Why This Matters
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THERE ARE 49.3 MILLION SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THE U.S.
In 2020, the United States had 49.3 million school-age children, and that number is expected to break 50 million in 2021. For the next two decades, the school-age population is forecast to steadily grow.
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40,000 MORE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING JOBS ARE COMING
Schools across the nation employ over 1 million high school teachers, and they’re regularly hiring more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be another 40,200 high school teaching jobs by 2029.
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EARN UP TO $7,300 MORE PER YEAR
Teachers who hold master’s degrees earn an average of $2,760 more annually than their colleagues who have only bachelor’s degrees. That gap increases to $7,358 when teachers reach their maximum pay.
Our Research
We reviewed many Master’s in Math Education programs, including those awarding Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Science (MS) degrees. Our list also covers traditional, online, and hybrid programs.
Every program listed possesses regional accreditation through a recognized body, and many also have accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP). By listing only accredited schools, we know every program provides high-quality education and its degrees are recognized by other institutions.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 74 hours to write this article
- 193 universities and colleges we assessed
- 238 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Master’s in Math Education Degree Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
The Master’s in Math Education degree is intended for professionals who want to teach in a K-12 school setting, and many programs focus on a particular age range of students. You may choose a program that has specialization in elementary, middle school, or secondary education, depending on your career preferences. Teaching mathematics at the college level usually requires a PhD degree.
All 50 states require public school teachers to be licensed, which is obtained at the state level. Most states require a Bachelor’s in Education or similar degree, and many states require that teachers obtain a relevant master’s degree within a specific time frame once they have a job.
Colleges and universities offer a variety of formats. Some of these are intended for teachers who are licensed and working, while others are more suited to prospective teachers who aren’t yet licensed or working. Consider how a program’s schedule and course delivery format will work with your current situation as you evaluate different degree options.
While coursework for online programs normally can be completed remotely, most educational degrees have in-person student teaching requirements. Make sure you consider this component as you plan out how a degree will fit into your schedule.
What’s Next?
Here are a couple of questions that will help you evaluate master’s in math education options:
- Am I eligible for this program? Master’s degree programs generally require a bachelor’s degree, and some master’s in math education programs might want you to have a bachelor’s in education or similar degree. Programs intended for people who are already teaching may also have licensure or experience requirements. Be sure you meet all of a program’s requirements before applying.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Most master’s in math education degrees have a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Synchronous classes are attended by all students at a specific time, while asynchronous ones may be completed as your schedule allows.
When you know which programs look promising, find out the application deadlines and required application materials for each. You can usually get this information from a program’s webpage or by contacting a program directly.
Also consider how you’ll pay for your master’s degree. Talk with programs about scholarships and financial aid, and ask your employer if it provides tuition reimbursement or remission.