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.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Master’s Degrees in Math Education
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,158
- Out-of-state$22,389
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled36,973
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- In-State$4,749
- Out-of-state$17,898
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled28,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$42,510
- Out-of-state$42,510
- In-State$8,820
- Out-of-state$8,820
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,095
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,510
- Out-of-state$33,510
- In-State$21,153
- Out-of-state$21,153
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled20,898
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
Northern Arizona University
- Flagstaff, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,381
- Out-of-state$16,600
- In-State$10,724
- Out-of-state$19,266
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled28,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University at Buffalo
- Buffalo, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,990
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled32,332
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Brockport
- Brockport, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled6,991
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,460
- Out-of-state$23,800
- In-State$11,184
- Out-of-state$27,888
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled22,166
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,628
- Out-of-state$26,862
- In-State$9,482
- Out-of-state$25,938
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled20,319
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Is a Master’s in Math Education?
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:
- Elementary education
- Secondary education
- Probability and statistics
- Applied mathematics
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.
Should I Earn a Master’s in Math Education Online?
Great math teachers are patient, engaging leaders who love learning and people as much as they love mathematics. Look at the list of characteristics below:
- Team Players: Teachers work collaboratively to create powerful, cross-disciplinary learning experiences for students.
- Excellent Communicators: Communication is critical as students discover and apply complex math skills.
- Strong Mathematicians: Confident, well-prepared mathematicians who know their subject well can boost students’ knowledge and skills.
- Caring Classroom Leaders: Teaching requires leadership, a keen sense of influencing others to work toward a common and worthy goal.
Master’s in Math Education Online Coursework
Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics Education
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.
Teaching Mathematics Through Problem Solving
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.
Research Methods in Mathematics Education
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 for Mathematics Teachers
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.
Mathematics Learners and Learning
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.
Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Math Education Program
Each school sets its specific admissions criteria. Still, most universities require the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You need a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Some schools may require a mathematics or education-related major.
- Qualifying GPA: Most graduate schools expect an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, but many institutions will also consider conditional admission for applicants with lower GPAs.
- Work Experience: You may be expected to hold classroom teaching experience before applying for an advanced education degree. Almost certainly, you will need access to a classroom during your program — even for master’s in math education online programs.
- Teacher License: Many schools require a valid, state-issued teaching license for admission. Some institutions may consider licensure through private organizations like the Association of Christian Schools International.
- GRE or MAT Scores: Many schools require standardized test scores, like on the GRE or MAT. If you have a lower GPA, submitting test scores may boost your admission potential.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Math Education?
Career Outlook
A master’s degree in math education can set you up for career success in school settings, higher education, or non-traditional learning environments. Most people with a degree teach in public or private K-12 settings, but more career options exist.
While math teachers are in high demand nationwide, you may also use this degree to become a math education professor or a math education researcher. For instance, you could write a mathematics textbook for a publisher or work at a science museum. You could also use your master’s degree in math education to transition to a role in data analytics.
Career Paths
Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators spend their days developing and overseeing school curriculums at the K-12 level. In addition to creating new educational materials, coordinators work with existing curriculums as related to current teaching standards. If implementing new materials, they train teachers and support staff in the new content.
Median Annual Salary (2022): $66,490
Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher
These teachers help K-5 students build foundational skills in mathematical principles. In addition to teaching basic addition and subtraction, teachers of older grades may introduce multiplication, subtraction, and basic fractions. They also create lesson plans and use assignments to assess abilities and progress.
Median Annual Salary (2022):$61,620
Middle School Teacher
Middle school math teachers work with students in grades 6-8, building on foundational principles taught in elementary school and preparing learners for more advanced topics in high school. They introduce topics such as algebra, teaching learners how to work with exponents and non-number integers. They also prepare students for state-mandated standardized exams.
Median Annual Salary (2022): $61,810
High School Teacher
High school teachers educate students in grades 9-12 and focus on preparing them for the next stage of life — whether they enter the workforce or a higher education program. Math teachers at the high school level focus on topics such as advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. They may also teach AP courses like calculus.
Median Annual Salary (2022): $62,360
Continuing Education
After earning your master’s in math education, you may wish to pursue a doctorate in math education. This advanced degree can qualify you to teach the next generation of mathematics educators at four-year colleges and universities. A doctoral degree in education can also open the doors to more research-based careers within academia.
Choosing an Online Master’s in Math Education Program
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.
Know your career goals.
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.
Verify accreditation.
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.
Compare costs and financial aid.
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.
Ensure format fits your needs.
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.
Review student support services.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Math Education Online Degrees
According to the NCES, the average graduate education degree offered entirely online costs an average of $7,744 annually. Remember, though, that averages can be misleading. Tuition can vary from less than $10,000 for the entire degree to more than $60,000.
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.