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Author: Shannon Lee

Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, including college and career features for graduate students. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, education, and social work.
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Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Inside the Best Online Master’s Degrees in Mathematics

If you love working with numbers and want to turn that passion into a career, an online master’s in mathematics can open the door to more advanced roles in fields like economics, finance, data science, actuarial science, and education.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Shannon Lee

Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, including college and career features for graduate students. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, education, and social work.
Check Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline Learning
Graduate Ed.CareersOnline Learning

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.
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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.


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:


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 PercentileMedian Annual Pay90th 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 PercentileMedian Annual Pay90th 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 PercentileMedian Annual Pay90th 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 PercentileMedian Annual Pay90th 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 PercentileMedian Annual Pay90th 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

ProgramNo. of CreditsCost/CreditTotal Cost
Temple University30$1,301$39,030
Ball State University30$464$13,920
University of Washington36$1,080$38,880

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Mathematics Master’s Degrees

What are the typical admissions requirements for an online master’s in mathematics?

Each school has its own requirements for admission; however, most of the common application requirements are the same. These include:

Though some schools ask for GRE test scores, most are moving away from this requirement, making it optional for students who need a bit of a boost on their application. Depending on the program, applicants might have to show completion of certain prerequisite courses.

How long will it take to complete my master’s in mathematics online?

Most master’s in mathematics online programs require a student to complete between 30 and 40 credits. Some students choose to attend full-time, which means the degree can take two years to complete; those who go part-time can expect to take three to five years. Those who choose to accelerate their learning might be able to graduate in as little as one year of study, such as at North Carolina State University.

Can I earn a master’s in mathematics completely online or do I need to go to campus?

In the vast majority of cases, the master’s in mathematics program is offered 100% online with no need to visit a classroom. Some schools might require a visit to campus for orientation, to meet peers and professors, or to create a final project as graduation approaches. However, schools that require on-site visits are few and far between.


Best Online Master’s Degrees in Mathematics

Public · HLC
Public · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · HLC
6
Private · NWCCU
8
Private · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
18

Touro University

New York, NY
Private · MSCHE
Public · HLC
Public · NECHE
21
Private · SACSCOC
Public · HLC
Public · MSCHE