With technology becoming an increasingly important part of our lives and data analysis growing in popularity, demand for mathematics experts is skyrocketing.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow 30 percent by 2028, which is “must faster than average.” The average mathematician in 2019 earned $92,030 per year—that’s an impressive salary!
Mathematics degrees can lead to a wide range of career paths, from academic research to economics and banking. After graduation, you’ll find a career path that’s right for you.
Online math degrees have become more popular in the last few years as demand for mathematicians rises, and remote education gains ground. But, figuring out which program to choose can be tricky—don’t worry, we are here to help you with this important decision.
In this article, we show you the top five online math degrees and discuss tuition and curriculums.
Online Math Degree Rankings in 2020
If you’ve decided that a math degree is for you, the next step is to choose a program. These are the top 5 online math programs in the US:
#1: Southern New Hampshire University
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
- Tuition: $320 / credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics online. This program will help you develop strong mathematical skills. You’ll learn how to analyze and solve problems across a wide range of areas.
At SNHU, you can study calculus, formal logic, mathematical proof and problem-solving, real analysis and abstract algebra. To help you think critically and learn to work with others, you will also take general education courses.
SHNU has some of the lowest tuition rates for online programs in the nation. That’s not all: the university was recognized in 2017 as a Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium.
#2: American Public University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $285 / credit ($250 with military grant)
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
American Public University (APUS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. In this program, students develop critical thinking skills to solve complex math problems and acquire knowledge that can be applied to a slew of industries, from finance to logistics.
The curriculum covers calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and trigonometry, among other subjects. Students need to choose a concentration for their degree from applied mathematics, data science, operations research and statistics.
In 2015, the APUS mobile app was an Educational App Award finalist in the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education awards. In 2017, the school received the Effective Practice Award from the Online Learning Consortium. It was the fifth time it had earned the accolade.
#3: Indiana University Online
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $229.84 / credit (in-state) or $330.99 (out-of-state)
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Indiana University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, a program that delves into a wide range of topics, such as modern algebra, mathematical modelling and statistical techniques.
As a student at Indiana University Online, you’ll develop a wide range of technical skills and acquire a few soft skills as well. Communicating research, analyzing data, and applying logic to solve problems are just some of the abilities students refine at this school. You will be able to apply what you learn in several industries, from programming to statistics.
Indiana University Online’s courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. As an online student, you’ll be able to interact with professors and peers through different digital tools.
#4: University of Illinois at Springfield
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences
- Tuition: $362 / credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
The University of Illinois at Springfield has an online bachelor’s degree in mathematics that prepares the student for any career in which mathematics is used, including the insurance industry and academia.
Trigonometry, functions, mathematics in daily life, and calculus are some of the program’s subjects. Students also learn quantitative reasoning, which allows them to solve problems using statistics, probability, game theory and logic.
The University of Illinois offers an immersive online studying experience, including trivia nights and Instagram Live events.
#5: Maryville University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Tuition: $500 / credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Maryville University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics that can be completed entirely online. Whether you dream of becoming a data analyst or a mathematician, this degree will give you the foundation to succeed.
Students at Maryville University can customize their program to match their career goals. For example, the school offers a minor in data science in which students learn to apply math to business analysis. There are also multiple elective courses.
You can complete an internship as part of your degree, which will help you beef up your resume and get a taste of actual work life.
Types of Online Math Degrees
A degree in mathematics will prepare you for several career paths.
Many schools offer online programs, which have the advantage of giving the student more flexibility to organize their day. Also, many online programs are cheaper than traditional, in-person degrees because the costs associated with remote education are substantially lower.
If you want to study math, the most popular programs are bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Let’s look at each more closely.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree
An online bachelor’s degree in math will prepare you for any role that involves a high degree of math and to enter a graduate program in mathematics.
Most bachelor’s degree programs in math consist of 120 credit hours and take four years to complete.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Entry Requirements
To enter a bachelor’s program in math you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. You may also have to submit your SAT or ACT scores and your GPA. The minimum SAT or ACT scores and GPA will vary according to the school.
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Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum
The first two years of the program focus on providing a robust liberal education and explore the fundamentals of mathematics. You will learn to think critically and will develop the analytical skills needed to comprehend advanced mathematical concepts.
In the final two years of the program, the emphasis is on subjects like calculus, statistics and logical mathematics. Completing an internship may be a requirement for graduation.
These are a few standards courses in a math bachelor’s degree:
- Foundations of Mathematics: You build your understanding of concepts like real number properties, logic and functions. What you learn here can be applied to a wide range of mathematical concepts and theories.
- Probability: The student learns to examine the distribution of variables, calculate percentiles, and understand how probability affects a dataset.
- Mathematical Modelling: In this class, the student learns to represent data using graphs, charts and diagrams. They study models that test hypotheses, determine averages, and learn to make accurate predictions based on the information in a dataset.
- Differential Equations: This course tackles calculus, first-order differential equations, and linear and nonlinear differential equations.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Progression
The skills and knowledge you acquire and refine in a bachelor’s degree will set you on the right track for several career paths.
With your degree, you can begin work as a Mathematician, Statistician, Investment Analyst or Actuary, to name a few. Many people choose to work for private companies but keep in mind that the federal government also needs people skilled in math for bodies like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Finally, you could opt to continue your education and pursue a master’s degree in math. This degree prepares you for more senior positions in the math field, or for a job teaching or in academia.
Online Math Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in math delves deeper into a particular area of mathematics. These programs typically require two years of coursework, culminating in a thesis or teaching project.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Entry Requirements
To access these programs, you need a bachelor’s degree in math or math-related area, such as computer science.
You will have to submit your university transcripts as well as letters of recommendation from teachers and professors. Experience working in a math-related field, including internships, may be required.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum
The curriculum will change according to your specialization. Most people pursuing a master’s in math focus on topics like applied mathematics, pure mathematics or math education.
In an applied mathematics program, you learn to apply mathematical methods to different fields, including business, physics, engineering and computer science. Pure math programs cover topics like geometry, algebra and calculus in more depth. Those who specialize in math education learn how to teach mathematics.
To graduate from a master’s degree in math, you’ll need to complete a thesis project in an area of applied research or math theory. Some programs will accept additional coursework in place of a thesis.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Progression
A master’s degree in math will prepare you for a wide range of careers. Your first job after graduation could be as a mathematician or a statistician. From there, you could move on to become a researcher, software developer, market research analyst or investment analyst.
If you specialized in math education, you will most likely become a math teacher, either in a university or at K-12 level. Many programs prepare the student to attain the state license needed to teach math.
What Can You Do With a Math Degree?
Like a swiss army knife, a degree in math can be applied to many careers in many industries. It could be your stepping stone to becoming an actuary, a market researcher or any other job that uses math.
These are a few of the most common career paths:
- Mathematician: These professionals use mathematics to solve real-world problems in areas like business or engineering. They study mathematical rules and theories, develop new ones, and build models to analyze data.
- Statistician: Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative information. The company or organization tells these professionals what information to collect, and they design and implement an experiment to produce the required data.
- Actuary: Actuaries advise businesses on financial risks. They use their math skills and knowledge of the business and investment worlds to determine the likelihood of a particular event and its financial implications.
- Data Scientist: Data Scientists use algorithms, data mining and statistical tools to extract, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data. Their findings help businesses improve their efficiency and bottom line.
- Investment Analyst: Investment Analysts conduct research used by traders and stockbrokers to make investment decisions. They track investments, identify opportunities, and ensure that the risk is manageable.
- High School Teacher: A degree in math prepares you to teach students aged 11 to 18. You will have to keep abreast of developments in the field, produce learning materials, and ensure students meet local and national academic standards.
Career Prospects for Math Degree Graduates
Demand for people with a math degree is high, and holders of diplomas in this field command sizable salaries. How much you earn depends on what career path you take and what type of company or organization you work for.
Jobs in investment banking or financial analysis pay very high salaries, offering bonuses based on performance. By contrast, positions in government may be less lucrative but will have other perks, such as access to a stable government pension to save for retirement.
These are the median salaries for some common math-related professions, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Mathematician and Statistician: $92,030
- Actuary: $108,350
- Operations Research Analysts: $84,810
- High School Teacher: $61,660
- Financial Analyst: $85,660
Conclusion
Do you enjoy working with numbers? Do you love using logic and solving complicated problems? If so, a math degree may be right for you.
Online math degrees have become increasingly common, allowing the student to learn math on more flexible terms. You no longer need to attend a physical classroom; you can study from home, setting your own schedule.
If you’re considering a career in math or math-related area, take the time to explore what an online education has to offer. You may find that studying your degree online is the best alternative.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
