An online master’s in math education can help students further their knowledge of mathematics and educational pedagogy. Such programs usually require the completion of 30 to 33 credit hours and can be finished in as little as one year. Afterward, students may qualify for several different jobs, though the general goal of this graduate program is to prepare students to become math teachers.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. Once you graduate, you may choose to become a math teacher at the K-12 level, where you can expect an annual salary of around $65,000 per year.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Math Education Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). A master’s in math education is a specialized degree designed to prepare future mathematics instructors. As such, online master’s programs usually have two concentrations to choose from: one that prepares students to teach at the K-12 level and one that prepares students to teach at the postsecondary level. If your career goal is to become a college professor, consider pursuing a PhD after completing your master’s to increase your chances of employment.
Research schools and programs
When investigating schools, the first thing to confirm is their accreditation status. This affects whether the school is eligible to award federal financial aid to students. For educators, it can also impact their ability to get the necessary licenses and certifications. Students should seek out schools with regional accreditation as well as accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Once students have narrowed things down to a few schools they are interested in, they should inquire about the job placement rate for graduates. While online programs mean students can take classes anywhere, it may be important to consider universities close to where students would like to teach, as the choice of alma mater may ultimately help them to land a job in their desired area.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program.
While some online master’s in math education programs have waived the requirement, the majority of them will require that students submit GRE scores as part of the application. It’s essential to consider application deadlines when preparing for the GRE because it takes some students as long as three months to prepare for the test and up to 15 days to receive the results.
Undergraduate transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are also often required. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Ultimately, selecting the best program for an online master’s in math education will come down to where students want to go, how much the program costs, and their test scores. It’s not uncommon for students to apply to multiple programs, so they still have options if they do not get into their top pick.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Once students know how much the graduate program will cost, they need to explore ways of paying for it. You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. It helps students receive federal loans and other potential assistance that may help pay for educational costs. Additionally, exploring any scholarships available from the school in question or various local, state, and national groups is advisable. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well.
Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Math Education Programs
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How We Rank Schools
The types of degrees featured on this list include Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Arts (MA). Our primary criterion was that programs deliver their coursework entirely or primarily 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 they meet the highest standards of quality for postsecondary education. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Math Education Program?
In an online master’s in math education program, the courses combine math and education classes. On the math side, students can expect to study concepts like applied mathematics, probabilities, and statistics. On the education side, courses typically cover elementary and secondary education. However, if the program focuses on postsecondary education, these courses will address developing a pedagogy to teach college students.
How fast students complete this degree largely depends on whether they entirely focus on their studies or are studying part-time while holding down a full-time job. For example, a full-time student may complete their studies within 18 months, and there are accelerated programs that allow students to finish in as little as one year. Most of the time, though, this program takes about two years to complete, and you typically don’t have to meet any residencies that might otherwise delay your graduation.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in math education program
- Cognition and Critical Thinking. Students learn how to use Bloom’s taxonomy and other methods to learn more about the thinking and judgment behind our decisions. This class also deals with how our psychology informs our everyday critical thinking.
- Design of Learning Environments. Future mathematics instructors learn more about creating an environment most conducive to student learning. This course covers in-person and online teaching strategies and the skills required for each path.
- The Known Equation. The Known Equation reinforces existing knowledge while building upon what students already know. Students will learn about the Pythagorean theorem, the quadratic formula, and many more concepts as they explore the links between theoretical and applied knowledge.
- Mathematical Modeling Methods. This course is about applying different mathematical models to various theories to solve practical problems, including theories regarding differential equations and statistics, game theory, and chaos theory.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Math Education?
Career outlook
Graduates with an online master’s in math education have diverse career paths available, extending beyond traditional teaching roles. Here are some common occupations for individuals with this degree:
- Kindergarten or elementary school teacher — Teach subjects such as reading, math, and social studies to young children.
- Median annual salary: $63,670
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 109,000 annually
- Middle school teacher — Help students advance their understanding of the subjects they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the subjects that will be covered in high school.
- Median annual salary: $64,290
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 42,200 annually
- Instructional coordinator — Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of educational materials.
- Median annual salary: $74,620
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New job openings projected: 19,200 annually
Online Master’s in Math Education Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in math education degree program?
In most cases, students can apply to the school(s) of their choice directly through the school website. The website should also specify various requirements, including if GRE scores are needed, where to send transcripts, whether applicants need to submit letters of recommendation, etc.
Additionally, students should always speak to an admissions counselor beforehand. Not only can a counselor verify what students do (and don’t) need to submit as part of the application, but they can also answer any questions students may have in precise detail.
How much does an online master’s in math education degree cost?
While the exact cost of each program may vary, students can generally expect to pay between $18,000 and $35,000 in total tuition to earn an online master’s in math education. Public schools are typically on the lower end of that range, and private schools are typically higher.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in math education degree?
Most online master’s in math education programs require 36 credit hours. These online programs can typically be completed over two years, though it may take longer for students to get their degrees if they balance their education with a full-time career. Those who can entirely focus on their studies may be able to complete the program in 18 months, and some schools offer accelerated programs students can complete in just one year. In many cases, the time required to complete the program may influence your choice of school.
Is an online master's in math education worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in math education offers numerous advantages. Online master’s programs in math education typically provide educators with advanced knowledge in math instruction, curriculum development, and educational leadership. An online format allows flexibility for working professionals to enhance their skills while continuing to teach. Graduates gain the expertise to take on leadership roles, contribute to curriculum improvement, and impact the quality of math education in their communities.
Online education eliminates geographical barriers, providing access to reputable programs and expert faculty regardless of location. This accessibility broadens educational opportunities for individuals who may not have access to certain programs locally.
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