- Spotlights
Inside Look: Popular Online Master's in Mathematics
Read more - Benefits
Benefits of Earning an Online Master's Degree in Mathematics
Read more - Curriculum
What You'll Learn in an Online Master's in Mathematics
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Online Master's Degrees in Mathematics
Read more - Career Options
What You Can Do with a Master's Degree in Mathematics
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master's Degrees in Mathematics
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While a bachelor’s degree can qualify you for many entry-level roles, earning a master’s degree can lead to higher-paying positions and career advancement. If you already work full-time, the flexibility of an online program makes it easier to continue your education without pausing your job or family commitments.
This guide highlights top online master’s in mathematics programs and gives an inside look at what you’ll learn, specialization options, career paths, and how to evaluate accreditation and cost.
Inside Look: Popular Online Master’s in Mathematics
Below are two well-regarded online master’s programs known for academic quality, flexibility, and affordability. Use these examples to understand what to look for in an online mathematics degree.
Indiana State University
Designed for working professionals, Indiana State University’s online MS in Mathematics requires 33 credits, typically completed in 3 to 5 years part-time, or 2 years full-time. The program is fully online with no campus requirements.
Students take eight core courses, choosing at least four of them, then select additional core courses or electives to build a specialty area. Core courses may include:
- Mathematical modeling
- Applied linear algebra
- Graph theory
- Real variables
- Topology
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a 36-credit online MS in Mathematics, with two specialization options:
- Mathematics Teaching for K-12 and community college instructors
- Computational Mathematics for students interested in applied mathematics and advanced computation
New students benefit from a transitional course, designed to bridge undergraduate study into graduate-level work. Texas A&M also offers a G6 classification, allowing students to enroll whether they plan to complete the master’s degree or simply take graduate-level courses to expand their skills.
Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s Degree in Mathematics
A master’s degree offers career benefits beyond what you gain from a bachelor’s alone. Here’s what you can expect and why online delivery can be especially valuable.
Advance Your Career While You Study
With online coursework, you don’t need to pause your career. You can study part-time while working full-time, continue advancing professionally, and apply new skills directly to your job.
Learn Advanced Mathematical Concepts
A graduate-level mathematics program lets you dive deeper into theory and applied practice, especially if you pursue a specific concentration that aligns with your interests and goals.
Prepare for Doctoral Study
A master’s degree can be a stepping stone to PhD-level research for students interested in academic or highly specialized technical roles.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Mathematics
Most online mathematics master’s programs share a common set of core courses before branching into electives or specialization tracks. Some programs include a capstone project, thesis, or comprehensive exam.
Below are examples of common graduate courses you may encounter.
Dynamical Systems and Chaos
Topics include nonlinear differential equations, bifurcation methods, strange attractors, periodic orbits, and applications across engineering, biology, physics, and chemistry.
Scientific Computing
A project-based course using advanced MATLAB tools and graphical techniques to analyze and present data. Students learn computational approaches for problems in finance, economics, and physical sciences.
Fundamentals in Optimization
Students explore convex analysis, duality, regression methods, machine learning, neural networks, modeling, algorithms, and more — along with time series applications and nonlinear inverse problems.
Computational Data Analysis
Students conduct exploratory data analysis using statistical methods, including filtering, image processing, spectral analysis, and time series work across physical and biological sciences.
Independent Research Study
Students design an individual research emphasis with faculty mentorship. Study may include readings, original research, projects, and expanded exploration beyond standard course material.
Specialization Options
Many students choose a concentration to align their studies with a specific career path. A general master’s degree is versatile, but specialization can help target your career toward a clearly defined role.
Below are common concentration paths in online mathematics programs:
Computational Mathematics
Ideal for those with foundational math skills who want advanced knowledge in networking, biometrics, bioinformatics, multimedia, robotics, and other applied fields. Students use quantitative methods to solve technical problems.
Actuarial Science
Designed for students entering the insurance, finance, consulting, pension, or investment sectors. Coursework spans statistics, accounting, finance, and economics, often preparing students for exams from the Society of Actuaries or Casualty Actuarial Society.
Applied Mathematics
Covers multiple mathematics areas to support work in government, education, and industry, and serves as a strong foundation for PhD study.
Mathematics Education
Designed for those teaching in K-12 schools or community colleges, combining advanced math coursework with pedagogical training. Focus areas may include statistics, calculus, and applied mathematics.
Statistics
Focuses on probability, differential equations, complex variables, and advanced statistical concepts related to data collection, survey methods, research design, and analysis. Graduates often move into careers in government or private-sector research.
Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Mathematics
Accreditation ensures quality and academic standards. Schools undergo an independent review to confirm programs meet expectations for rigor, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.
Most mathematics programs only require institutional accreditation. There is currently no programmatic accreditation specific to master’s programs in mathematics.
To verify accreditation, use:
- The U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) directory
What You Can Do with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics
A strong mathematics background can lead to careers in finance, research, data science, education, and many other areas. A master’s degree can help you:
- Qualify for advanced roles
- Earn higher pay
- Move into leadership positions
- Compete for government and private-sector roles
Below are examples of careers where a master’s in mathematics can make an impact.
Statistician
Statisticians collect and analyze data using surveys, experiments, and polls. They use statistical methods to answer questions ranging from consumer behavior to population characteristics. A master’s degree is often required for advancement.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $58,690 | $ 104,110 | $163,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Actuary
Actuaries assess financial risk using statistics, mathematics, and financial theory. They often work in the insurance industry, helping organizations develop policies and products that minimize loss. A master’s degree supports deeper specialization and higher pay.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $75,380 | $120,000 | $209,310 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mathematician
Mathematicians use theories and formulas to solve real-world problems in business, science, and engineering. Some create new rules and concepts that influence future research. Many roles require a master’s degree or higher.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $62,260 | $116,440 | $183,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Financial and Investment Analyst
Analysts help individuals and businesses make informed investment decisions. A master’s degree offers deeper insight into market behavior, trends, and advanced calculations.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $60,830 | $99,010 | $175,840 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Economist
Economists study how goods and resources are produced and distributed. They analyze data to understand inflation, employment, taxes, energy, and more. Many jobs require a master’s degree or PhD.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| $62,520 | $115,730 | $216,900 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Mathematics
Graduate study requires a financial investment, but scholarships, grants, fellowships, loans, and employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Some employers will cover tuition if you agree to continue working there for a defined period after graduation.
Below are sample program tuition estimates to help you compare costs.
What Your Online Master’s in Mathematics Might Cost
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | 30 | $1,301 | $39,030 |
| Ball State University | 30 | $464 | $13,920 |
| University of Washington | 36 | $1,080 | $38,880 |