Best Online Master’s in Math Education Programs of 2023

Intelligent Pick

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an accelerated online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a content specialization in elementary math and science education. This program is particularly notable because teaching experience is not required. It also stands out for its shorter length — just 10 months, which leads to savings and quicker entry into the job market. While the program does not lead to licensure as a teacher, graduates find jobs as curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators, and consultants. Required courses include Models and Methods in Science Education, Curriculum Problems and Processes, and Research Methods in Education. An undergraduate degree and GPA of at least 3.0 are required to apply.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $458.33
• Credits required to graduate: 30
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 52%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 956-665-3627

Learn more

Best for International Students

Pennsylvania-based Slippery Rock University has designed a blended Master of Education in Secondary Education: Math/Science program with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concentration. The program, which is held online and on campus, prepares students for teacher certification through a deep exploration of math and science. It’s ideal for students who are interested in research since it includes classes in pedagogy, educational measurement, and research methods. For students who already hold teacher certification, a 100% online program is available. This advanced track offers elective courses in subjects like counseling and special education. It takes the same amount of time and credits to complete as the basic track.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $516 (in-state); $774 (out-of-state)
• Credits required to graduate: 36
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 66%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 724-738-2007

Learn more

Best Scholarships

No campus visits are required to complete Georgia-based Valdosta State University’s online Master of Education in Middle Grades Math and Science degree. The program takes about 16 months of full-time study to finish. Part-time enrollment is also an option. While course delivery is asynchronous in format, the program is still very hands-on and features team projects, discussion posts, and case studies. Another unique factor of the program is that courses are taught by faculty of two schools: Valdosta State and the University of North Georgia. Of note: This program requires current certification in middle grades math or science.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $293
• Credits required to graduate: 36
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 43%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 229-333-5925

Learn more

Best for Continuing Career Development

Indiana Wesleyan University’s Master of Science in Mathematics in Education program is designed for current secondary school teachers. It’s ideal for teachers looking to advance their instructional reach by teaching advanced placement, dual enrollment, or early college courses. Indiana Wesleyan is a Christian university, and courses have a Biblical worldview that includes topics like ethics and faith. The program takes about 20 months to complete. It is unique in its focus on leadership. Graduates must demonstrate the ability to lead and collaborate with others, including peers, community organizations, and parents. Students must also demonstrate an understanding of qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research methodologies.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $470
• Credits required to graduate: 33
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 63%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 866-498-4968

Learn more

Best Student-Faculty Ratio

Fresno Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (secondary school) prepares current educators for expanded roles as district math coordinators or community college math instructors. The online program takes about two years to complete and offers special scholarships for teachers from several California school districts. Highlights of the program include small class sizes and a thematic curriculum that revolves around social justice in teaching mathematics. Faculty members have extensive research in the area of equitable mathematics instruction. Additionally, students have access to the university’s comprehensive Career Development and Experiential Learning Center, which assists with resume writing, career assessments, job searches, and more.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $705
• Credits required to graduate: 30
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 64%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 559-453-3690

Learn more

Best for Teaching Overseas

A part-time, online Master of Education in Math Education Studies is offered by the University at Buffalo. This program is intended for students who have substantial math content background but are not seeking New York State teaching certification. The degree takes about two years to complete and stands out for its affordability. It is also unique in that its curriculum focuses heavily on the use of technology in mathematics teaching and learning. Graduates typically go on to careers as researchers, authors, and teachers nationally or internationally and in college settings. Among the admission requirements are a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and computer competency skills.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $471 (in-state); $565 (out-of-state)
• Credits required to graduate: 33
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 72%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 716-645-2110

Learn more 

Best for Synchronous Learning

Virginia-based James Madison University offers a Master of Education in Mathematics program that welcomes any student with an interest in deepening their understanding of mathematics, including international students. The program is unique because it is designed for secondary teachers of mathematics, but this is not a requirement for admission. It also stands out for its collaborative curriculum that blends courses from both the College of Education and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Graduates of this program have gone on to careers as college mathematics instructors and teachers of dual enrollment courses. Of note: The program does not lead to initial licensure as a teacher.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $466 (in-state); $1,184 (out-of-state)
• Credits required to graduate: 34
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 82%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 540-568-6184

Learn more

Best Electives

North Carolina State University offers a Master of Education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education program that can be completed 100% online. The program prepares current educators for roles as master teachers and community college instructors. Courses include Teaching and Learning Statistics,  Interactions in Mathematics Classrooms, and Teaching Mathematics with Technology. Students also engage in research and professional leadership activities. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in a mathematics major or substantial mathematics coursework. A highlight of North Carolina State’s program is that College of Education students are eligible for generous merit scholarships in addition to financial aid. During the 2019–2020 academic year, 235 students received scholarships totaling more than $400,000.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $505.28 (in-state); $1,504.56 (out-of-state)
• Credits required to graduate: 36
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 79%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 919-515-5514

Learn more

Best for Community College Teaching

Hands-on learning is a focus of the online Master of Science in Mathematics Education program at Northern Arizona University. Students have the unique opportunity to work as part-time graduate teaching assistants. The program prepares graduates for careers as community college instructors, math teachers, and district math specialists. It focuses on connecting theory and research to teaching, curriculum, assessment, technology, equity, and problem-solving. A bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and substantial coursework in mathematics is required to apply. Applicants must also have at least two years of mathematics teaching experience or undergraduate coursework in mathematics teaching methods.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per year: $13,800
• Credits required to graduate: 37
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 59%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 928-523-3481

Learn more

Best for Working Professionals

East Carolina University offers a practitioner-focused online Master of Arts in Education – Mathematics Education. The goal of this degree program is to help current mathematics teachers become leaders of mathematics teachers. It typically takes two years of part-time study to complete the degree. The program is unique in its hands-on approach to learning and research. Faculty guide students in using their current classroom as a laboratory for testing ideas, piloting assessment items, and performing action research. The program also stands out because it offers several pathways: elementary, middle grades, or high school-level mathematics. The high school track does require some on-campus learning.

Things to Consider:

• Cost per credit: $289.11 (in-state); $1,019.61 (out-of-state)
• Credits required to graduate: 36
• Academic calendar: Traditional semester
• Graduation rate: 66%

More Program Information: 

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 252-328-6012

Learn more