The top online master’s in Mathematics degrees offer affordable accelerated options for professionals to earn advanced Math degrees. There is a growing call for more accelerated online Master’s in Mathematics degrees for working professionals.
Students in the field commit to their careers and will complete online programs in order to advance to higher positions. It may also come from the fact that there is a disappointing amount of STEM programs available online.
Working professionals who want to go back to school to earn a degree in their field may not have the time to attend a campus program. These individuals need flexible online programs that can fit around their schedule and won’t teach them something that they already know. Programs that students can complete in two years or less and have accelerated tracks are popular. This ranking brings them all into one place.
Featured Schools:
Methodology for Ranking Master’s in Mathematics
This ranking would not have been possible with the research from the National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database. An initial pool of 35 schools was created simply by searching for accelerated online master’s degree in Mathematics programs. Each school was then individually reviewed for several features, including tuition rates and degree completion timelines. The final 15, which are listed below, are based on the school’s estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the entire program.
15. Johns Hopkins University
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Degree: Applied and Computational Mathematics Master’s Program Online
- Tuition: $50,090 total or $5,090 per course
- More: Visit the school’s website for more on its computational mathematics program.
Johns Hopkins University is home to a great accelerated online master’s degree in Mathematics. It is ideal for professionals who want to move into the workforce after graduation. This program is available fully online or in a blended format for students who reside close to campus. The online MS in Applied and Computational Mathematics program offers five degree focus areas. These concentrations include Applied Analysis, Simulation and Modeling, Operations Research, Information Technology and Computation, and also Probability and Statistics. Additionally, there are three degree options for individuals with different educational backgrounds.
- Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics program
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Graduate Certificate in Applied and Computational Mathematics
Students can complete this program within the school’s learning management system. Courses are both asynchronous or synchronous and in a 16-week academic term format. For the MS, students must complete 30 credits of coursework, a thesis or capstone project, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Computational Complexity and Approximation, Functions of a Complex Variable, and also Introductory Stochastic Differential Equations with Applications.
14. The University of Washington
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Degree: online Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics
- Tuition: $45,360 total or $1,080 per credit
- More: Visit the school’s website for more on this mathematics program.
Students who attend the University of Washington can earn an accelerated online master’s degree in Mathematics recognized by US News and World Report. This degree for working professionals is entirely online with no residency requirements.
Students access the online courses for this program through the school’s virtual portal. Sessions are both on-demand and require live participation. Full time students who take three or four courses every term can graduate within two years. Graduation requirements include 42 credits of coursework and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Dynamical Systems and Chaos, High-Performance Scientific Computing, Applied Linear Algebra, and also Introductory Numerical Analysis.
13. Penn State World Campus
- Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
- Degree: online Master of Applied Statistics
- Tuition: total $30,510, $1,017 per credit
- More: Website for more about this applied mathematics program.
Penn State World Campus is home to an alternative accelerated online master’s degree in Mathematics that may suit a professional’s needs for their career. This Master of Applied Statistics is a universal degree in terms of STEM education. Courses within this degree can be useful in fields from bioinformatics to data mining, and everything in between. Students who complete this course of study qualify to sit for the SAS Base Programming Certification Exam or the Accredited Professional Statistician Exam from the American Statistician Association.
The online Master of Applied Statistics requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Furthermore, the degree’s requirements are identical for online and on-campus programs. Courses are online through the school’s learning management system in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. And the labs are also online. To graduate, students must complete core mathematics courses, two practicums, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Analysis of Variance and Design of Experiments, Introduction to Mathematical Statistics, and also Introduction to Probability Theory.
12. Colorado State University
- Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
- Degree: Master of Applied Statistics
- Tuition: total $25,050, $835 per credit
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics program.
The one-year master’s in Mathematics at Colorado State University was developed to ensure that working adults had access to an degree that fit their needs. This program is wholly online with no residency requirements. So, students attend class through the use of asynchronous or synchronous lectures, labs, and assignments. Furthermore, eight-week courses make it possible for students who complete two courses every term to complete their degree in under one year.
This online math masters degree requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Interested students should speak to a graduate admissions advisor about program requirement clarification and to view a sample of course offerings.
11. The University of Idaho
- Location: Moscow, Idaho
- Degree: Master of Science in Statistical Science
- Tuition: Full Time online students $5,274 per semester, $21,096 total
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
The University of Idaho confers an alternative to the accelerated online Master’s in Mathematics program that other universities offer. The Master of Science in Statistical Science is for working professionals who need an applied degree that is useful in a variety of workplace settings. This is a 100 percent online degree that can be completed in two years and requires 30 credit hours of coursework.
Additionally, students choose between a thesis or an internship for their culminating experience. All other coursework requirements are completed using the school’s online learning management system. Courses are delivered as live or on-demand sessions that are offered in 16-week terms. This degree takes two years or less to complete when students pursue a full-time course of study. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or internship, a practicum, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Experimental Design, Computer-Intensive Statistics, and also Sample Survey Methods.
10. Florida Institute of Technology
- Location: Melbourne, Florida
- Degree: Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
- Tuition: online master’s programs $620 per credit, $18,600 total
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
Students at Florida Institute of Technology can complete an accelerated online master’s in Mathematics degree program in two years. This program is entirely online and has no residency requirements. With a focus on problem-solving, this practical degree is ideal to help advance careers in a variety of STEM occupations. This program houses all of its programs online through the school’s virtual portal, where labs and lectures are available as live or on-demand offerings.
This online masters in Applied Mathematics requires 30 credit hours of coursework. All sessions run for 16 weeks. So, students who take on a full course load can graduate within two years. In addition to the coursework, students must complete an applied field experience or a master’s thesis, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Numerical and Computational Mathematics and also Probability and Statistics.
9. The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Degree: Master of Mathematics
- Tuition: online graduate programs are $700 per credit for in-state and $775 for out-of-state, $21,000 to $23,250 total
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is home to a new accelerated online master’s that takes two years or less to complete. However, this program is only available online and is not available on campus. Prospective students must have a teaching license as well as at least three years of work experience teaching math in a classroom. This degree is through the school’s online learning management system and uses both asynchronous and synchronous courses. But, live courses are always in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working professionals.
The online Master of Mathematics requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Courses in the fall and spring terms are in 16-week sessions, while summer courses last for five weeks. Students can complete this degree in just two years by taking one or two courses every term. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework and a six-hour comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Discrete Math for Teachers, Probability and Statistics for Teachers, and Analysis for Teachers.
8. Slippery Rock University
- Location: Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
- Degree: Master of Science in Data Analytics
- Tuition: resident $621 per credit online and $693 per credit for out-of-state, military members in online programs may receive a 15% tuition discount
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
The program at Slippery Rock University provides professionals with a one-year accelerated online master’s in Mathematics that prepares them for certification. This degree leads to a joint certificate in Statistical Applications and Data Analytics from the Statistical Analysis System Inc. Students will also become eligible to sit for the Certified Analytics Professional Exam. This program is available 100 percent online and has no residency requirements.
The online MS in Data Analytics requires 33 credit hours of coursework. Courses are entirely online through the school’s virtual portal. Live meetings held once a week during the evenings. This program follows the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students must complete coursework, a two-part capstone project, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Statistical Methods and Forecasting and Time Series.
7. PennWest California University
- Location: California, Pennsylvania
- Degree: online Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Applied Mathematics
- Tuition: $15,480
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics program.
The PennWest California University of Pennsylvania provides students with an option to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Mathematics degree program in just 13 months when they choose to study full-time. This degree is for in-service professionals who use mathematics in their work life. But the program is also open to educators. The online Professional Science Master’s in Applied Mathematics program is 100 percent online with no residency requirements.
The only degree requirement that students cannot complete online is the program’s capstone internship. And it takes place in a student’s home community. All other coursework is online through the school’s learning management system. Coursework consists of asynchronous and synchronous sessions that are available in 8-week sessions. Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample advanced mathematics courses include Data Mining and Simulation Modeling, Advanced Numerical Analysis and Empirical Modeling, and also Advanced Time Series and Stochastic Processes.
6. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
- Degree: Master of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $14,290
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics program.
Students who enroll at the University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley will be able to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Mathematics degree. This online program is for individuals who want to teach mathematics in higher education settings and for working professionals who use mathematics. The program has four concentrations, including Mathematics, Mathematics Teaching, Statistics, and also Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Please note that this degree will not lead to any licensure or certification. The online MS in Mathematics requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
This program is offered online through the school’s virtual portal and provides students with the choice to enroll in asynchronous or synchronous courses that run in 16-week sessions. Students who take three courses every term will be eligible to graduate within two years. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a master’s project or thesis, and also a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Numerical Methods for Partial and Ordinary Differential Equations and also Mathematical Modeling with Technology.
5. The University of Houston
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Degree: Master of Arts in Mathematics online
- Tuition: $421.76 in-state, $941.76 non-resident
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics program.
The University of Houston provides students with an affordable accelerated online master’s degree in mathematics that can be completed in two years when students decide to study full-time. This mathematics education program is primarily for educators who were interested in becoming teachers in secondary school or in in higher education settings. As such, it does provide a pathway towards advanced education credentials for teachers. The online MA in Mathematics requires 33 credit hours of coursework.
All coursework that is required for this degree can be found online through the school’s learning management system. Online mathematics courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Students who are interested in learning more about this degree are encouraged to speak with a graduate admissions advisor for additional information.
4. Indiana State University
- Location: Terre Haute, Indiana
- Degree: Master of Science in Mathematics online
- Tuition: $19,305, $585.00 per credit
- More: Visit the school Website for more about this mathematics degree.
The accelerated online Master of Science in Mathematics is conferred by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Indiana State University. Online students can complete this flexible program in just two years. So, it is perfect for scholar-practitioners who are interested in further study or looking to teach mathematics at the secondary or postsecondary level. The curriculum is entirely online. So, there are no residency requirements for this mathematics education graduate degree program.
Students will complete all of their coursework through synchronous sessions on the school’s virtual portal; sessions are held in the late afternoon or early evening and attendance at the sessions are mandatory. Students will be required to complete 33 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample online courses include Applied Linear Algebra, Linear Programming and Optimization, and also Real Variables.
3. The University of West Florida
- Location: Pensacola, Florida
- Degree: Online Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences
- Tuition: in-state $384.60 per credit hour or $11,538.00 total, out-of-state $478.83 per credit hour or $14,364.90 (with 90% waiver)
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
The University of West Florida is home to a flexible accelerated online master’s in Mathematics. It is perfect for pre-service or in-service professionals who are interested in graduate study. This program is offered fully online and has no residency requirements. The online MS in Mathematical Sciences requires 30 credit hours of coursework available through the school’s online learning management system. Students who study full-time will graduate within two years or 24 months. This
All courses are held as live sessions that take place in the evenings to accommodate working students. Students in this mathematics education program may choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. Those who choose not to pursue a thesis will be required to take a proseminar or two additional research courses. Additional requirements include a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and two comprehensive exit exams. Sample courses include Advanced Numerical Analysis, Statistical Inference, and Matrix Theory.
2. Central Methodist University
- Location: Fayette, Missouri
- Degree: Online Master of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $12,090 total, $390 per credit
- More: Visit the school’s website for more about this mathematics degree.
Students at Central Methodist University confers an accelerated online Masters in Mathematics degree that is only available online. The online MS in Mathematics education requires 31 credit hours of coursework. This mathematics education program has low residency requirements. So, students must visit the campus once to sit for their exit exams. However, all other coursework is available online through the school’s virtual portal.
Courses may be asynchronous or synchronous and are taught in 16-week courses in order to keep pace with the academic year. Online students must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours of coursework and comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Writing Mathematical Documents Including LaTex, Introduction to Complex Variables, and Introduction to Real Analysis.
1. Emporia State University
- Location: Emporia, Kansas
- Degree: Online Master of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $9,046 in state or Corky, $12,320 non resident
- More: Visit the school website for more info about this mathematics degree.
Emporia State University confers an accelerated online master’s in Mathematics degree. It is designed for professionals interested in moving into advanced positions that require a solid foundation in the subject. This program combines economics with mathematics and is a great fit for students who want to work for the government. Students complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system. And the courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously in a standard 16-week academic term.
The Emporia State University’s master degree takes two years to complete for students who take three courses online every term. Furthermore, this mathematics education degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework. They also complete a proseminar or thesis, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Mathematical Statistics, Applied Differential Equations, and Numerical Linear Algebra.
What are the Disciplines of Mathematics?
Mathematics is a field that is concerned with, first and foremost, mathematics. This field has several disciplines which are far too numerous to list here but includes the following: finance, accounting, statistics, number theory, mathematical physics, and more. Professionals will generally work in one discipline for the entirety of their careers.
What are the Different Fields of Math?
Some common math fields include geometry, statistics, and algebra. Other fields include topology and number theory. The field also has various applications, some of which professionals may work in. This may include a relationship to economics, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, coding, and more.
With a mathematics education, students may work in applied or research positions. In these roles, individuals teach at the same time as conducting research. It is a popular avenue for students interested in continuing their research.
What Do You Study in a Mathematics Master’s Program?
Most master’s degrees are 30 credit hours to 36 credit hours. Students usually complete a program with two years of full-time study. Part-time students take longer to finish.
Programs often consist of core classes, electives courses, advanced mathematics specialization or concentration coursework, a thesis, or also a research project. Listed below are some of the classes online students who are math majors may take.
- Advanced Calculus
- Linear Models
- Mathematical Modeling
- Partial Differential Equations
- Discrete Mathematics
- Axiomatic Geometry
- Numerical Analysis
- Probability Statistics
- Vector Spaces
- History of Mathematics
- Scientific computing
- Data Analysis
- Euclidean Geometry
- Rings and Fields
- Group Theory
- Complex Analysis
- Differential Equations/Ordinary Differential Equations
- Abstract Algebra
- Regression
- Mathematical Analysis
- Linear Algebra/Advanced Linear Algebra
- Foundations of Geometry
- Number Theory
- Complex Variables
- Topology
- Quantitative Methods and Test Theory
- Applied Research
- Cryptography and Cryptanalysis
What are Specializations for Online Master’s Programs?
Students pursuing an online master’s degree in mathematics education typically choose a concentration. These are also called specializations, tracks, or focus areas. Listed below are some common specializations in a mathematics master’s program.
- Biomathematics
- Mathematical Education
- Actuarial Mathematics
- Probability and Statistics
- Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Simulation and Modeling
- Information Technology and Computation
- Operations Research
What are the Master’s Degree Admission Requirements?
These vary from school to school. But, generally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of at least 2.75 and a major GPA of 3.0. In addition, they should have a good background in mathematics. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree (BS or BA) in Mathematics are preferred.
Students can gain admittance with a non-math undergraduate degree. However, ideal candidates have also completed a standard 3-semester calculus sequence and taken courses in abstract algebra, linear algebra, differential equations, and geometry.
What are the Admissions Requirements for a Math Master’s Program?
What do you need to apply? Most mathematics master’s programs ask students to submit some or all of the following items.
- Completed application with fee
- Official transcripts from undergraduate education
- A resume or CV
- Personal statement of professional goals
- Two letters of recommendation
How Much Does a Masters in Mathematics Online Cost?
Tuition depends on many factors. Some important ones are school type and residency status. Public universities are usually less expensive than private colleges. So, the most affordable tuition is often at a state-supported public school. Another way students cut costs is to take an introductory course at a local community college.
Furthermore, some online degree programs charge all students in-state tuition, regardless of residency. So, an online degree is often one of the most affordable programs. Prospective students should fill out a FASFA to apply for financial aid in the form of loans and scholarships. Additionally, applicants should check the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administration website for financial aid programs.
What are Career Options with a Math Masters?
Accountants
An Accountant prepares, organizes, analyzes, and maintains financial records for clients.
Acoustic Consultants or Acoustic Engineers
An Acoustic Consultant uses scientific knowledge of how sound moves through space to modify rooms, buildings, studios, and performance spaces. An Acoustic Engineer may design these spaces or other things that use sound waves, like ultrasound medical equipment.
Actuaries
An Actuary uses mathematics, statistics, and financial theories to analyze risk and its economic costs. Most actuaries work for an insurance company or insurance underwriter and determine the premiums to charge for a policy.
Data Scientists or Data Analysts
A Data Scientist uses analytical tools and techniques of data analysis to extract meaningful insights from data.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
A Mathematicians or Statistician applies mathematical theories and computational techniques to solve complex problems. They work in many fields including education, government, healthcare, and research and development. Job titles may include college teaching as a Postsecondary Teacher, a Math Research Scientist, and also Biostatisticians.
Mathematics Teacher
An online master of science in mathematics for high school teachers can advance your career and increase your pay. Math high school teachers usually earn less than they could in a non-teaching role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information, the median annual wage for high school teachers is $61,820. However, highly qualified math teachers can earn more than their peers in many states and cities. Because of the need for mathematics teachers, there are many incentives to attract these educators. Aspiring teachers can also work as secondary school teacher.
Operations Research Analysts
An Operations Research Analyst identifies problems in business, logistics, or healthcare, and uses mathematics and logic to help solve problems. An Operational Researcher may use mathematical techniques such as optimization and game theory.
Software Engineers
A Software Engineer helps to determine the requirements for a program and designs it. Then, they work with programmers who write computer code. Although some also code. Software Engineering requires a strong background in both mathematics and computer science.
How Much Can You Earn in a Mathematics Career?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Math occupations is $98,680. This pay is almost double the national average for all occupations. The actual salary range, however, is much larger and ranges from $55,000 to over $205,000.
Occupation | Salary |
---|---|
Software Engineers | $109,020 (BLS) |
Actuaries | $105,900 (BLS) |
Data Scientists | $100,910 (BLS) |
Mathematicians and Statisticians | $96,280 (BLS) |
Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 (BLS) |
High School Math Teachers | $61,820 (BLS) |
These occupations include positions in the public and private sectors, at universities or in the business world, and also domestic and international postings. It also accounts for positions that may require a degree in an additional field, such as computer science or engineering. Listed below are the top highest paying math occupations.
What is the Job Outlook in Mathematics?
Students who attend an online master’s program in mathematics gain skills to pursue various in-demand careers like data analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for math professionals will grow by twenty-nine percent (29%) from 2021 to 2031.
This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects this growth to result in about 82,000 new jobs over the decade.
Your Master’s in Mathematics
Mathematics has a strong influence on society. From nature to engineering, infrastructure to the economy, numbers have always informed the way the world works. Students of mathematics, including those who work as practitioners, are the pioneers of technology and move society forward towards better technologies that make the world a better place to live.
Many discoveries have been made by students who hold an undergraduate degree in the field. However, an accelerated online master’s degree in Mathematics prepare students to be at the forefront of American advancements in several fields.
Earning Your Master’s in Mathematics Online
Distance education is increasingly common, making it easier for students to pursue a master’s of science in mathematics online. Furthermore, an online degree program allows students work at their own pace and complete courses according to their schedules.