This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Online Masters in Math Education in the United States. As a master in math education, you can improve your skills as a teacher.
Math teachers can’t just teach math all day and be successful. They need to develop an understanding of the subject they are teaching and be able to communicate that understanding to the students. That’s where a master’s degree comes in. This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s in Math Education.
A master’s degree in math education is designed for those who want to become math teachers or advance their current teaching careers. These degrees make you eligible for many different career options, such as teaching at the college level, elementary school level, or high school level.
The math education degree combines advanced math skills with best teaching practices. Not only will you advance your own math skills, but you’ll also sharpen your communication skills so that you can teach math effectively.
You might also pursue this math education degree if you want to earn a doctorate degree later. With a PhD, you could teach graduate-level math courses. A online master’s in math education can help you reach that step.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Accelerated Online Master’s in Math Education
Fast Online Master’s editors want Math Education Students to find a program that pays off for them. That’s why we feature only trustworthy, accredited institutions. In the Most Affordable ranking, we present programs in order from lowest tuition to highest, according to current IPEDS stats.
1. East Carolina University
East Carolina University (ECU) offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics which is among the most innovative online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics in North Carolina. East Carolina University’s MA in Math is offered in three academic emphases – math in the community college, statistics, or mathematics. The math education degree candidates enrolled in East Carolina University’s Online Master’s in Math Education program must finish a minimum of 30 to 35 graduate semester hours to earn East Carolina University’s mathematics education degree.
In addition to completing a comprehensive exam, students enrolling in East Carolina University’s accelerated online Master’s in Math Education program must submit a thesis or research project, with those following the community college concentration preparing a teaching portfolio. Featured core classes include modern algebra, advanced calculus I & II, mathematical physics, and ordinary differential equations, to name a few.
2. James Madison University
James Madison University’s College of Education and the Math and Statistics Department (JMU Online) offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Mathematics that has been developed for working math teachers but can be completed by teachers and non-teacher – entirely as an online degree. James Madison University’s Online Master’s in Math Education program is among Virginia’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics education. Applicants to James Madison University’s graduate math education program must already have completed a minimum of 15 undergraduate math credits, including a calculus sequence and linear algebra.
The online 34-credit hour curriculum for this accelerated online Master’s in Math Education program from JMU includes modern geometry, inquiry in education, probability, and statistics I and II, learning theories and practice, and curriculum theory and issues, to name a few. This is divided into 21 credits of math and 13 credits in educational development.
3. Central Methodist University
Central Methodist University (CMU) offers a Master of Science degree in Mathematics (MSM) program that is among Missouri’s most innovative leading accelerated online Master’s in Math Education programs. Central Methodist University’s non-thesis online accelerated master’s programs in math education require degree candidates to complete 32 graduate semester hours to earn the graduate degree. This CMU program is specifically designed for those seeking a doctorate degree, a career as an educator, or a rewarding job in the private sector or industry or within a government agency in a public capacity.
Central Methodist University’s Online Master’s in Math Education program includes these classes – proof in math, matrices and linear algebra, the history of mathematics, topology, number theory, and advanced mathematical statistics, to name a few. Central Methodist University’s graduate degree in mathematics is also ranked among the most affordable online programs in Missouri and beyond.
4. Indiana State University
Indiana State University (Indiana State Online) College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics that is ranked among the most affordable of online accelerated master’s programs in math in the greater Midwest area. ISU’s Online Master’s in Math Education program has been designed for those students interested in pursuing a career in math, including high school educators, among others. This program from Indiana State University is available to all students in the US, including the District of Columbia & all US territories, as well as all students in Canadian provinces.
Indiana State University’s 33 credit unit accelerated online Master’s in Math Education online program includes a final oral exam of the capstone project, plus coursework in real variables, mathematics research, mathematical modeling, graph theory, linear programming and optimization, and commutative algebra, plus eighteen credits of elective classes, to name a few.
5. The University of Houston
The University of Houston (UH) offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics that is recognized as one of the most affordable of online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics education in Houston and surrounding Lone Star State areas. This Online Master’s in Math Education program has been developed to prepare degree candidates as educators in a secondary and post-secondary community or junior college. Students enrolled in the UH’s graduate degree in mathematics are required to earn 33 graduate credits to meet UH’s program criteria.
The University of Houston requires graduates to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to graduate. The following includes required classes – probability and statistics, geometry, and number theory, to name a few. Graduate of UH’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program also prepares grads to move into supervisory positions in the field of education.
6. The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas @ Rio Grande Valley (UT Rio Grande Valley) Graduate College offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics program that has been developed for educators who wish to work with students at various levels of mathematics. The University of Texas @ Rio Grande Valley Master’s in Math Education Online program is organized into four academic emphases from which to choose – Mathematics Teaching, Industrial & Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, & Statistics.
UT Rio Grande Valley’s 36 credit hour online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics are offered in three completion tracks – a comprehensive exam, a research capstone project, or a thesis avenue to earn the degree. The featured coursework for this accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley includes linear algebra, a survey of topics in mathematics, ordinary differential equations, number theory, and discrete mathematics, to name a few.
7. California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U Online) offers a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree program in Applied Mathematics that is among the greater Pittsburgh’s area’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics. This accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program from Cal U requires degree candidates to complete 30 graduate semester hours, with a thirteen-month graduation timeline available for those studying full-time. The California University of Pennsylvania offers students an impressive faculty to student ratio of 1 to 18.
California University of Pennsylvania’s Master’s in Math Education Online program includes a diverse set of applied math topics that include leadership and professional development, advanced multivariate statistics, project management, optimization, and operations research, and applied cryptography, plus a related capstone project, among others. Students graduating from Cal U’s graduate applied math degree find diverse careers as their skills are a great fit for a marketplace hugely dependent on data.
8. Ball State University
Ball State University (Ball State Online) Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics Education that offers students these online accelerated master’s programs – elementary & middle school educators, secondary school educators, or elementary & middle school specialists – which includes a Specialist Math License in Indiana. Ball State University’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program ranks among the top online programs for veterans, noted by US News and World Report.
Ball State University’s curriculum for its Master’s in Math Education Online program includes those areas advocated by the NCT of Mathematics and can be completed in as few as two years. The number of credits required depends on the selected concentration and varies between 30 and 36-semester credits. Core classes for this Ball State University degree in math include algebraic reasoning, rational numbers and proportional reasoning, and measurement concepts and geometric reasoning, to name a few.
9. The University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences (UNI at a Distance) offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics with an academic emphasis in secondary teaching that ranks among Iowa’s leading, affordable online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics. It is noted that this accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program has a summer residence of two weeks that includes in-person instruction in Cedar Falls. The University of Northern Iowa’s graduate math teaching degree has been developed to extend the student’s knowledge of math and to enhance current teaching strategies for those working in secondary schools.
The University of Northern Iowa’s affordable Master’s in Math Education Online degree program requires a minimum of 33-semester credits in coursework that includes curriculum and assessment, teaching rational numbers and proportionality, equity and mathematics education, mathematics teachers, foundations in math education, and probability and statistical inference, to name a few.
10. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK Distance) offers a Master of Mathematics (MM) degree program that can be completed entirely online. The University of Tennessee’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program is ranked among the most affordable of online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics in the Volunteer State and beyond. This program has been developed to not only enhance math knowledge but is also paired with real-world applications that apply to classroom settings.
Students enrolled in this accelerated Master’s in Math Education Online degree program may complete the degree by compiling a professional portfolio, a timed examination, or a thesis. The University of Tennessee’s graduate degree in mathematics education includes these featured classes – mathematical reasoning and proofs for teachers, algebra for teachers, mathematics teachers, math educators, geometry, the history of mathematics, mathematical modeling for teachers, statistics for teachers, and probability for teachers.
11. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University (TAMU Distance) Department of Mathematics offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics that has been developed for those students who have an interest in math and a career goal to become an educator in computational math in community colleges or K-12 schools. Texas A&M University’s Master’s in Math Education Online degree program is ranked among the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics in the southern United States.
Texas A&M University 36 credit hour accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program includes these required classes – numerical analysis, computational linear algebra introduction to classical analysis, regression analysis, math educators, mathematical communication and technology, geometry, and seminar in applied math and algebra, to name a few. Nine of the 36 credits can be selected by the student with the help of an academic TAMU advisor.
12. Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University’s (Western Kentucky Online) Graduate School offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mathematics that offers working educators the opportunity to advance within the education community with its flexibility and convenience. Western Kentucky University’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program is among the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most affordable and best affordable online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics.
Western Kentucky University’s Master’s in Math Education Online degree program requires degree candidates to complete 30 graduate-level semester hours, including a capstone project that focuses on mathematics teaching. Featured classes for WKU’s graduate degree in math education include an introduction to probability and statistics, geometry from an advanced perspective, teaching mathematics, partial differential equations, topology, readings in mathematics, advanced mathematical thinking, algebra and number theory, and problem-solving for secondary teachers, to name a few.
13. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU) offers an affordable Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics Education that is ranked among the leading online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics available in the marketplace. Northern Arizona University’s affordable Master’s in Math Education Online degree program requires a degree candidate to finish a minimum of 37 graduate semester hours – divided among math education classes and mathematics content classes.
This accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program from Northern Arizona University includes this featured coursework – problem-solving theory and practice, reflection on math education, algebra and number theory, assessment in math education, and curriculum in mathematics education, plus a portfolio or comprehensive exam. Potential careers for graduates of this graduate degree in math education include an instructor at a community college, high school teachers, teaching mathematics, middle or high school educator, or math teaching specialist, among others.
14. Lesley University
Lesley University (Lesley U) offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) program in Mathematics Education that offers a non-license or professional license track. Lesley University Master’s in Math Education Online degree program ranks among the most innovative and affordable of online accelerated master’s programs in mathematics education in Massachusetts and beyond. Part-time students enrolled in Lesley University’s graduate degree in mathematics education finish in under two years, with full-time students finishing even sooner
Lesley University’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program in mathematics education explores the ways to equip students with the STEM skills required to succeed. This program, designed for educators, resource leaders, and curriculum specialists, prepares degree candidates to be effective teachers in grades 1-8. Students must complete at least 33 graduate credit units, including classes in understanding for number theory, high school teachers, geometry and measurement, teaching mathematics, statistics, and data analysis concept of calculus – change and infinity, and meeting diverse issues in the math classroom, to name a few.
15. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) College of Education and School of Criminal Justice offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Education with an academic specialization in mathematics that is among the Sunshine State’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. This Master’s in Math Education Online degree program offers the flexibility and convenience needed by working math education learners. NSU also offers a specialization for this degree for postsecondary educators.
Nova Southeastern University includes the following featured classes for this accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program – education research for practitioners, algebra in secondary schools, methods of teaching middle & secondary mathematics, conquering the teaching of calculus, and problem-solving strategies in the mathematics classroom. This program is a good fit for trainers, educators, and other professionals who work directly with education programs, who also hold a baccalaureate degree.
16. Drexel University
Drexel University (Drexel Online Education) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mathematics Education that offers students one of the most cost-effective online accelerated master’s programs in math education in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. Students complete this Master’s in Math Education Online degree program four ten-week quarters rather than two-yearly semesters each academic year. Applicants to this Mathematics Education program must hold a baccalaureate degree plus be able to be videotaped during a teaching assignment during the degree program’s second year.
Drexel University’s 45 quarter credit (equal to 30-semester credits) accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program includes a culmination capstone (either a thesis or lesson study project) plus these classes, functions through the curriculum, diagnosing student math thinking, geometry, and spatial reasoning, and proportional and algebraic reasoning and problem-solving strategies, to name a few. Students graduate as better equipped mathematics educators.
17. The University of Texas Arlington
The University of Texas Arlington (UTA Online) offers a Master of Education degree (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) with an emphasis in mathematics education that is designed for educators and teachers in Kindergarten through 12th-grade classroom settings. This Master’s in Math Education Online degree program is also among the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in math education in the greater Dallas area and beyond.
The University of Texas Arlington’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program requires degree candidates to complete 30 semester hours, with a potential completion timeframe of 1.5 years. UT’s math education graduate degree has received accreditation from the AAQEP – the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Featured classes for UTA’s affordable degree in math education include patterns and algebra, problem-solving, conceptual geometry, and measurement, to name a few. Financial aid is available if needed.
18. Chadron State College
Chadron State College (CSC Online) offers a Master of Education Administration that is ranked among the most innovative and affordable of Nebraska’s online accelerated master’s programs in education. This Master’s in Math Education Online degree program from Chadron State College has received accreditation from the CAEP and is offered in ten academic emphases, including, in part, math education at the elementary and secondary level, among others. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or have achieved certification along an alternate path.
Chadron State College’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program includes these basic featured core classes – educational philosophy, curriculum development, research design, and data analysis, and advanced methods of performance assessment, to name a few. This graduate degree in education requires degree candidates to earn a minimum of 36 credit units, a undergraduate degree, including a culminating scholarly project or thesis. Financial aid is available if needed.
19. The University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands (UC Distance Ed) offers a online Master of Arts (MA) degree in Teacher leadership with an academic emphasis in mathematics ranked among Kentucky’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. The University of the Cumberlands’ accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program requires prospective students to earn at least 30-semester credits to meet the University of the Cumberlands’ graduation criteria.
The University of the Cumberlands’ affordable Master’s in Math Education Online degree program includes this coursework – topics in geometry, research methods, best practices for coaching and mentoring teachers, and optics in mathematics, to name a few. Up to nine academic credits may be transferred towards this graduate degree program if the credits meet the university’s eligibility requirements of being granted by a higher learning institution that has received appropriate accreditation. Financial aid is available if needed.
20. Montana State University
Montana State University (MSU) Department of Mathematical Sciences offers a online Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education (MSMME) that includes a mathematics education academic track considered among the leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education in Montana and surrounding states. This Master’s in Math Education Online degree program offered by MSU requires enrolled students to complete a minimum of thirty graduate credit units to meet MSU’s graduation criteria. Applicants must hold a current math teaching license and a BS or BA degree in math or a math-related degree program.
Montana State University’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program includes these classes – statistics for teaching, access and equity in math teaching, assessment models and issues, number structure for teachers, discrete math, and conducting action research in math education, to name a few. Financial aid is available if needed.
21. Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Mankato (MSUM) offers a online Master of Science (MS) degree in Elementary Education that is designed to prepare K-12 educators to become the next generation’s educational leaders. In addition, MSUM’s Master’s in Math Education Online degree program is ranked among the most affordable of CAEP-accredited online accelerated master’s programs in education in Minnesota and beyond. Students from the US are offered rolling start dates, while international students have three start dates each year from which to choose.
This accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program offered by Minnesota State University can be completed in approximately two years – completely online. The diverse curriculum explores the ways to apply theory & research to the practice of classroom teaching. This education graduate degree from Minnesota State University requires degree candidates to earn at least 31-semester units. Financial aid is available if needed.
22. The University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver (UCD Online) School of Education and Human Development offers a online Master of Arts (MA) degree in Stem Education with an academic track in math and science education that is designed to prepare degree candidates to become expert STEM educators and leaders of tomorrow. This 30-credit accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program is also Denver’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education and ranked among the top education schools by US News and World Report.
The University of Colorado Master’s in Math Education Online degree program can be completed in as few as two years and includes these featured classes – geometrical ways of reasoning, equity and culture in science and math education, the nature of science, and a world of numbers – quantity and operation, to name a few. Financial aid is available if needed.
23. Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO Online) College of Education, Health & Human Studies/Department of leadership, Middle & Secondary Education offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Secondary Math Education that is among Missouri’s leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education. Prospective students enrolled in Southeast Missouri State University’s Master’s in Math Education Online degree program must hold a undergraduate degree awarded from an accredited institution of higher education.
Southeast Missouri State University accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program requires degree candidates to finish at least 30 graduate credit units – with a minimum of a GPA of 3.25. Sample core classes for this graduate math education program include methods of research, improvement of instruction and assessment, teaching in a multicultural society, instructional design and technology, and secondary curriculum development, plus a graduate comprehensive final examination (during last semester), among others. Additionally, there are two academic options – educational technology or educational studies.
24. Liberty University
Liberty University (LU Distance) offers a Master of Education with a math specialist endorsement that is among the leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This Master’s in Math Education Online math education program offered by Liberty University is accredited by NCATE – CAEP and requires students to finish at least 36 graduate semester units. LU also offers a generous transfer credit policy – with up to 50% of the program’s required credits to be eligible for transfer.
Liberty University’s accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program is also ranked among the best online schools by NICHE and the Center for Online Education. Sample classes for this graduate degree in education include educational assessment and intervention, teaching math in middle school, and trends and inquiry for the math specialist, to name a few.
25. Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University’s (VSU Online) College of Education and Human Services offers a Master of Education degree program (M.Ed.) in Middle Grades Education with an emphasis in math and science that is one of the most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in the southern United States. This 36-hour accelerated Master’s in Math Education online program requires students to complete 12 classes, with full-time students completing the degree in only sixteen months.
Valdosta State University’s Master’s in Math Education Online degree program includes these core classes – instructional leadership and assessment, collaboration and professionalism, conceptualizing middle-level learning and diversity in context, and research methodology in education and mathematical reasoning, plus a variety of electives to meet the student’s education and career goals.
Is a Master’s in Math Education Worth It?
Should you become a master in math education? Is becoming a master in math education worth the effort? It depends on what you want to do with your math degree.
If you are looking to become a math teacher, then this degree is absolutely worth it. It will impart the skills you’ll need for success on the job. On the other hand, if you are looking to get into finance or consulting, then you should pursue a different degree. The education aspect won’t serve your goals if you don’t want to become a teacher.
Receiving a master’s in math education is worth it when you are considering the future of your teaching career. With a master’s degree in math education, you will have the opportunity to work in higher-level positions and to make more money.
An online master in math education can also help you if you’ve been teaching for a few years and want to improve your skillset within the field. Lifelong learning is an important part of teaching. If you feel you’ve hit a ceiling in your career, earning a master’s degree can help you break out of the rut.
Some people wonder if they have the time for master’s degree classes. They’d like to earn a degree, but they also have a lot of responsibilities outside of school. If you’re thinking about becoming a master in math education, but you’re worried about flexibility, consider getting your master’s in math education online.
When you choose to get your master’s in math education online, you can find flexible scheduling that will accommodate your busy life. Some programs even offer self-paced scheduling, so you can earn your degree on your own time. And since you can learn from home, you can avoid spending gas money on your commute to school.
In many cases, online education also comes with accelerated options. You can find plenty of online accelerated master’s programs. A lot of students would prefer earning an accelerated master’s in math education. That’s because online accelerated master’s programs come with their own benefits. For example, you can earn your master’s degree in as little as 12 months. With an accelerated degree, earning your master’s can be worth the effort, even if you don’t have years to dedicate to it.
How Much Can I Make With a Master’s in Math Education?
Whether you learn on campus or pursue an accelerated master’s in math education online, your master’s degree can increase your earnings potential. Even if you work in a job that only requires a bachelor’s degree, your master’s degree can give you some leverage when you negotiate your salary.
Your master’s degree can also increase your earnings potential by opening potential job opportunities. Again, some teaching positions require an advanced degree. These positions generally pay more than those that only require a bachelor’s degree.
For example, secondary school math teachers make an average of $50,213 annually. The average salary for college math teachers, on the other hand, is $50,963.
Several factors can impact your earnings potential as a master in math education. For example, the state where you work can play a part. Some states pay their teachers better than others, and that includes math teachers.
You can also increase your salary as you gain experience. Experienced teachers tend to make more money than teachers who are new to the field.
