Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. HAS 48.8 MILLION SCHOOL-AGE KIDS

    The number of children ages 6-17 years old in the U.S. has been increasing for several years, leading to higher school enrollment. The school-age population is expected to remain the same through 2030.

  • 38K MORE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED

    Employment of secondary education teachers is expected to continue growing as fast as the average for all occupations through 2028. Math teachers are in particularly high demand.

  • EARN $15,000 MORE PER YEAR WITH A MASTER’S

    Teachers with a master’s degree earn an average annual salary of $58,750, compared to $43,750 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree. Earning potential increases even more based on years of experience.

Our Research

We focused our research for this list on master’s in math education programs. The types of degrees featured on this list include Master of Education (M.Ed), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees.

Our primary criteria was that programs deliver their coursework fully or mostly online. In instances where programs are offered both on-campus and online, students may have the option to complete their degree through a combination of in-person and distance learning coursework.

All of the programs on our list are offered at regionally accredited institutions, ensuring that they meet high standards of quality in postsecondary education. Many programs also have specialized accreditations through the Council for the Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP). Programmatic accreditation ensures that degrees will be accepted by future employers and certification boards.

We evaluated the programs based on their outcomes, cost, faculty, flexibility, and reputation in the field. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score of each program on a scale from 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online master’s in math education are respected, affordable, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 55 hours to write this article
  • 140 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 400 education programs we compared

The Top 35 Online Master’s in Math Education

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What You Should Know About This Degree

All states require public school teachers to have a state-issued teaching license or certification. The specific requirements vary by state, but they generally include having a bachelor’s degree in education, and passing certification exams. In some states, teachers must obtain their master’s degree within a certain time frame to maintain their teaching credentials.

Some master’s programs are designed for students who already have their teaching credentials, while others are open to students who are not yet licensed or certified. Your educational and professional background will guide what type of master’s in math education program you are seeking. If you are pursuing your master’s degree as a way to obtain teaching licensure or certification, familiarize yourself with your state’s requirements so you can choose an appropriate program.

Master’s in math education programs either take a broad approach, teaching skills applicable for students in K-12 settings, or focus on a specific age range, such as elementary, middle school, or secondary mathematics. Consider your own personal and professional interests when selecting a program.

Experiential learning in the form of student teaching is required by most master’s in math education programs. If you are currently teaching, you may be able to complete these requirements in your school. Otherwise, you should plan on accommodating at least one term of student teaching in your schedule.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Math Education programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Depending on the program, you may need to already have a bachelor’s degree in education, teaching licensure, and/or teaching experience. Be sure to review the program’s eligibility requirements prior to applying to ensure that you have the right qualifications for admission.
  • How are courses in this program delivered? Distance learning programs are usually delivered through synchronous or asynchronous classes. In synchronous classes, students are required to attend classes remotely at set times throughout the term. In asynchronous classes, students can access lessons and assignments on their own schedule. Determine which type of delivery method works best for you when researching online programs.

At this stage, you can also gather your application materials, and confirm application submission deadlines, to ensure a smooth admissions process. You should also consider how you will finance your graduate degree. Consult with a financial aid counselor about student loans, scholarships, and assistantships. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance benefits.