Best Online Math Education Programs

We've ranked the top online bachelor's in math education programs. Compare schools by cost, convenience, and academic quality.
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Updated on November 3, 2023
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Earning a bachelor's in math education from a top online school propels graduates into meaningful careers both inside and outside classrooms. These innovative programs educate students on how to successfully teach mathematical principles to others, be they kindergarteners or high school seniors.

These programs typically take four years of full-time study, though part-time learners may need six years to graduate. Costs can vary dramatically, but cost-conscious students typically decide to earn their bachelor's in math education from a public school in their state of residence.

Jobs for these professionals are projected to grow between 7-8% between 2020-2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), depending on whether working in primary or secondary education. Keep reading to learn about common classes, available concentrations, career outcomes, and answers to commonly asked questions.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Math Education Program?

An online bachelor's in math education offers a great educational path for students passionate about math and teaching its principles and rules. These degrees suit learners who enjoy solving math problems, taking an analytical approach, and teaching others new knowledge and skills.

The majority of bachelor's in math education programs consist of approximately 120 credits and require four years of full-time study or six years of part-time study. Some schools also offer accelerated pathways taking as few as three years.

In addition to general coursework and assignments, bachelor's in math education programs require students to participate in a semester-long learning practicum to build teaching skills and experience a classroom before graduating. These also provide the opportunity for mentorship from current educators.

When earning an online bachelor's degree, most programs offer concentrations to help students specialize their knowledge in particular grade levels. Common offerings include secondary education, elementary education, probability and statistics, applied mathematics, and pure mathematics. These programs exist as bachelor of science (BS) programs and provide additional coursework suited to mathematical studies.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Math Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor's in Math Education Program?

Mathematics Teaching with Technology

This course looks at the tools available to teachers to aid in teaching students mathematical concepts around number theory, geometric constructions, algorithms, and transformations. Students practice with various technologies throughout the semester.

Teaching Mathematics in Public Schools

Taking this course provides students with the skills needed to ensure learners grasp fundamental mathematics topics and can build on those in secondary school settings.

Teaching Statistics and Probability

Designed for middle and high school math teachers, this course examines effective instructional practices for teaching statistics and probability. Learners also discover how to instill important concepts early on.

Classroom Management

This course helps students learn how to set up and manage their classrooms for maximized effectiveness. Students consider topics around student engagement, behavior principles, and environmental factors.

Mathematics Teaching Practicum

Typically completed in the junior or senior year, the mathematics teaching practicum is a semester-long experience designed to help students gain classroom experience prior to graduating that will help them in their first teaching roles.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Math Education Program?

Admission requirements for an online bachelor's in math education degree typically mirror those required for in-person programs. In addition to the components highlighted below, some particularly competitive programs may ask candidates to provide a math portfolio and/or participate in an interview.

Application

Undergraduate applications can typically be submitted fully online, though some bachelor's in math education programs may still allow candidates to mail in paper applications. Information commonly required on applications include the prospective student's full name, mailing address, date of birth, and citizenship status.

Test Scores

Some colleges and universities require candidates to submit scores from college entrance examinations – most commonly the ACT or SAT. However, in recent years, more and more schools have moved away from requiring this component, preferring instead to utilize a fairer metric.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation play an important role in the undergraduate admission process as they help admission officers get a better sense of how a student performs in academic, professional, and volunteer roles and whether they are prepared for the rigors of higher education.

Essays

College application essays provide the space for prospective students to identify why they want to study math education, how they plan to use their training after graduating, and why a particular school and program appeals to them. These essays should differentiate candidates from other students and stick out in the readers' memory.

Official Transcripts

Whether graduating from high school or transferring from community college to university, official transcripts help admission officers verify student information. Transcripts list GPAs, prerequisite courses, and classes taken at community college that can transfer to a four-year program.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Math Education Degree?

Career Outlook

Earning an online bachelor's in math education makes great sense for students who want to enter the work field directly after graduating alongside those who plan to continue into advanced academic programs. Graduates looking to work in K-12 settings frequently work in kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school classrooms.

It may not be one of the most popular college majors, but math education is poised to grow between 2020-2030. Regardless of their chosen grade level, math educators can look forward to projected job expansion from the BLS in the coming years. Students can also choose from public and private school settings or create their own math tutoring business.

Salaries for teachers typically hover around $60,000 annually, while those who decide to pursue administrative roles after gaining experience can earn even more.

Discover where a bachelor's in math education can take you. Learn more about education careers.

Career Paths

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers

These professionals set the early foundations for learners, teaching them the basics of math – including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They create lesson plans fitted to students' emotional and mental development stages and teach them how to interact appropriately with fellow students and teachers.

Median Annual Salary: $60,660

Middle School Teachers

Typically focusing on grades six through eight, middle school teachers help students transition from elementary school and prepare for high school. Common responsibilities include leading classrooms in reading and discussions, creating grade-appropriate assignments to help students learn materials, and preparing them for state-level subject exams.

Median Annual Salary: $60,810

High School Teachers

High school teachers educate students in grades 9-12, preparing them for both the workforce and higher education. Within mathematics, high school teachers commonly teach classes in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, alongside AP classes. In addition to creating lessons and creating assignments and exams, high school teachers frequently write recommendation letters.

Median Annual Salary: $62,870

Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers work with students with emotional, mental, learning, and/or physical disabilities to create academic lessons that correspond to their development and ability levels. They typically work with smaller classes and may provide one-to-one sessions as well. They liaise with parents and administrative staff to create and manage IEPs.

Median Annual Salary: $61,500

Career and Technical Education Teachers

Career and technical education teachers typically work with older or adult students. While many classes focus on specific vocational and technical content, mathematical topics commonly overlap with these subjects. These teachers help students develop knowledge and skills related to jobs that do not require a college degree.

Median Annual Salary: $59,140

Math Education Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

After completing a bachelor's in math education, some students may decide they want to continue their education to take on senior-level positions, administrative roles, or even postsecondary teaching jobs. Online master's in math education programs remain popular with these learners, as do general master's in teaching degrees for students looking to boost their earning potential.

After working in classrooms for several years, some students may decide they want to work in curriculum development and instructional coaching. Completing an online master's in curriculum and instruction provides the training needed to seamlessly transition into these in-demand and well-paid roles.

How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor's in Math Education Program?

Cost

College Board reports that public in-state schools charged an average of $10,740 during the 2021-2022 academic year, while private schools charged an average of $38,070. Understanding the true cost of a program can help students avoid unexpected fees, as can comparing costs between on-campus and online programs.

Program Format

Many online bachelor's in math education programs offer both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats to add flexibility for busy students. The majority also provide both part-time and full-time learning schedules. Some programs can even be completed at an accelerated pace in around three years.

Location

If choosing a fully online bachelor's in math education, location plays far less of an important role and enables students to attend schools further afield. When thinking whether to go to college online or in-person, consider how location plays a role in program availability and cost.

Accreditation

Finding an online college with proper institutional accreditation represents a critical step in the school selection process, as failing to do so can create trouble with transferring credits or getting state licensure. Students should also look for bachelor's in math education programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Student Support

The best online bachelor's in math education programs provide student support services at each step of the way. Common services from top programs include access to mentorship opportunities and help finding meaningful internships. Online students should also look into virtual student services tailored to their specific needs.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Math Education Programs

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Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.

Best Online Bachelor's in Math Education Programs

  1. Western Governors University
    Location

    Salt Lake City, UT

    Tuition

    $6670

    Western Governors University is an online institution offering bachelor's and master's degrees in business, education, information technology, and health sciences. WGU's competency-based learning model allows students to progress through programs at their own pace. More than 70% of graduates finish their bachelor's in math education in 3.5 years.

    This primarily online program requires completion of asynchronous online courses, a minimum of 75 hours of in-person classroom observation, and 12-20 weeks of full-time, supervised teaching experience at a host school. Courses cover concepts in teaching foundations, instructional planning, and mathematics content.

    Applicants must submit official transcripts and complete an intake interview. WGU charges a flat tuition rate per term, regardless of the number of credits students complete. Learners must complete a state-specific skills test as a prerequisite to demonstration teaching.

  2. Bellevue University
    Location

    Bellevue, NE

    Tuition

    $9635

    Bellevue University is a private, open access institution offering higher education opportunities at four campus locations and online. More than 9,000 students attend each year, approximately 80% of whom enroll exclusively in distance courses. Aspiring secondary educators can pursue a bachelor's in math education with a teacher endorsement option.

    Requiring a total of 127 credits, BU's undergraduate mathematics program includes core courses in calculus, applied statistics, and algebra. To prepare for secondary education endorsement, students must also complete the professional education core, culminating in at least 170 hours of field experience and a semester of clinical practice teaching.

    First-time college students seeking admission to Bellevue must provide official documentation of high school completion. Transfer students must supply official transcripts from prior institutions.

  3. University of Illinois Springfield
    Location

    Springfield, IL

    Tuition

    $10733

    The University of Illinois at Springfield is a public institution with approximately 4,300 students. The department of mathematical sciences at UIS offers both online and on-campus undergraduate programs in mathematics.

    The online bachelor's degree in math education consists of courses in linear algebra, advanced calculus, and statistics. All classes have varying prerequisites and/or placement testing procedures. Students interested in an education career must also pursue a teaching certificate, which requires on-site field experience and student teaching.

    The online mathematics program is open to transfer students only. Applicants must hold or be in the process of earning a minimum of 30 transferable credits from an accredited institution. A cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher is required.

  4. National University
    Location

    La Jolla, CA

    Tuition

    $13320

    National University is the largest private university in San Diego, offering online, on-site, evening, and weekend classes to meet the diverse scheduling needs of nearly 17,000 students. More than 75 certificate, credential, and degree programs are available at NU, including a bachelor's in math education.

    The 180-credit degree provides rigorous preparation for middle and secondary educators, with courses in discrete mathematics, technology in math education, and algebraic structures. A single-subject teaching credential requires completion of educational skills tests, 14 courses, and student teaching. At NU, each class lasts four weeks, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

    All incoming freshmen without prior college-level English and/or math courses must complete an ACCUPLACER exam. Applicants should have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA.

  5. Ottawa University
    Location

    Overland Park, KS

    Tuition

    $11976

    Ottawa University is a private Christian institution offering professional and liberal arts classes at two residential campuses and several sites across the Midwest and Southwest. Distance learners can complete nearly 25 of OU's programs online, including a bachelor's in mathematics with a secondary education concentration.

    The online bachelor's degree in math education includes courses in calculus, probability, statistics, and algebra. Students gain hands-on classroom experience through the secondary education concentration, which covers the teaching profession, educational psychology, and instruction methods. OU's teacher education program is approved in Arizona and Kansas and does not guarantee licensure in other states.

    Applicants must submit all of their official transcripts. OU accepts up to 80 transfer credits. Undergraduates must earn a minimum of 124 credits to graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions About PROGRAM NAMES

Is a bachelor's in math education worth it?

Before committing to an online degree, students must first consider if it is worth the effort. Online math education bachelor's programs provide the same training as in-person degrees and are often taught by the same professors leading campus-based courses.Math education degrees remain a perennially popular degree path given the variety of jobs available after graduating. Whether a student decides to work in a classroom, administration, or start their own math tutoring business, plenty of jobs can be found that pay well and offer career stability.

What can I do with a bachelor's in math education?

Pursuing an online bachelor's in math education represents a great decision for students interested in educating the next generation in mathematical principles and practices. Whether a learner hopes to teach kindergarten students just beginning their educational journey or work with high schoolers to solve complex trigonometry problems, math education degrees provide the training to qualify for these roles.Graduates can work in both public and private school settings, or in a freelance capacity to offer math tutoring and support. Others may decide to pursue administrative roles such as a curriculum and instructional director or tutoring director.

Are math education majors in demand?

As with other K-12 education roles, jobs for math education professionals are expected to grow in the coming years. The BLS projects that jobs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers will grow by 7% between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of nearly 112,000 new positions.

During these same years, the BLS projects that jobs for middle school teachers will grow by nearly 45,000 openings, while positions for high school teachers will expand by more than 78,000 jobs. Students looking for stable careers in the coming years can find this in the world of education.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in math education?

Regardless of whether an online bachelor's in math education graduate decides to teach mathematics in a kindergarten or 12th grade class, jobs for these professionals offer median wages between approximately $60,000-$63,000 each year.Many factors go into how much a math education graduate earns. These commonly include how much experience they possess, where they work, their title, and where they live. For instance, a math teacher in Omaha, Nebraska will likely earn less than one living and working in Boston, Massachusetts due to cost of living differences.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's in math education?

Although teacher salaries remain mostly the same regardless of grade level, there are ways of maximizing income potential. For instance, a high school math teacher working in a public school earned a median salary of $63,400 as of 2020, while those with the same job at a private school earned just $58,550.Seniority can also play a big role in salaries, given that many schools use a pay ladder system that awards teachers with more experience. For instance, high school teachers in the top 10% of earners commanded salaries of more than $102,130 in 2020.

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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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