Best Online Math Degree Programs

You’re a math whiz and want to advance your knowledge to land a career or continue your education. Either way, an online math degree from a reputable college or university is worth considering. 

It allows you to juggle your educational, career and personal commitments since coursework is completed online with continued support focused on your success. Don't have time for a full degree? We have compiled a list of the best online math courses to help you learn math at your own pace.

Let Benzinga help you find the most ideal option for you. 

Best Online Colleges for a Math Degree:

• Southern New Hampshire University
• Indiana University
• Ottawa University
• Mercy College
• Maryville University
• University of Illinois at Springfield
• American Public University
• Mayville State University
• Bellevue University
• Thomas Edison State University

Why Choose an Online Math Degree?

If mathematics is something you love, an online math degree is a perfect way to master the subject. You can study when it’s convenient for you and the online platforms foster an enjoyable learning experience. 

An online math degree also opens the door to an abundance of opportunities in many industries: 

• Accounting
• Actuarial sciences
• Banking
• Engineering
• Finance
• Research statistics
• Teaching

If you want a role that requires a graduate degree, an online math degree is an effective way to gain the foundational knowledge you need and meet the education requirements for admission.

Another vital benefit of earning an online math degree is the analytical skills you’ll develop. Your newfound skills can also help you think outside of the box when formulating arguments or resolving challenges.  

Math degree holders possess a valuable skillset that can be transferred to many industries and offers job security even in turbulent times. 

How to Choose an Online Math Degree Program

When evaluating programs, be mindful of the course’s reputation, course offerings and course attendance. 

Reputation 

You want an online math degree from an accredited college or university. It’s important that the program you select holds weight in the eyes of potential employers. 

Also, pay attention to how it’s perceived by current and past students. Here are a few questions to ponder when evaluating the reputation of an online math degree: What are they saying? Do graduates go on to work in lucrative roles? What’s the average job placement rate? Are the courses led by distinguished instructors? 

Course Offerings 

If you’re able to specialize your degree, you could stand out even more as you apply for jobs. Doing so also helps align your studies with your career goals and equips you with in-depth knowledge of the subjects you’re most interested in. 

You also want an online math degree program that requires you to take electives to expand your skillset. 

Cost of Attendance

You’ll spend thousands pursuing an online math degree unless the tuition and fees are covered by a scholarship or grant. While it’s an excellent investment that can pay dividends for years to come, there’s no need to overpay to earn your degree.

Compare the tuition and fee schedules for your top selections. Eliminate options that are far more pricey. Also, take a look at the cost of attendance for the past 5 years. If you notice sharp increases, you may want to cut these colleges and universities from your list. 

Jobs Waiting for You with a Math Degree

Below are some of the most popular career options for math majors. 

Actuary 

In this role, you employ financial theory, mathematics and statistics to analyze potential risks associated with events. These include accidents, death, illnesses or natural disasters. You will also help clients determine the financial impact and devise strategies to minimize the costs. The organization you work for may also request written reports that include the results of findings from research and tests. 

Choose from a career as an enterprise risk, health insurance, life insurance, pension and retirement benefits or property and casualty insurance actuary. 

On average, actuaries earn $102,880 per year, or $49.46 per hour. 

Financial Analyst

Use your mathematical chops to work in the financial services industry. As a financial analyst, you’ll educate businesses and individuals so they can make sound investment decisions. Other job duties include analyzing market performance, identifying trends, evaluating financial data and compiling reports on your findings for clients and management. 

Financial analysts work as fund managers, portfolio managers, ratings analysts and risk analysts. 

In 2018, the median pay for financial analysts was $85,660. This equates to $41.18 per hour. 

Mathematician or Statistician 

Apply the mathematical knowledge acquired in your degree program to find solutions to everyday issues. A career as a mathematician or statistician allows you to do just that while creating new experiments and surveys and collect data along with new models to interpret outcomes. The information provided by mathematicians and statisticians is also used by key members of management to facilitate decision-making.  

Mathematicians and statisticians work in colleges, universities and healthcare. They also take on government and research and development roles. 

The average annual salary for mathematicians and statisticians is $88,190. 

Best Online Colleges for a Math Degree

Here are Benzinga’s top picks for online math degrees. We’ve also included a review of each program to help you find the best fit. 

1. Southern New Hampshire University 

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in mathematics. This program equips you with the skills needed to flourish in an analytical or quantitative role. 

You will learn Matlab, Python and R programming languages to solve complex math problems and a step-by-step process to devise logical mathematical proofs. The curriculum also teaches you how to apply mathematical reasoning to find solutions to real-world problems. 

Make your degree even more valuable by concentrating in applied mathematics. Coursework for this concentration covers mathematical modeling, software and statistical methods. You also have the opportunity to choose from these specializations: 

• Dynamical modeling
• Operations research
• Statistical analysis 

You need 120 credit hours to complete the program. SNHU allows you to transfer up to 90 from qualifying institutions. 

Enroll now. 

2. Indiana University 

Earn a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Indiana University Online to accelerate your career. This 120-credit hour program covers calculus, linear algebra, mathematical modeling, modern algebra and real analysis. Once you’ve completed the core coursework, you can specialize in economics, finance or probability. 

Program graduates are equipped with the skills to effectively communicate scientific research, analyze data and apply logic when solving math problems. You’ll be prepared for a rewarding career as an actuary, data analyst, statistician, mathematics teacher, software engineer, investment analyst or mathematical technician. 

Know that IU Online students have access to many valuable resources. You’ll receive specialized attention from the admission department during the enrollment process and you can participate in an interactive orientation to help you get acclimated with the online learning portal. 

Math and writing support is available if you need assistance with your coursework. Success coaches will work with you to create a plan that ensures you meet your educational and personal goals. 

Student financial services is also there to help you navigate the financial aid maze and effectively manage your own money and career services can help prepare you for the perfect role. 

Enroll now. 

3. Ottawa University 

Master algebra, calculus, computer programming, geometry and statistics from the comfort of your home. An online bachelor’s degree in mathematics allows you to learn why mathematics is essential for practical problem-solving and technological advancement.

Mathematics majors complete the following courses: 

• Abstract Algebra
• Calculus I, II and III
• Differential Equations 
• Discrete Mathematics
• Inferential Statistics 
• Integrative Seminar in Mathematics 
• Introduction to Real Analysis 
• Linear Algebra 
• Probability 
• Transition to Higher Mathematics

Students can also choose to specialize their degree with an actuarial science or mathematics – secondary education concentration. 

You can transfer up to 80 of the required 120 credit hours to complete your degree faster and save money. 

Enroll now. 

4. Mercy College 

The Division of Mathematics and Computer Information Science at Mercy College allows you to hone your skills and prepare for a career in the field. You will also advance your knowledge and master the mechanics that are needed to successfully complete a graduate program. 

When you enroll as a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in mathematics, you will complete foundation, major and elective classes. Major coursework includes:

• Algebraic Structures 
• Calculus III
• Linear Algebra
• Mathematical Modeling 
• Number Theory
• Probability: Theory/Application
• Statistics: Theory/Application 

Seeking a career as a teacher? The B.S./M.S. dual degree program will help you earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just 5 years. 

Enroll now. 

5. Maryville University

An online Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Maryville University can open the door to a lucrative career. You can work in an analyst, consultant, research or teaching role in both public and private companies and nonprofit organizations. 

This degree program teaches the foundations of mathematics and dives into advanced concepts. Mathematics core courses include: 

• Applied Differential Equations
• Applied Linear Algebra
• Calculus III
• Foundations of Mathematics
• Fundamental Analysis
• Introduction to Abstract Algebra 
• Mathematical Statistics  
• Number Theory with Applications 
• Optimization 
• Probability I and II

It also includes a minor in data science so you can hone your analytical skills. You will complete coursework on machine learning, math modeling, Python and R programming and SQL. 

Enroll now. 

6. University of Illinois at Springfield

The University of Illinois at Springfield offers an online bachelor’s degree in math. It’s designed to prepare students for careers in industry, insurance, management, research and teaching. The program is also a good fit for students who want to earn a graduate degree in mathematical sciences.

You can complete the following courses for your major: 

• Advanced Calculus
• Linear Algebra
• Mathematical Statistics I
• Operations Research Methods  
• Abstract Algebra or Geometry
• Mathematical Statistics II or Statistical Methods 

You need 120 credit hours to earn a Bachelor of Arts in mathematical sciences — 60 semester hours can be transferred from another college or university. 

Enroll now. 

7. American Public University 

The online Bachelor of Science in mathematics from American Public University lays a solid foundation for graduate education. You will also benefit from the program if you’re pursuing a career that requires you to use mathematics. 

The university requires 120 credit hours to complete. Students are also required to select a concentration:

• Applied Mathematics
• Data Science
• Operations Research 
• Statistics

You’ll know how to leverage mathematical methods to solve real-world problems. You’ll also be able to create mathematical models, use quantitative and qualitative methods and effectively communicate about mathematics to others. 

Enroll now. 

8. Mayville State University 

Get an online Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Mayville State University. This 120-credit hour program positions you for career advancement opportunities. It’s also an excellent option for individuals interested in graduate studies in mathematics or a related field. 

Math majors are required to take the following courses: 

• Algebraic Structures with Programming
• Calculus II and III
• Differential Equations 
• History and Philosophy of Math
• Modern Geometry
• Probability and Statistics 
• Theory of Numbers
• Trigonometry

You can also specialize your degree with a minor in business administration, general science or special needs. 

Enroll now. 

9. Bellevue University 

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bellevue University features an online mathematics bachelor’s degree. This program will also prepare you for a master’s degree program in analytics, business administration, computer information systems, industrial and organizational psychology or management information systems. 

The curriculum dives into applied statistics, basic computer programming, calculus, discrete mathematics, linear and abstract algebra. Students also choose an area of concentration from these options: 

• Business Analytics
• Computer Programming 
• Predictive Modeling 
• Secondary Education (Teaching) 

Students enjoy small class sizes and can access course material 24/7 while at home, work or on the go. There are also online forums to help you stay connected with your peers and academic resources to lend academic support. 

Enroll now. 

10. Thomas Edison State University 

Consider an online Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Thomas Edison State University if you seek a new career or more lucrative opportunity. It’s also a good fit for individuals who want to prepare for a graduate degree program in mathematics or a related field. 

The program delves into the fundamentals of algebra, applied mathematics, analysis and mathematical proofs. Math majors complete the following courses:

• Calculus I (Differential Calculus)
• Calculus II (Integral Calculus)
• Calculus III (Multivariate Calculus)
• Linear Algebra
• Probability/Statistics 

Five elective courses are also required and you need 120 credit hours to earn your degree.

Enroll now. 

Enroll in an Online Math Degree Program Today

Benzinga wants to help you find the best online math degree program. Check out our list of recommendations and evaluate options that interest you. Rank the programs by reputation, course offerings and the cost of attendance to make an educated decision. 

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