed, especially geometry. However, if you are a creative person, this is good news as this kind of math will most likely come to you quicker than other kinds of maths. I can personally say I struggled and had to work extra hard doing math through my schooling days, but geometry always came to me more easily. I am now able to use those fundamental skills as a tool to make a range of products and objects. I would say to prioritize your schooling, but also stay creative. Try out a little bit of each study field you are considering.
Best of luck to you and your studies!
It is great to hear that you are considering pursuing engineering or architecture. I am an Industrial Designer, and I can say colleagues of mine in said fields do tend to need to know a good deal of math. It does depend on which direction exactly you take it, but once you understand it, you can have fun with it.
Within Industrial Design, basic math is needed, especially geometry. However, if you are a creative person, this is good news as this kind of math will most likely come to you quicker than other kinds of maths. I can personally say I struggled and had to work extra hard doing math through my schooling days, but geometry always came to me more easily. I am now able to use those fundamental skills as a tool to make a range of products and objects. I would say to prioritize your schooling, but also stay creative. Try out a little bit of each study field you are considering.
Best of luck to you and your studies!
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VK’s Answer
Hi Neve, great question! Careers like architecture or product/sustainable design definitely combine creativity with technical thinking, and math plays a supporting role in both.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• For architecture, you’ll need a solid foundation in geometry, algebra, and some calculus. College programs usually require physics and structural math too, since safety and precision are key.
• For product or sustainable design, it depends—some roles are more creative (like industrial design), while others lean technical (like engineering design). At minimum, being comfortable with algebra and basic data analysis is helpful, and higher-level math (like calculus or statistics) may be needed depending on the path you take.
That said, don’t let math scare you off. It’s a tool, not the end goal—and you can absolutely succeed in these fields with practice, support, and a creative mindset. Focus on strengthening your math skills now so they’re there when you need them, but know that your imagination and problem-solving abilities are just as important. :) Good luck.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
• For architecture, you’ll need a solid foundation in geometry, algebra, and some calculus. College programs usually require physics and structural math too, since safety and precision are key.
• For product or sustainable design, it depends—some roles are more creative (like industrial design), while others lean technical (like engineering design). At minimum, being comfortable with algebra and basic data analysis is helpful, and higher-level math (like calculus or statistics) may be needed depending on the path you take.
That said, don’t let math scare you off. It’s a tool, not the end goal—and you can absolutely succeed in these fields with practice, support, and a creative mindset. Focus on strengthening your math skills now so they’re there when you need them, but know that your imagination and problem-solving abilities are just as important. :) Good luck.
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Ponnu’s Answer
Hi Neve,
For careers that combine creativity and technical thinking, such as architecture or product and sustainable design, having a solid foundation in math is important but you don’t need to be a math expert. In high school, you should focus on taking core math classes like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as these are essential for understanding measurements, proportions, and problem-solving—skills you’ll use often in these fields. If you feel comfortable, taking advanced math courses like pre-calculus or calculus can be helpful, especially since many college programs in architecture or design require some higher-level math. In college, you’ll likely encounter math in the form of structural calculations, budgeting, or data analysis, depending on your specific path. Overall, prioritizing math now will make you more prepared and confident, but you can balance it with art, design, or technology classes to keep your studies both creative and technical. Don’t worry if math isn’t your strongest subject—consistent practice and seeking help when needed can help you succeed.
For careers that combine creativity and technical thinking, such as architecture or product and sustainable design, having a solid foundation in math is important but you don’t need to be a math expert. In high school, you should focus on taking core math classes like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as these are essential for understanding measurements, proportions, and problem-solving—skills you’ll use often in these fields. If you feel comfortable, taking advanced math courses like pre-calculus or calculus can be helpful, especially since many college programs in architecture or design require some higher-level math. In college, you’ll likely encounter math in the form of structural calculations, budgeting, or data analysis, depending on your specific path. Overall, prioritizing math now will make you more prepared and confident, but you can balance it with art, design, or technology classes to keep your studies both creative and technical. Don’t worry if math isn’t your strongest subject—consistent practice and seeking help when needed can help you succeed.
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Aditi’s Answer
If you’re aiming for a career that blends creativity and technical thinking, you don’t need to stress about mastering every kind of math out there. The best approach is to pick a major you like, follow the degree plan, and maybe add a few extra math or logic-based classes as electives if they interest you. Even if you never use some of the math directly in your job, studying it helps train your brain to think critically and solve problems—skills that are super valuable no matter what you end up doing. So, the more math you’re willing to take on, the stronger those skills will get, but you don’t have to go overboard unless you really enjoy it.
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Avinash’s Answer
What others have said is often true, so I encourage you to explore and see if you can find a math topic you love. Once you find that, it can lead you to enjoy more math. It's easier to fall in love with math by focusing on one topic at a time. Basic math skills include design and logic, which are important too. Math is a great way to reach your goals.
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Shreya’s Answer
Prioritize math through high school (especially algebra, geometry, and trigonometry). In college, follow your program’s requirements. You don’t need to be a math expert, but a solid foundation will help you succeed and give you more flexibility in creative-technical careers.
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Neve,
What comes to mind is architecture, interior design/architecture, civil engineering, industrial design, product design, UX/UI design, human computer interaction, human factors engineering or website design. Check it out.
If you combine engineering and design, the closer you are to the engineering side the more math you'll need. But fields like UX and human factors that involve psychological research would require at least some good statistics classes.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
What comes to mind is architecture, interior design/architecture, civil engineering, industrial design, product design, UX/UI design, human computer interaction, human factors engineering or website design. Check it out.
If you combine engineering and design, the closer you are to the engineering side the more math you'll need. But fields like UX and human factors that involve psychological research would require at least some good statistics classes.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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Stuart’s Answer
Math is rooted in almost everything. Even if you are not doing a math intensive job it is very helpful in day to day life. That being said if you wish to concentrate on course more related to your career that is also helpful.
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Supriya’s Answer
Math is really helpful when studying subjects like Artificial Intelligence or architecture. It builds a strong base for these courses and gives you a technical mindset. Combined with your creativity, you'll become very powerful in your field.
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Peter’s Answer
Most colleges will guide you toward a general math path that includes algebra, geometry, and eventually calculus — and I’d recommend following that same path. If your career ends up requiring more math, you’ll already be prepared. If it requires less, then at least you’ve built up that skillset and critical thinking ability.
Even if you don’t use all the math directly, working through those challenges helps develop your problem-solving skills and that’s valuable in any creative, technical field.
Even if you don’t use all the math directly, working through those challenges helps develop your problem-solving skills and that’s valuable in any creative, technical field.
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Chitra’s Answer
The career path you choose will influence what math you need. Core math concepts like geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and probability can be very helpful. It's a good idea to build a strong math foundation first, then focus on the areas that matter most for your career.
Robin Daurelle
Commercial Interior Design also taught college classes
11
Answers
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Robin’s Answer
Be on track for Calculus in college should do it most is standard Geometry and Algebra
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Kim’s Answer
I think it truly depends on your field. Working as an architect (or accounting or engineering) will definitely require a lot of math, especially in building and planning. But other careers or as you move upward in your career--like project managers, team leaders, etc.--you may need fewer specific math skills.
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Sumitha’s Answer
You don’t need to be a math expert to pursue a career that combines creativity and technical thinking—just a comfortable grasp of the basics will take you far. For most creative-tech roles, such as graphic design, web development, animation, or digital marketing, understanding simple math like arithmetic, proportions, basic geometry, and a bit of algebra is usually enough. These skills help with things like layout, sizing, and interpreting data. If you’re interested in areas like architecture, industrial design, or advanced animation, you might use a bit more math—like geometry, trigonometry, or even some calculus—but you can learn these as you go. What matters most is your ability to solve problems, think logically, and apply math in practical ways to your creative projects. Don’t worry if math isn’t your favorite subject; many people in creative-technical fields start with the basics and pick up more advanced skills only when they need them. Focus on building your creativity and technical curiosity, and let math support your ideas as you grow.
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Vidhi’s Answer
I completely agree with Pete's response. I asked the same question 15 years ago when I was deciding on a career after school. I chose to study basic math, statistics, and algebra. Even though they were sometimes tough and didn't always seem relevant to my creative interests, I highly recommend taking math. It opened up many career options for me and made it easier to switch paths later on.
Having options is fantastic! More importantly, math helps you solve problems, manage your finances, and be smart with money. You don't need to be perfect at math, just know it well enough to stay competitive!
Having options is fantastic! More importantly, math helps you solve problems, manage your finances, and be smart with money. You don't need to be perfect at math, just know it well enough to stay competitive!
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Vidisha’s Answer
You'll need a solid grasp of basic algebra, logic, and problem solving, with more advanced math like linera algebra pr calculus depending on your path.
Focus on building creative technical projects - math supports your ideas, but it's thinking that drives motivation.
Cheers!
Focus on building creative technical projects - math supports your ideas, but it's thinking that drives motivation.
Cheers!
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Satya Prakash’s Answer
Neve, math is really helpful for both your career and daily life. Learning school-level math is great for everyday tasks. If you want to go further, studying higher-level or college math can be very beneficial.
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John’s Answer
Hi Neve! I wanted to share another career idea that blends creativity and technical thinking. I work as an actuary, and this job definitely needs both skills, plus a lot of math. Careers like architect, product designer, or any role that combines creativity with math also require strong business and communication skills. No matter what career you choose, you'll likely need to share your work or results with others. To improve these skills, you could take a business writing course, attend career fairs, or join Toastmasters events.
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Erin’s Answer
Hi Neve,
I wanted to say, don't rule out accounting as a career field! Not only does it involve math, but oftentimes companies are looking at their accounting/finance teams to think creatively and problem solve by using the many gray areas some technical accounting guidance creates! Accountants will also be in short supply in a few years which would position you well strategically once you enter the workforce.
Best of luck!
I wanted to say, don't rule out accounting as a career field! Not only does it involve math, but oftentimes companies are looking at their accounting/finance teams to think creatively and problem solve by using the many gray areas some technical accounting guidance creates! Accountants will also be in short supply in a few years which would position you well strategically once you enter the workforce.
Best of luck!
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Jana’s Answer
Math through high school level algebra can be very helpful overall. I would focus on whatever your major requirements are as well as some practical topics in college like statistics.
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Aparna’s Answer
Hi there! High school math is really helpful for building your skills. When thinking about your career, it's important to choose the right path. You might not need a lot of math, but using it wisely is key. Basic math skills are very useful. High school math gives you a strong foundation for many different careers.
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sowmya’s Answer
Hi,
You don't need a lot of math, but it's important to use it wisely. Basic math skills are really helpful.
You don't need a lot of math, but it's important to use it wisely. Basic math skills are really helpful.
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Natalie’s Answer
Math helps train your ability to grasp concepts and logical thinking. I'm a product designer, and while I don't use math formulas in my day-to-day, I do feel that math helped me analyze problems more systematically, think critically about design constraints, and break down complex challenges into manageable steps.
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Abhishek’s Answer
Whether or not you view a career as involving complex math, understanding math is crucial for business and daily life. I firmly believe that having a good grasp of math is essential for success in any career.
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Soumik’s Answer
Mathematics through high school provides a solid foundation for most career paths.
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Abishek’s Answer
As I’m also being engineering student, I would say math is core subject for every technical field either its engineering or architecture or any. So I would recommend you to study deeply and in an understandable way rather than memorizing the concepts and remember çalcus is must in architecture and hope you are good in drawings and visualization of object. All the best for your future l.
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Michael’s Answer
From my experience, calculus is the key math course to know well. Engineers usually take on most of the challenging math work!
Dave Sisler
Graphic Communications Manager Digital Production Specialist & Marketing Consultant
6
Answers
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Dave’s Answer
Mathematics are the foundation and are important.