EARNING AN ONLINE MATH DEGREE: WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED
Earning an online math degree could help you achieve the quantitative skills and knowledge you need to pursue diverse career paths – like actuary, statistician, operations research analyst, or educator.
Considered the underlying language of science, math can help you understand the world more clearly and find solutions for problems that seem impossible. In an online math degree program, you could even explore the relationship between math and human life, tracing this ancient subject from early times through modern technology.
EARNING AN ONLINE MATH DEGREE: AN OVERVIEW
Do you love numbers and want to dedicate your education to quantitative problem solving? If so, you might be wondering what it’s really like to study math at the post secondary level. Is it intimidating or exciting? Will you enter the abstract territory of pure math? Or learn how to solve problems in practical settings, such as business or the social sciences?
Since math degree programs are so diverse, the only way to find out exactly what you could study is to research programs in your interest area. For instance, you could pursue online math degree programs at the undergrad or grad level. You could even choose an area of focus like statistics or finance.
That said, a general undergrad math program may cover topics like:
- How to solve problems, as well as think logically and analytically.
- The procedures of scientific research, including how to recognize, analyze, and interpret data.
- How to use numerical and data analysis to solve problems and make decisions.
- The history and applications of math through the ages.
- Many areas of the math field, such as algebra, statistics, and calculus
Some programs may also be aimed at students with certain career goals – for example, financial mathematics or teaching math at the secondary level. If you are able to choose a focus within your online math degree program, you can expect to take course work that pertains to this area of interest, as well.
FUN FACT
While math as we know it dates back to the earliest human records, it hasn’t always looked the way it does today! For example, the Ancient Greeks only used positive numbers. It wasn’t until much later that negative numbers were introduced in India by Brahmagupta.
TYPES OF MATHDEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
Depending on your passions and professional goals, you may want to study a certain area of math, like statistics or applied mathematics. Or perhaps, pursuing a more general route is your style! Here’s a glimpse of some of the online math degree programs you could find, and what you may learn in each.
Online Math Bachelor’s Degree Program
In a general math program, you could take courses in areas like calculus, algebra, and mathematical modeling. Or even focus on a certain area of the field, like financial mathematics. Such a program may be aimed at students with diverse career goals. Or those who aren’t yet exactly sure what they hope to do with their math studies.
Online Applied Math Degree Program
Applied math involves using math concepts to solve problems in many areas of life. Such as in the natural and social sciences. In an applied mathematics program, you could explore topics like quantitative reasoning and analysis. Or how to construct and defend proofs. Perhaps most importantly, you could study how areas of math like calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra can be used in research, industry, the sciences, and beyond.
Online Statistics Bachelor Degree Program
The study of statistics often focuses on probability. That can be used to analyze data in order to predict a certain outcome or suggest a solution to a problem. In a bachelor’s degree program in statistics, you could study how to work with data. This could include analyzing, managing, and reporting your findings. In addition to the study of statistical theory and practice, you may take courses in calculus, computing, and more. And, you could explore how statistics is applied to industry, business, research, and other areas.
Online Math Masters Degree Program
A general master’s program in math may be aimed at professionals in many fields. These fields include high school teachers pursuing subject area knowledge. So, some programs may allow flexibility in tailoring your studies to your professional interests. You could study real and complex variables. Or applied linear algebra, graph theory, topology, advanced calculus, and beyond.
Online Financial Math Degree Program
Financial mathematics programs online are often offered at the grad level. For instance, you may find Master of Science (M.S.) programs and grad certificate programs touching on this subject. In a program that focuses on financial mathematics, you could work on your quantitative knowledge and skills as they apply to the global economy. For instance, you could study investment science, financial derivatives, and how to calculate and predict the level of financial risk for a particular decision. Grad certificate programs may drill down into specific areas of the field, like securitization, quantitative portfolio management, and more.
Master of Arts in Math Education
Do you need to take online grad level math courses for teaching? Pursuing a master’s program in math education may be one way to build knowledge for your math classroom. This kind of program focuses not just on math concepts, but on strategies and tools for conveying those concepts to students. You may be able to pursue your M.A. in Mathematics Education for Secondary, Middle Grades, or Elementary students. Be sure to check with your program of interest to learn more about its objectives and prospective learning outcomes. For instance, a program may be intended for current teachers who already hold a license, not those seeking a license.
Online Graduate Math Certificate Program
Pursuing a math certificate program could help you drill down on a certain area of your field. It could also bridge gaps in your knowledge prior to pursuing a math PhD program. Programs like this are shorter term than earning a master’s degree. They may be ideal for those who plan to change fields and need to brush up key mathematical concepts.
INDUSTRY FACT
Employment of occupations related to math is projected to much faster than the average for all jobs from 2022 to 2032. Some of this growth may be due to the rise in prevalence of big data (and the resulting need for analysts) in business and government.
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<h2″>WHAT DO ONLINE MATHEMATICS DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
Depending on the focus of your program, your study of math could wander the map, from geometry and topology to abstract algebra and advanced calculus. Sound like your cup of tea? Let’s learn more about typical courses at the undergrad and grad levels.
Undergrad math degree courses may include:
- Applied Statistics
- Discrete Mathematics
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Abstract Algebra
- Real Analysis
- Number Theory
- History of Math
- Complex Variables
- Mathematical Modeling
In addition, bachelor’s degree programs may require general education courses, designed to help students round out their knowledge in areas like writing, science, philosophy, civics, and so on. So, you may take around 30 to 36 credits (more or less) in gen ed courses, in addition to core courses in your major and electives.
Grad math degree courses may include:
- Commutative Algebra
- Applied Linear Algebra
- Graph Theory
- Topology
- Linear Programming & Optimization
- Mathematical Modeling and Applications
- Advanced Calculus
- Scientific Computing
- Vector Calculus and Complex Variables
- Dynamical Systems
- Computational Methods for Data Analysis
Some courses may include:
Applied Statistics: A course like this may focus on using statistics to solve real world problems. You could look at probability, sampling, and other key techniques.
Calculus: This course delves into theories and skills in calculus. You could start with the basics and study functions, limits and continuity, and a lot more!
Linear Algebra: Dive into all the ways to represent linear equations. In this course, you could take a look at everything from vectors to matrices.
History of Math: Look at the people, places, and events that led to math as we know it! This course may start with Babylonia and cover math history up through today.
Discrete Mathematics: This course may explore how to work with unconnected data values. You could study elementary set theory, number theory, and a lot more.
Intro to Scripting: You could try your hand at solving problems with programming, in this course. Data types, variables, loops, and other key concepts may be covered.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ONLINE MATH DEGREE PROGRAMS
So what does it take to earn your math degree online? While graduation requirements may vary, at the undergrad level for example you will need to earn around 120 credits, give or take a few.
These are often grouped into core courses within the math major, math electives, gen ed courses, and general electives.
POTENTIAL BACHELOR OF MATH ONLINE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Keep in mind that every program is structured differently, and the following break down is only estimate.
- Gen ed courses: 30 to 42 credit hours
- Mathematics core courses: 20 to 30 credit hours
- Mathematics elective courses or concentration area: 9 to 18 credit hours
- General elective courses: 18 to 45 credit hours
At the grad level, program focus may shift to more in depth exploration of your field. Notably this means gen ed courses are a thing of the past. And, you may need to earn roughly 33 to 54 credits (more or less) to earn a master’s degree in mathematics. In summary, these credits may be comprised of core courses and electives, and/or programs in a focus area.
POTENTIAL ONLINE MATH MASTER’S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree programs in math may be highly variable – and even customizable! – when it comes to structure and course requirements. Therefore, the following is just an estimate:
- Core mathematics courses: 12 to 36 credits
- Elective courses: 9 to 18 credits
- Concentration courses: 0 to 24 credits
In addition, your master’s program may require you to complete a capstone, portfolio, or other final project. For example, students in an M.A. in Mathematics Education program may put together a research based teaching work sample. This could include a lesson plan, learning goals, assessment, and other components.
APPLYING TO AN ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS
Are you a math enthusiast hoping to turn your love of numbers into an interesting career path? Or a current professional hoping to enhance your expertise? If so, pursuing an online math degree program might be the ideal next step. First, you’ll have to check out the admissions requirements for the programs you’re considering. Then learn more about how to apply.
At the undergrad level, admissions requirements for an online math degree program usually involve submitting an application. You also submit your academic transcripts from high school or any previous institutions you attended.
In addition, applying to undergrad math programs may require:
- ACT or SAT scores, though many online programs don’t require standardized test results
- A minimum GPA
- The completion of prerequisite courses, such as calculus. (If you didn’t take these courses in high school, you may be able to take them as an admitted student, without credit.)
- A credential evaluation and other materials, if you are an international student
- A GED certificate if you do not have a high school diploma
Keep in mind that you may need to meet separate requirements to be admitted to the school itself. For instance, a math degree program may require a different minimum GPA than the school’s general admissions policies dictate.
At the grad level, you must have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, often from a regionally accredited school. Your program may specify that your bachelor’s degree must be in mathematics, applied mathematics, or a related field. In addition, you may need prerequisite courses in subjects like calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, etc. Other skills or knowledge, like programming, may also be required.
Other admissions requirements for grad programs in math may include:
- Transcripts from every college you have attended
- A minimum undergrad GPA
- GRE scores (may be optional or non required)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose, describing your academic and professional background, interests, and goals (and how graduate school could help you pursue your objectives!)
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Of course, always verify admissions requirements with your school and program of interest, and make sure you carefully adhere to all instructions and deadlines provided.
POSSIBLE SALARIES FOR A CAREER IN MATH & STATISTICS
Your salary as a math & statistics professional is mainly decided by your job title, your level of education, and after that your experience in the industry and your skill. Consider the following careers, with statistics from the U.S. BLS in 2022.
FINDING YOUR IDEAL MATH DEGREE PROGRAM ONLINE
Do your goals include exploring how math can inform fields like science and business? Or couple with helping the next generation learn to love math as much as you do? Or is your dream taking your studies to the graduate level? Above all it’s important to find an online math degree program that feels like your ideal fit. We can help you find programs that may be perfect for you. Simply fill out the form on this page. We’ll help you get matched with online math degree programs designed to fit your busy life.