Best Online Master’s in Math Education Programs

Math teachers, students, and researchers are all part of the math education field. These scholars may teach the fundamentals of arithmetic to elementary students, create new models for learning math, or coach other educators in best practices for teaching math.

Earning a master’s in math education online can be the first step to a career in math education. This program builds on a bachelor’s degree to equip aspiring or current math educators with the tools to advance in their profession.

If you envision yourself leading or educating students, or researching within math education, this may be the right degree for you.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A master’s degree in math education typically consists of 30-40 credits and takes 18-24 months to complete on a full-time basis. Some accelerated programs may take as few as 12 months to complete, while part-time options can take as long as three years. Classes may be taught in an on-campus, online, or hybrid format.

In addition to core coursework in mathematics and teaching, a master’s degree in math education may offer concentrations to help you build more specialized knowledge. These vary across programs, but common examples include:

When preparing for graduate school, note that some math education programs provide the training and experience necessary to obtain a state-issued teaching license, while others admit only learners who already have an active license. Those that prepare students for licensure or certification typically include an in-person student teaching experience.

This course examines contemporary trends and issues within mathematics curriculums, with an emphasis on how standards-based instruction influences both the creation of a curriculum and how teachers create lesson plans.

Recognizing that the best way to learn mathematics is by working through problems, this course looks at how to cultivate mathematical reasoning and encourage students to address complicated problems thoughtfully.

This survey course looks at both historical and current methods of research and analysis within teaching mathematics. Students select an area of the discipline to research, using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Technology will continue expanding as a tool for mathematics teachers, and this course aims to introduce them to contemporary and emerging tools for modeling and computational exercises within teaching.

Taking this course can provide future teachers with an understanding of unique learner qualities that can impact how they learn mathematics. Students consider topics around cultural and social learning contexts, developmental shifts, and existing skills and knowledge.

Each school sets its specific admissions criteria. Still, most universities require the following:

With so many online programs, picking the right program for you can be challenging. You want to consider more than tuition fees and potential pay raises when selecting a master’s degree in math education.

Do you want to secure a teaching license? Switch careers? Advance at your current school? Knowing your career goals affects what academic concentration you are looking for and whether you need a licensure or non-licensure program.

For example, career switchers may need an MAT degree, which often leads to a teaching license, while current teachers might choose an M.Ed., which can help them pursue a second license or endorsement.

Accredited degrees are valuable degrees. An institutionally accredited school is vital to getting financial aid packages. Plus, a degree from an accredited institution may be more favorable with employers.

What’s more, if you are a licensed teacher or seek to become one, your state agency may only recognize degrees from accredited schools. You can check your school’s accreditation status online.

Some programs also hold programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). While this type of accreditation is optional, it can indicate a program’s level of commitment to educator preparation.

The cost of a master’s degree varies widely based on many factors. Public schools generally cost less than private institutions, and in-state universities typically charge lower rates than out-of-state ones.

A price tag is not the only financial factor to consider. Financial aid packages can significantly impact your actual costs. You may be eligible for TEACH grants, scholarships, or support from your school district.

Online education is flexible and popular but may not be suitable for everyone. They usually demand focused work, independent study, and exceptional organization.

Not all distance education programs work the same way, though. Master’s in math education online degrees can be full-time or part-time and either synchronous or asynchronous. Most online programs offering a licensure track will require in-person student teaching.

Does your school provide technical support for the learning platform? Help with writing or study skills? Career support after graduation? Ensuring that the school and program you choose offers the support services you need is vital.

Ask your admissions representative the resources available to you as an online student.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 6, 2024.