Best Online Math Education Programs
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.
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.
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.
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
- In-State$7,404
- Out-of-state$7,404
- In-State$7,765
- Out-of-state$7,765
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$8,040
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate51%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled13,841
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,758
- Out-of-state$16,850
- In-State$8,858
- Out-of-state$16,408
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled4,198
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,912
- Out-of-state$15,912
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled18,631
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,253
- Out-of-state$11,253
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled224
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Math Education Programs
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?
Demand for K-12 teachers is set to decline over the next decade. The BLS projects that jobs for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are set to decline by 1% between 2023 and 2033.
During these same years, the BLS projects that jobs for middle school teachers and high school teachers will also decline, although demand for postsecondary teachers is set to increase by 8%.
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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