Best Online Doctorates in Mathematics: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salary

Capella University is a private online university founded in 1993. Its online academic degrees are catered toward adult learners and busy professionals looking to get a higher education. It offers programs covering business, information technology, psychology, education, nursing, and health science fields. 

PhD in Information Technology

If you’re interested in furthering your education in information technology with an integrated capstone project and in-field curriculum, then this degree is for you. The program includes 70 online courses covering tech research and quantitative analysis topics and allows the transfer of 12 credits. 

This program has courses on assurance controls, tech consulting, quantitative design, and complex adaptive systems. This doctoral degree program can help you enter mathematical and tech research fields. You must also complete two virtual residencies and one dissertation focusing on risk management, data science processes, or advanced computing systems. 

PhD in Information Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: Maximum 4 years 9 months
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $750/credit per quarter; $175 resource kit fee; $3,000/capstone per quarter

PhD in Information Technology Admission Requirements

• $50 application fee
• Transcripts from all attended universities
• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

Capitol Technology University was established in 1927 and is a private accredited institution offering both on-campus and online degrees. It is regionally recognized as a top STEM field university and offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Prospective students can apply for online programs in engineering management, cyber security, computer science, product management, or artificial intelligence.

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science

This business analytics and data science doctorate degree is apt for statisticians wanting to venture into leadership positions in data or business. Although this is an online-based program, it still requires campus visits for its residency course, oral defense, and dissertation presentation. 

The curriculum includes applied statistics, quantitative methods, big data warehousing, applied research, and economic management. You can land lucrative statistician jobs at top companies or pursue a career in data research. 

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $933 plus fees/credit for 2022 to 2023 academic year

PhD in Business Analytics and Data Science Admission Requirements

• Essay, relevant experience, and skills covering business analytics and data science 
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume showcasing a minimum of five years of industry-relevant work experience
• Undergraduate or master’s degree
• Official college transcripts

City University of Seattle specializes in providing flexible degree programs apt for adult education. It was founded in 1973 and offers more than 65 degree and certification programs. Prospective students can enroll in its advanced online degrees covering business, project management, computer systems, or education administration. 

PhD in Information Technology

Several industry professionals in information technology or computer science have extensive math education. This PhD is an excellent choice for graduate students wanting to build a career in instructional technology, computer science research, or another STEM field. 

It offers cyber security, data science, artificial intelligence, or cloud computing concentrations. The data science specialization is best suited for students wanting to get theoretical and hands-on experience across math subjects. 

Some of its core courses in advanced math education cover discrete math, evidence-based practices, quantitative research, computing algorithms, and differential equation topics. The degree also requires research, a dissertation, and a residency in computer science and research. 

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PhD in Information Technology Overview

• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Program Length: 4 to 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $765/credit

PhD in Information Technology Admission Requirements

• Background in programming, database management, operating systems, or networking
• Resume showcasing more than two years of tech-based experience
• 400 to 600-word goal statement
• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Three references and their contact information
• Admissions statement questions form
• Interview with the program faculty

Colorado Technical University offers online and on-campus programs in business, mechanical engineering, criminal justice, computer science, educational administration, and nursing education. It was founded in 1965 and currently has a robust online advanced degree program. It offers more than 80 programs to its online students. 

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics

According to PayScale reports, the average salary of a lead data scientist is $135,887 per year. This doctoral degree provides you with the leadership skills and hands-on experience needed to land lead data scientists’ or other senior tech positions. The degree requires you to fulfill its curriculum, residency, dissertation process, and required credit hours. 

Some of its core courses include advanced quantitative analysis, research methods, big data analysis, information systems, and business intelligence. 

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $598/credit

PhD in Computer Science with a Concentration in Big Data Analytics Admission Requirements

• Contact an admissions officer
• Online application
• Background in research, theoretical, or other relevant fields
• Contact program faculty to find other requirements
• Doctoral interview

Grand Canyon University is an accredited school founded in 1949. It is home to over 23,500 on-campus students and provides education to more than 90,000 working adult students through its online schools as of 2021. 

Some of its popular online programs include graphic design, communication, business administration, information systems, education administration, health sciences, and data science topics. Its online options offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. 

DBA in Data Analytics 

If your career goals involve business or data analytics, then this DBA will help you get your dream job in data analytics. It focuses on quantitative research and math education and includes data complexity, business administration, financial management, and research design courses. 

Its residency and dissertation process requires you to pursue research in statistical mechanics, quantitative analytics, and data science topics. You can also opt to attend its on-campus evening classes instead of its online option. 

DBA in Data Analytics Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
• Program Length: 150 weeks 
• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• Tuition and Fees: $715/credit

DBA in Data Analytics Admission Requirements

• 3.4 or above GPA is preferred, with 3.0 as the minimum GPA
• MBA or business-related graduate degree
• Official transcripts of all universities attended

Iowa State University is recognized as one of the flagship public schools with a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,846 students for its fall 2020 cohort. According to US News & World Report, Iowa State University ranks 122 among the best national universities and 45 in the best undergraduate engineering programs.

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics 

This tech and business doctoral degree is apt for students looking for career advancement across organizational leadership, computer science academia, or business intelligence management fields. The degree map incorporates dissertation research, oral defense, and advanced degrees. 

You will learn financial management, information technology research, business analytics, and organizational leadership. Some of its math-based courses include applied statistics, logistics, differential equations, and economics. 

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $6,491/semester (in state); $14,490/semester (out of state) for fall 2021 and spring 2022

PhD in Information Systems and Business Analytics Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree preferred but not required
• Statement of purpose, CV, and college transcripts
• GMAT scores preferred, 600 minimum or equivalent GRE Scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• A writing sample relevant to the doctorate subject

Northcentral University is a private institution founded in 1996 and offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral-level online programs. Its doctoral programs are fully online and do not include any physical residency requirements. You can choose to enroll in business administration, health sciences, education law, elementary education, technology, or public administration online programs.  

PhD in Data Science

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists is 22 percent between 2020 to 2030. The high job outlook makes a data science doctoral degree investment highly profitable. It’s a research-based program that includes 20 courses in subjects like data warehousing, information systems, and data science theories. 

PhD in Data Science Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Program Length: 3 years 4 months
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $68,560/program

PhD in Data Science Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Official transcripts from all attended universities
• Academic evaluation with an enrollment advisor

Texas A&M University is a public school that was established in 1876. It has a large student population with a fall 2021 enrollment of 73,284 students. Its distance learning school offers 104 undergraduate degrees, certificates, and graduate programs. Distance learners can enroll in public administration, education law, public health, criminal justice, or engineering programs.

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education 

If you want to become a professor or enter the elementary education sector, then this online doctoral degree in mathematics is for you. It helps you become an education specialist in mathematics. The degree plan requires you to complete a dissertation, curriculum development, research, and core credits. 

Its courses include statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, theories of education, categorical data analysis, and linear models. Some other career prospects include math education administration, data science, or statistical analytics fields. 

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 4 years 
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $4,254/semester (in state); $9,019/semester (out of state) fall 2022 or spring 2023 for 9 credit hours per semester

PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Mathematics Education Admission Requirements

• $89 application fee for online application
• Transcripts from all attended universities
• Departmental essays 
• Resume
• Three letters of reference

University of Central Florida is a public research institution founded in 1963. The school is best known for its engineering, computer science, public administration, and programs in education. According to US News & World Report, the University of Central Florida is among the top public schools and ranks 15 among the most innovative schools.

PhD in Education

This online PhD in Education offers course tracks across educational psychology, English, instructional design, empirical research, social science, and K-8 mathematics. If your career goals involve being in fields like education policy, education administration, or math education, then this degree is for you. 

It requires you to complete research electives, a dissertation, and 18 credit hours of core courses. It helps you master evidence-based decisions, teacher education administrative tasks, and curriculum development skills. 

PhD in Education Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $327/credit (in state); $1,151/credit (out of state)

PhD in Education Admission Requirements

• Speak with a graduate program success coach
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Transcripts from all universities attended
• Immunization forms
• Residency class form
• Contact program faculty for other requirements

University of Wyoming is among the reputable national universities and offers both on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. According to US News & World Report, the University of Wyoming ranks 196 among the best national universities and number 99 in the top public schools. 

Its online students can choose from its accounting, education policy, public administration, education law, finance, or nurse practitioner certificate or degree programs.

PhD in Mathematics Education

This math education doctoral degree focuses on qualitative research, mathematical modeling, quantitative reasoning, differential equations, and associated geometry topics. It also requires you to complete dissertation research and a preliminary exam. 

You can use this degree to venture into mathematics professor, math doctorate degree advisor, or elementary education specialist professions. 

PhD in Mathematics Education Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $7,182/year (in state); $18,324/year (out of state) for 18 credits per academic year

PhD in Mathematics Education Admission Requirements

• 3.0 GPA
• GRE Scores: 144 quantitative, 151 verbal, 4.0 analytical writing
• Master’s degree
• Three years of P-12 teaching or other relevant professional experience
• Online application
• Meet residency and academic status requirements
• Letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, an academic writing sample, and a resume
• Interview with the program faculty

You must pay the application fee, upload official transcripts, and fill out the application questionnaire. You will also submit all proof of professional experience, letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements. 

The admissions requirements section is where you complete a doctoral interview with the program faculty. The requirements for this interview will vary from school to school. You will discuss degree outcomes, passions, and financial payment plans during the interview.

The third step is to contact your program advisor and discuss the degree timeline and requirements. You will discuss potential research and dissertation topics.

Next, you must complete all core courses. The courses will vary depending on your major, but it is crucial to complete them to graduate both successfully and on time.

The last step is to complete your research, residency, and dissertation process. This step requires prior approval from the program’s doctoral faculty. 

A data scientist is responsible for analyzing, visualizing, and sorting raw data into useful information. They can work in a wide range of industries and work to extract useful data for optimal business operations or scientific results. 

• Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $100,910
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 33,000
• Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas

A statistician is a mathematics and data science professional who uses quantitative and qualitative research in surveys to find valuable information. They are responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing each quantitative survey. 

• Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $96,280
• Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 44,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts 

A mathematician conducts research on theoretical mathematical principles to advance the mathematics, physics, engineering, data science, or economics fields. They work with mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and quantitative reasoning to study mathematics. 

• Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $96,280
• Job Outlook: 33% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 44,800
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey

An operations research analyst is responsible for evaluating an organization’s operations and production plan and must suggest further productivity solutions. They use data analytics, mathematics, quantitative and qualitative research, and statistics for their jobs. 

• Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $82,360
• Job Outlook: 25% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 104,100
• Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Alabama, Maryland

A mathematics professor works at post-secondary educational institutions and develops the course curriculum, assignments, and exams to test students in their knowledge and comprehension. They teach introductory and advanced math classes to college students and can also lead research departments. 

• Salary with a Mathematics PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, Oregon