Key Information:
- Maryville University and Bellevue University offer top online bachelor’s in mathematics.
- Programs typically include core subjects such as algebra, calculus, and statistics, along with elective courses allowing specialization in various areas of mathematics.
- Some universities, like Indiana University East, allow the transfer of a significant number of credits, facilitating faster degree completion.
- These programs focus on developing analytical and problem-solving skills essential for various careers in mathematics, research, and related fields.
Mathematics is a popular career trajectory, with a multitude of options for an online math degree. It’s an important career focus because of the STEM-focused jobs that continue to meld with the latest technology. Mathematics is at the core of jobs across industries, but also in stores, banks, and businesses. No matter how technology evolves, the core skills and knowledge are critical for any number of career opportunities both now and in the future.
It is imperative to note that many programs offered by good math colleges and universities are offered through the school’s distance learning platforms. These online top undergraduate math programs are often a great option for working learners or busy parents – who have strict time constraints and require a more flexible option to a more traditional on-campus approach to education. Online degrees in mathematics support the ever-evolving requirements for becoming a mathematician, while easily facilitating continuing education requirements. It’s easy, cost-effective, and flexible to tap into the specialized coursework opportunities, designed to support mathematics degrees online.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Online Math Degrees
To rank the best online math degree programs, Bachelor’s Degree Center focused on factors that really matter to students, especially working students who need a return on their investment. That means ranking based on cost, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and Niche.
1. Maryville University
When you’re looking for the best online math degree programs, you want to consider the online mathematics bachelor’s degree from Maryville University. The online degree program offers a flexible schedule that allows students to work at their own pace. It emphasizes problem-solving skills and logical thinking processes to help students understand the processes of solving math problems.
Maryville University gives students a strong foundation in mathematics by encouraging students to study a variety of different math courses. The core studies emphasize multiple aspects of mathematics that range from probability and algebra to calculus and statistics. The emphasis on different applications of mathematics also ensures that students are prepared for their career goals.
Highlight: Maryville University is a military-friendly school that works with active-duty members of the Armed Forces who want to complete a degree.
Degree: Online Mathematics BS
Maryville University Mathematics BS
2. Bellvue University
Bellevue University offers one of the best online math degrees for students who want to return to school or who are planning to work on a degree when they are currently working in a job or career. The program focuses on the needs of working adults who may have limitations on their time or complex schedules that prevent them from completing courses at a traditional college or university program.
Bellevue University recognizes the challenges that may impact working adults and takes measures to help with their long-term goals. The online program allows students to work at a pace that fits their goals and abilities while still providing the opportunity to continue with current obligations or responsibilities. It focuses on the challenges that may impact adults who are returning to school or who decide to pursue a degree to advance in their careers.
Highlight: Bellevue University makes the process of transferring credits from other colleges or universities simple to help students complete a degree at an accelerated pace.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Bellevue University Mathematics, BS
3. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers one of the best online mathematics degree programs for students who want to pursue their talent and interests in mathematics. It focuses on algebra, analysis, and statistics as it relates to mathematics to prepare students for the practical application of skills in the workforce. It recognizes that students need to have analytical skills to keep up in a modern work environment and may need knowledge of statistics to evaluate data for their careers.
Southern New Hampshire University stands out by focusing on student convenience in the online program. It allows students to transfer up to 90 credits from another college or university to accelerate the process of completing a degree. It also offers 24-hour accessibility to online course materials, so students can access information, course work, and other details when it fits their schedules.
Highlight: Southern New Hampshire University offers multiple starting dates for students in the online mathematics program
Degree: Mathematics, BA
Southern New Hampshire University Mathematics, BA
4. University of Illinois at Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield offers one of the best online math degree programs for students who want to work in a research, statistics, or mathematics position after graduation. The program emphasizes the application of mathematics to different situations so students can work in different fields and industries. It also teaches students the research skills they need to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
The University of Illinois at Springfield Online gives students the opportunity to develop relevant skills for a modern work environment. It focuses on ensuring that students have a strong foundation in analytical and problem-solving skills so that they are prepared for the rigors of working in a challenging career. It also provides students with the math skills they need to continue into a higher level of education.
Highlight: The University of Illinois at Springfield Online encourages students to seek out advisors to help with the process of evaluating their goals and working toward a career objective.
Degree: Mathematical Science, BA
University of Illinois at Springfield Mathematical Science, BA
5. Indiana University
The online undergraduate degree in mathematics from Indiana University is one of the best online mathematics degree programs for students who want to gain relevant skills in order and structure as it relates to a real-world environment. The degree program emphasizes quantitative thinking processes and logical reasoning as a critical part of developing the skills students need to advance in a mathematics career.
Indiana University offers elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific areas of mathematics after completing the core classes for common skills. The electives allow students to learn the application of skills to different aspects of mathematics or to pursue pure mathematics when students plan to continue their studies into more advanced degree programs.
Highlight: Indiana University offers success coaching with one-on-one support to help students reach their long-term goals.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Indiana University Mathematics, BS
6. Indiana University East
Indiana University East offers an online bachelor’s degree in mathematics that emphasizes flexibility for students who are looking for a solution to help with a complicated schedule. The program takes a comprehensive approach to mathematics studies and ensures that students are fully aware of the use of different formulas and theories as it applies to math. It also ensures that students have a strong foundation in math that ranges from algebra to calculus.
Indiana University East allows students to specialize in specific areas of mathematics based on their goals and long-term plans. Students can select elective courses to develop skills for financial mathematics, pure mathematics, or other areas of math that may help with career objectives. The focus on giving students the flexibility to apply math to different fields and industries ensures that students are ready to face challenges when they complete their degree programs.
Highlight: Indiana University East allows students to transfer more than 60 credits into the program and does not require students to complete any courses on-campus if they have finished their general education courses.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Indiana University East Mathematics, BS
7. Midway University
Midway University offers an online bachelor’s degree in mathematics that works with the goals of students. It provides an accelerated format that allows students to complete their degree at a fast-pace. It also allows students to take part-time courses if they want to keep up with a career or personal obligations that limit their time for studies. That flexible approach ensures that students are able to work at their own pace while completing math studies.
Midway University offers financial assistance to students in the online math program based on their situation and financial needs. It recognizes that students may qualify for grants or loans, and makes the process to obtain appropriate aid simple through their financial aid office. Since the online program in math qualifies for aid, students can focus on obtaining a degree as it fits their situation.
Highlight: Midway University offers in-person support from faculty to online students who may have questions or concerns about their career options or their studies.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Midway University Mathematics, BS
8. Mercy College
Mercy College offers one of the best online mathematics degree programs for students who want to learn the practical application of math in a modern work environment. The degree program emphasizes the use of math in real-world situations and ensures that students can work with technology to accomplish goals. It not only focuses on mathematics skills and logic, but also teaches computer language to ensure that students can use their skills in a technology-heavy career.
Mercy College provides an integrated education that prepares students to work in a modern environment. It recognizes that students need to know the practical application of mathematics to different situations and careers. By focusing on the use of mathematics in technology, computer science, and related fields, students are able to develop relevant abilities that prepare them to work in a challenging and fast-paced career.
Highlight: Mercy College works with members of the military and veterans to help with the process of obtaining a degree when working around a challenging career that may transfer students to new locations at unexpected times.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Mercy College Mathematics, BS
9. Mayville State University
Mayville State University offers an online mathematics program that prepares students for the challenges of working in a modern environment. It takes a hands-on approach to education and encourages students to complete an internship while working on their degrees to help them learn the practical application of skills to different environments. It also provides a strong foundation in mathematics, logic, and critical thinking skills that prepares students to address problems.
Mayville State University recognizes the importance of using mathematics in different situations. It ensures that students have the practical skills to use math in their lives and their careers by providing a strong foundation in studies and ensuring that students gain hands-on experience throughout their education. The emphasis on hands-on experience sets the program apart and helps students focus on accomplishing their goals.
Highlight: Mayville State University is transfer-friendly and works with students to transfer credits smoothly into the online math program.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Mayville State University Mathematics, BS
10. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in mathematics that emphasizes the needs of working adults. It recognizes that working adults need a flexible schedule to address challenges with personal obligations and it focuses on providing the opportunity to work at a pace that fits the needs of students. It also prepares students for the rigors of working in a mathematics-heavy career by offering a strong foundation in math skills that apply to different situations.
Thomas Edison State University focuses on developing a student’s practical skills and abilities. It emphasizes the ways students can apply mathematics to different situations and ensures that students have the logical thought processes needed to evaluate when to use different forms of mathematics formulas or tools. It also provides students with the critical thinking skills to evaluate potential challenges and address concerns that may arise.
Highlight: Thomas Edison State University teaching oral and written communication skills as part of the mathematics degree program to ensure that students are able to communicate effectively when working in a career.
Degree: Mathematics, BA
Thomas Edison State University Mathematics, BA
11. American Public University
The bachelor’s degree in math online from American Public University focuses on providing students with the skills to address modern problems in science, technology and math-related industries. The degree program emphasizes critical thinking skills and mathematical theory to ensure that students are able to use their skills in math to address concerns in their careers. It provides a strong foundation in advanced mathematics and gives students the opportunity to learn effective modeling that applies to different real-world scenarios.
American Public University takes an accelerated approach to the online math degree and helps students finish their education at a fast pace. The online courses are eight-weeks long and it prepares students to work in a fast-paced environment. The flexibility of the online program combined with the accelerated course materials help students reach their long-term goals and prepare for the challenges they may face in a career.
Highlight: American Public University allows students to transfer up to 77 percent of their credits into the program.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
American Public University Mathematics, BS
12. Chadron State College
Chadron State College offers one of the best online math degrees for students who want to focus on their career objectives and their education without the challenges of moving or dealing with on-campus studies. It gives students a flexible solution to help with their goals and emphasizes the skills that are useful for student career objectives.
Chadron State College recognizes the importance of helping students with a flexible schedule. It offers hybrid online and fully online courses that allow students to work at their own pace and access course materials when it fits their needs. The on-campus students are also able to access online course materials to keep up with their classes, though they are also expected to attend classes at the college.
Highlight: Chadron State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission for its online degree programs.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
Chadron State College Mathematics, BS
13. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a bachelor’s degree in mathematics for secondary education that prepares students to work as an educator. It recognizes that students need specialized skills to work as a math teacher and it provides the fundamental abilities that help students succeed. The degree program emphasizes mathematics as well as classroom management and teaching skills that help students accomplish their goals.
The way Grand Canyon University stands out is the focus on teaching. While the degree program emphasizes mathematics and modeling, it also prepares students to work as educators for adolescent students. That focus on teaching sets the program apart because it helps students develop specific skills are that relevant to a specific career path.
Highlight: Grand Canyon University allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the online mathematics program.
Degree: Math Education, BS
Grand Canyon University Math Education, BS
14. Granite State College
Granite State College offers an online degree in math studies that prepares students for the challenges of working in a variety of fields or industries. While it does emphasize mathematics, the program also prepares students to work as an educator. That flexibility in the program allows students to focus on a career that fits their long-term goals.
Granite State College provides students with a field-based education that ensures they gain hands-on experience throughout their studies. It provides mentorship to students who are working on their undergraduate degrees to prepare them for the rigors of working in a career. That hands-on approach to education helps students reach long-term goals when they finish their degree programs.
Highlight: When students finish a degree in math studies from Granite State College, they are qualified for teaching certification at the middle school level.
Degree: Math Studies, BA
Granite State College Math Studies, BA
15. University of Massachusetts — Lowell
University of Massachusetts — Lowell offers a BS in mathematics online that helps students reach their long-term goals for a career. The degree program focuses on the application of mathematics in a modern work environment. Students learn to apply math to science and technology with the goal of advancing in a career as students gain relevant skills.
UMass Lowell stands out by focusing on the needs of working adults who may be returning to school or who want to improve their opportunities for a career. The degree program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the program. It also allows students to work at their own pace and complete a degree when it fits their schedules.
Highlight: UMass Lowell offers scholarships and financial assistance to students in the online mathematics degree program.
Degree: Mathematics, BS
University of Massachusetts — Lowell Mathematics, BS
What is a Mathematician?
It’s a basic question: “What is a mathematician?” In the most general terms, a mathematician is a person who has knowledge of mathematics, and he or he uses that understanding to solve problems. The next question is “What does a mathematician do?” A mathematicians job description includes the ability to conduct research in mathematics, solve problems, develop ideas, apply mathematics to other fields of study and research (such as biology, engineering, economics, physics, crypto currency, astronomy, and business.
The Washington Post also reported how well STEM-related careers, including mathematics pay off with higher-range salaries, flexibility, and mobility. Beyond the career opportunities, math skills and online learning opportunities prepare students with the level of analytical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills that are important for growth and development on the job and in life.
What Does a Mathematician Do for a Living?
Mathematicians are often teachers, professors, or tutors, as part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teaching directives both in the US and worldwide. So, the question of “What does a mathematician do for a living?” involves a combination of student-and-research centered activities, including writing research papers, creating curriculum and textbooks, advising and instructing students, running student focused organizations, grading papers, and administering exams. With such a range of requirements for mathematicians, online degrees in mathematics are essential to both be prepared and to continue to maintain the level of skills and knowledge needed for the job. The states with the statistically highest concentration of mathematics jobs include Rhode Island, but also range across Virginia, New Mexico, DC, and New Jersey. The highest employment levels are in California, with Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Texas following.
How Do I Get a Job as a Mathematician?
The jobs for a mathematician include positions as actuaries, financial analysts, operations research analysts, accountants, digital analysts, and math teachers. Mathematician jobs include insurance underwriters, market research analysts, etc. Entry-level mathematician jobs include analysts, actuaries, data scientists, biostatisticians, researchers, controllers, and payroll associates. Students can achieve even the most entry level positions with training and educational experience from online degrees in mathematics. Some programs include internship or on-the-job training that could quickly and easily segue directly into entry-level positions. Entry level positions are also the opportunity to continue education via mathematics degrees online and achieve more advanced degrees, while working in the field.
How Do I Become a Mathematician?
Online mathematics degrees are an essential requirement for getting a job as a mathematician. The minimum of a bachelor’s degree can be achieved with an online mathematics degree, but a master’s or doctorate degree may be required as well, depending on the position. Mathematicians require training and requirements in areas of statistics, engineering, physics, computer science, and business.
With such a range of requirements for becoming a mathematician, students can achieve the required credits and coursework via mathematics degrees online. You’ll practice skills like:
- differential equations
- linear algebra
- applied mathematics
- abstract algebra
- mathematical modeling
- mathematical proof
- applied statistics
- number theory
With a specialization in actuarial science, math majors combine math with computer programming and data science to solve real-world problems.
Before enrollment in a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in mathematics, check the accreditation of the school. Full-time bachelor’s programs should be accredited, even online colleges. Online bachelor of science programs may be the same price for out-of-state and in-state students.
How Much Do Mathematicians Make?
Mathematician salaries range depending on the job, but an actuary position can have a median salary of $102,880, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A mathematician salary, with a master’s degree, may earn a media pay of $88,190, while an operations research analyst, with a bachelor’s degree can range ~$83,390.
The salary of a mathematician is flexible, with a multitude of opportunities for growth, advancement, and career evolution. Mathematicians can be involved in virtually every area of science, finance, and industry. So, for the question of “how much do mathematicians make,” the answer is variable. Also, for those wondering “how much does a mathematician make?”, the average salary for mathematicians may involve a flexible schedule and work environment. While the average salary for a mathematician and statistician may be $88,190 with a master’s degree, the individual may also earn other forms of income through writing, stipends, consulting, and other revenue streams.
A discussion of “how much money does a mathematician make?” is not complete without considering the job outlook. At 30%, the job outlook for a mathematician with a master’s degree is much better than the average. So, mathematics degrees online not only prepare students for growing and evolving opportunities, but they also present a positive job outlook for the future of each individual’s employment and success.
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