Best Online Bachelor's in Math
Updated October 18, 2023
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An online math degree is a good choice for anyone who's interested in a career related to numbers and analyzing data. During this program, you'll study mathematical concepts and theory, both past and present, and learn how to apply them to real-world problems.
You'll be prepared for success in a range of math-related fields, including science, accounting, and even teaching. Find out more about the best online bachelor's in math below.
Featured Online Math Programs
The Best Online Bachelor's in Mathematics Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Math
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - 4 years
- Online
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on College and Universities
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $3,625 per 6-month term
Out-of-State | 3,625 per 6-month term
Credits to Graduate: 138 Competency Units (CUs)
If you're interested in high school math education, consider a bachelor's from WGU. The school's online BS in mathematics education provides you with a path to getting a teaching license. Because WGU charges a flat six-month tuition rate, graduating sooner can save you money.
If you have an associate degree or courses from another institution, you can transfer some of those credits. To apply to this program, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and show readiness through an official transcript or proof of a degree from an accredited school.
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Math
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $320
Out-of-State | $320
Credits to Graduate: 120
A math degree from SNHU can prepare you for a job requiring analytic or quantitative skills. This bachelor's in mathematics program offers a general studies concentration or a specialization in applied mathematics.
You won't need entrance exam scores to apply to this program. Just submit your free application and academic transcripts before starting one of six academic terms each year. Completing one of the pre-admission assessments could allow you to earn up to 12 credits even before you start coursework.
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Math
Mayville State University
Mayville, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $336
Out-of-State | $336
Credits to Graduate: 128
An online math education degree from MSU can prepare you for teacher certification in North Dakota. As a graduate of this top-ranked BS in education program, you'll develop the skills and competencies to teach in junior or senior high school settings.
You can register for this online program in the fall, spring, or summer. If you're applying as a first-year student, you should have a high school GPA of at least 2.0 and have earned college-prep credits in English, laboratory science, math, and social studies.
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Math
Granite State College
Concord, NH - 4 years
- Online
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $314
Out-of-State | $379
Credits to Graduate: 120
If you aspire to teach math, you can pursue a BS in math studies at GSC. This bachelor's in math program offers many teacher certification options, including all grade levels, including concentrations in special education.
If you're a transfer student, you're in good company. About 89% of students at GSC come from other postsecondary institutions. To apply, you'll need to complete a free application and submit proof of your high school diploma or test scores showing high school equivalency.
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Math
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Overland Park, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
Ottawa University offers a BA in mathematics that prepares you for jobs requiring analytical skills, logic, and critical thinking. As a student in this bachelor's degree program, you can choose a concentration in actuarial science or secondary education. By enrolling in eight-week terms, you can accelerate your path to graduation.
Admission requirements include high school or college transcripts and an online application. The admissions office recommends that you contact an enrollment advisor for guidance on your application and planning the next steps in your college education.
Online Bachelor's in Mathematics Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
How to Compare and Choose an Online Math Program
Your overall career goals are the main focus when choosing the best online math degree program — however, you also need to look at several other aspects before choosing where to earn your mathematics degree online:
Cost
When comparing online math programs, be sure to research the complete costs of the program in addition to any fees or materials you need to purchase. Take into consideration the cost of each individual credit and how long you estimate it will take you to complete your degree.
Accreditation
Verify the accreditation status of the online math programs you're interested in. Many financial aid programs will only cover costs from accredited schools. Also, a degree from an accredited math program is more credible and desirable to potential employers. You can check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database to see if your prospective school or program is properly accredited.
Program Format
Depending on your responsibilities outside of school, you may be seeking a particular level of flexibility in your online math program. Do you need to complete your work on a part- or full-time basis?
Do you want to take live classes (synchronous format) or watch pre-recorded lectures on your own time (asynchronous format)? Be sure your program format matches your specific needs.
Location
Location is an important factor when choosing an online math program. Some online programs cost the same regardless of residency, but most out-of-state programs cost more.
In addition, some programs may have in-person requirements, so take this into account when making your final school selection.
Student Support
Each online math program offers different levels of student support, so be sure to compare the different offerings before making your school selection.
If you plan to rely on support such as academic and career services, or will be seeking internship opportunities, verify these will be available to you in advance.
Featured Online Math Programs
The Benefits of Getting an Online Math Degree
- You can choose from a wider range of schools without worrying about relocating.
- Many online math degree programs allow you to complete work on your own schedule, making school more convenient.
- You can save money by not having to pay on-campus housing costs and fees.
- It's easier to balance other life responsibilities like career and family by not attending classes in person.
What Can You Do With a Math Degree?
By completing your math degree, you'll be prepared to work in a range of jobs that relate to numeral equations and analyzing data. Some of these include actuary, statistician, or math teacher. You can also pursue a career in fields such as finance or mathematical research.
Some math majors may choose to continue their education with a master's degree, which qualifies them even further to work as a mathematician or professor.
Jobs With a Math Degree
A math degree will qualify you to work in various related careers, many of which have high-paying salaries and are forecasted to remain in demand for the next decade. These opportunities range from actuary and scientist to math teacher.
Here is the salary information and job outlook for some of these math careers:
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Actuaries | $105,900 | +21% |
| Data Scientists | $100,910 | +36% |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 | +23% |
| Math Teacher (May require additional licensure) | $61,820 | +5% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Math Degrees
Is a math degree worth it?
Because math is a fundamental skill that can translate to practically any industry, it can be worth it to earn a math degree. Jobs in the business sector can be particularly lucrative for math majors.
If you have the skills to solve mathematical equations and analyze data, you can work as a data scientist to help businesses solve problems and make financial decisions. Alternatively, you can choose to pursue a career in research or education.
How long does it take to get a mathematics degree?
A bachelor's degree in math will take an average of four years to complete based on a full-time course load. If you want to advance your math skills even further, you can pursue your master's degree upon completion of your bachelor's.
This will take approximately two additional years to complete. You may be able to complete your degree faster with an accelerated program.
Are math degrees in demand?
Yes, math degrees are in demand, as the employment rate for math occupations is expected to grow 30% by 2032. This is much higher than average for other occupations.
This demand is reflected in the median annual wage for math jobs, which is $99,960. This is higher than the annual median wage for all other occupations (BLS, Oct 2023).
What is the difference between a BS and BA degree in math?
While both the bachelor of science (BS) and bachelor of arts (BA) math degree programs offer many of the same core math requirements, their elective classes will differ. A BS will require science electives, while a BA will require electives in the humanities, like philosophy.
Choose a BS if you plan to pursue a graduate degree or specialize in a scientific field. A BA is a better fit if you want to pursue education or more general math-related fields.
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