You may be a middle school science teacher who’s looking to make the switch to high school math. Or perhaps, you’re a veteran math teacher who wants to improve their lesson plans and teaching techniques. Regardless of your current teaching role, earning a master’s in math education online can help you reach your goals while taking advantage of distance education that conveniently fits your schedule.
To help you get started on the next phase of your educational journey, we’ve carefully compiled a list of 2024’s top online master’s programs in math education. Later on, we dive deeper into program coursework, cost, and what it takes to graduate, so you can make and informed decision.
2024’s Best Online Master’s Programs in Mathematics Education
As a current or aspiring math professor, we know you’re all about the numbers. You may be wondering how much your online master’s degree in math education will cost, how long it will take to acquire, and whether or not online programs provide quality curriculum.
To help you compare your options and crunch the numbers, here’s a list of 2024’s top online master’s degree programs in mathematics education. From applied mathematics to theoretical concepts, our curated list highlights programs that facilitate a deep understanding of mathematical principles and educational techniques — while saving you time and money.
East Texas Baptist University’s Master of Education program develops graduates as education leaders within a Christian framework. The program’s philosophy centers around students as active participants in the learning process, serving as leaders, researchers, and practitioners. Coursework is writing-intensive, using case analysis, independent learning, reading, and the use of outside resources in class discussions. Students choose from six program options: teacher certification, educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, sports leadership, school counseling, or specialization in English, math, or history. Most courses are offered in an online synchronous format, with on-campus options available as well.
Program Highlights:
Master of Education (MEd)
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12-24 months
- Mode: Fully online, hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The MEd in Leadership in Mathematics Education at Regent University is designed for K-8 teachers who want to enhance and expand their instructional skills. Through the coursework, students gain a deeper understanding of mathematics and how to connect students to higher levels of math. Graduates will be able to earn a higher salary, open more avenues in their career path, and improve instructional strategies. To obtain licensure, students must hold a valid Collegiate Professional Teaching License or equivalent and have taught a minimum of three years in mathematics. Tuition for the program begins at $3,390 per semester.
Program Highlights:
MEd in Leadership in Mathematics Education
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: TEAC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Delivered 100% online in synchronous and asynchronous formats, Ball State University’s Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education is designed for students who want to pursue their advanced education without interfering with their current work as a teacher. The program is taught by the same professors who teach on campus, and the degree covers the areas identified by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Students choose from three concentrations: elementary and middle school teacher, secondary school teacher, and elementary and middle school specialist.
Program Highlights:
Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education
- Credits: 30-36
- Length: Two to three years
- Mode: Fully online, in-person
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Program Spotlights: Inside Online Master’s in Math Education
Before applying to online master’s programs – in math education or any subject – it’s important to get as much detail as you can. What does it take to get in and to graduate? What’s the cost? Will the coursework benefit my career? To help, we’ve spotlighted a number of master’s programs in math education with online learning options for you. See if one of these programs has what you need.
Ball State Online
The curriculum at Ball State Online combines mathematics theory with teaching theory to help students become better math teachers at various grade levels. To do this, the school offers concentrations for elementary and middle school teachers, secondary school teachers, and elementary and middle school mathematics education specialists, which allows students to get the customized curriculum they need to teach at the level they’re interested in. These concentrations include coursework that covers mathematical content, education research, pedagogical theory, and teacher leadership skills.
To be accepted into the program, applicants should have a 2.75 grade-point average in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university. Also, students should have a current teaching license and at least one year of work experience teaching in the classroom.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers online mathematics education degrees for people who have a license to teach on the elementary, middle, and high school levels and want to add a math endorsement to their credentials. Admissions requirements for this program include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a teaching license and participation in an interview with an enrollment counselor.
This program’s comprehensive curriculum includes math education classes that address mathematics history and technology, algebra for a specific grade level, and mathematics learning and teaching. Also, there is math-specific content in the program, including classes on calculus, algebra, probability, geometry, statistics, and trigonometry. Also, WGU requires that students complete a teacher work sample, a comprehensive project of original research where students are graded based on seven components: self-evaluation and reflection, contextual factors, assessment, instructional decision making, learning goals, analysis of student learning, and design for instruction.
Drexel University
Drexel University offers a master of science degree in mathematics learning and teaching designed to help students enhance their instructional decision making, conduct research, and create classroom activities that are both educational and engaging for students. The curriculum is taught using two educational approaches: Japanese Lesson Study, which allows students to collaborate on developing and revising math lessons to make them as effective as possible; and Math Forum, where students discuss “problems-of-the-week” with each other to get feedback that helps them further sharpen their teaching abilities. At the end of the program, students complete a capstone course to demonstrate their understanding of what they learned throughout their studies.
To be admitted into this program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, at least a 3.0-grade point average, and a teaching certification. Also, people are expected to have completed at least two semesters of college-level mathematics classes, including calculus, algebra, and mathematics for teachers.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Mathematics Education
There are many reasons to earn an advanced degree, especially one that is conducted online. The following are some of the advantages of enrolling in an online master’s in mathematics education program.
Access to education experts
Students who enroll in this program are taught by education experts with classroom and research experience. You may be reluctant to enroll in an online degree program because you’re concerned about the quality of the education you receive. However, these schools have the same instructors teaching online courses as they do traditional classes, so you can access the same quality education as students who earn their degrees on campus.
Sharpening teaching skills
An online master’s in mathematics education program helps students build on their existing teaching skills and take their abilities to the next level. Students learn the most up-to-date pedagogical theory and how it can be applied to the classroom. Some students may also participate in a practicum that allows them to use the skills they learn in a real classroom setting to further help elevate their teaching.
Affordability
It can be challenging for a working teacher to find an affordable option when looking for a graduate school. Online degree programs are a good choice because colleges charge less, which can significantly drive down the program’s cost. Also, since students are not traveling to class every day, they save money on gas and valuable time.
Increased mathematics knowledge
When people enroll in these programs, they get the opportunity to enhance their mathematical knowledge to become more effective teachers. Students may learn advanced ways to establish mathematical relationships, solve problems, identify patterns, and communicate conclusions to mathematical problems.
What You’ll Learn in a Mathematics Education Program
A master’s in mathematics education program offers a curriculum that makes students more effective in their classrooms by developing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while increasing classroom teaching skills and research skills. As a result of courses like the ones outlined below, people who complete these degrees become more advanced and well-rounded teachers.
Popular Courses
Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Education
Students in this course learn about the trends developing in curriculum design and classroom instruction in mathematics. The way this information is presented in class depends on the grade level that students teach.
Mathematics History and Technology
This class provides a deep dive into the history of mathematics and different mathematical philosophies developed over time. Students may look at mathematics from a cultural, societal, personal, and professional perspective throughout the class. Also, students learn about the latest technologies that math teachers use in the classroom to provide cutting-edge education.
Problem Solving Strategies
Students learn how to solve mathematical problems in a competent and sophisticated way using different advanced approaches. Some of the topics covered may include guess and check, case analysis, and considering a similar problem.
Statistics and Data Analysis
This class familiarizes students with advanced qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing data, including numerical, visual, and verbal strategies. Through this course, students gain expertise in evaluating data-based claims and arguments.
Mathematics Education Assessments
This course covers different types of mathematics education assessments that are performed in the classroom and on a local, national, or international level. Students learn the purpose of these assessments, how they are performed, and the ways assessment results can inform how teachers work with students in the classroom.
Specialization Pathways
Generally, depending on the program, students earning a master’s degree can choose a concentration that allows them to specialize their studies to become experts in a specific topic. In the case of online mathematics education programs, the concentrations students choose are related to the grade level they teach. The following are some of the concentrations that may be available in these programs.
High School Mathematics Education
Students in this concentration learn about strategies for teaching mathematics at the secondary school level. Coursework may cover mathematics assessment, complex variables, the history of mathematics, curriculum design, and education technology.
Elementary School Mathematics Education
This concentration helps students understand the best practices for teaching young learners. Coursework may cover research on primary school education, childhood development, and strategies for helping young children become interested in mathematics.
Middle School Mathematics Education
People in the middle school mathematics education concentration learn how to work with students in this pivotal stage of their development. Specific topics covered may include the needs of mathematics learners at different grade levels, strategies for effectively administering assessments, and pedagogical research on middle school learners.
Accreditation for Masters in Math Education Online Programs
The most important quality that potential students should look for in a master’s in math education online program is whether it has been accredited. This is because when schools are accredited, you can confidently enroll in a program knowing that it has a quality curriculum, as well as faculty and services for students you will need to be successful in your career after you graduate. To ensure that you get the most out of your graduate school experience, you should only consider programs that have been accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation because this means that schools have been evaluated for the curriculum they offer, the research the school is involved in, the track records and backgrounds of the professors in the program, and the assistance schools provide to students outside of the classroom to help them succeed.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Math Education
Teachers who want to enhance their classroom skills and their understanding of mathematical principles can enroll in a master’s in math education program online to take classes that will help them become more effective teachers. Those who want to pursue a new position in the field can also use this degree as a stepping stone to help them reach that goal. The following are some of the jobs people have after they complete their degrees.
Math Tutors
When students need extra assistance with their math classes, parents may hire a math tutor to complement their classroom learning. These professionals help students define and reach their academic goals by assisting them with their homework, explaining mathematical principles being taught in class, and preparing them for standardized tests.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$21,500 | $39,350 | $87,290 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Educational Sales Consultants
Educational sales consultants are responsible for contributing to student outcomes by creating solutions that will help institutions, teachers, parents, and students. They may give presentations to institutions and instructors to help them choose the right resources for their classrooms, work with librarians to ensure that books are available, and build strong relationships with customers to meet their needs on an ongoing basis.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$35,000 | $65,000 | $95,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, 2021
Mathematics Specialists
Mathematics specialists contribute to students’ learning by providing support to teachers and the school districts they work in. This work may include helping teachers develop their instructional strategies and understanding mathematical content, reviewing the school district’s math curriculum and suggesting changes, keeping abreast of the latest teaching innovations, and providing that information to administrators and instructors.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$31,000 | $44,000 | $68,000 |
Source: Glassdoor, 2021
High School Math Teachers
High school math teachers help students meet the educational requirements to graduate and prepare them for required standardized tests and college-level mathematics courses. Their work includes creating lesson plans for their classes, crafting and grading homework assignments, and providing extra help to students who need additional instruction outside of the classroom.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$39,080 | $59,170 | $95,380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Middle School Math Teacher
Middle school math teachers use their teaching skills and mathematics expertise to help students in the sixth to eighth grade gain the math skills they need to continue their education. Their job duties may include assessing students’ abilities, preparing and grading assignments and examinations, appraising parents of their child’s progress in the class, and disciplining students as necessary.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$39,090 | $58,600 | $93,180 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Math Education
If you’re concerned that earning an online master’s in math education may be prohibitively expensive, then the information in this section is for you. Review the table below to get an idea of how much you may pay when you enroll in one of these programs. Also, log on to our financial aid page to find out what options are available to you. You will find information on scholarships, loans, grants, and other funding sources that will help you defray the cost of your degree program, so you don’t have to let money stand in the way of your career ambitions.
What Your Online Master’s in Math Education Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $415/Credit | $14,940 | |
34 | $565/Credit | $19,210 | |
30 | $449/Credit | $13,470 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Math Education Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in math education?
As a graduate school program, the admissions requirements for online master’s in math education degrees can be rigorous. As you investigate different programs, be sure to check the requirements for each school you are interested in because every department has its standards. However, generally prospective students who apply for these programs are expected to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Have at least a 3.0 grade-point average in your undergraduate program
- Have an active teaching license
- Submit a personal essay describing why you want to be admitted into this program
- Submit a current resume
- Provide personal or professional letters of recommendation
How long will it take to finish my master’s in math education online?
If you enroll in a master’s in math education degree program as a full-time student, you can generally finish your studies in about two years. However, if you enroll on a part-time basis, it can take up to four years to graduate.
Can I earn a master’s in math education 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?
Depending on the program, you may be able to complete the entire curriculum online. However, some programs may require that you come to campus for a capstone project or a similar requirement and participate in experiential learning at a school.
Does an online master’s in math education prepare you for initial teaching certification?
No, these degree programs are designed for people who already have their teaching certification and want to earn an additional mathematics endorsement or improve their math teaching skillset. Read our guide to online Master of Arts in Teaching programs to find degrees that can lead to initial teaching certification.