Top 10 Online Master’s in Math Education Programs for 2019

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An online master’s in math education prepares students to work as an educator in secondary and postsecondary institutions. Mathematics is an in-demand field with a 28% growth rate projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also expects a 15% growth in demand for postsecondary teachers. Distance learners pursuing an online master’s in math education should already have a bachelor’s degree in math or a related field such as engineering or science. A graduate degree is critical for those seeking careers in higher education, since most colleges do not hire educators without a master’s degree. Those who earn their master's in math education online are also better prepared to work in secondary institutions such as high schools. Below is a list of some of the best master’s in math education online degrees.

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1	Drexel University Philadelphia, PA		ADMISSIONS RATE 75% GRADUATION RATE 68% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 20% RETENTION RATE 84% DEFAULT RATE 4% The completely online MS in mathematics learning and teaching at Drexel requires 45 credits that are offered in an accelerated format of four 10-week quarters. Students can pursue a math leadership and coaching concentration, leading to eligibility for state endorsements. The school’s math education online degree delivers most courses asynchronously but some remote real-time class meetings may be required, depending on the instructor. Admission is open to certified middle and high school math teachers, or elementary teachers wishing to develop their math skills. Applicants must have completed two semesters, or three quarters, of college calculus and one math class beyond calculus. Drexel offers discounted tuition to members of the armed services, alumni, and select university partners. A non-degree graduate certificate, requiring only five three-credit courses, is also available.	Visit Site
2	Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL		ADMISSIONS RATE 59% GRADUATION RATE 44% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 39% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 4% NSU has offered online programs since 1982, in addition to evening and weekend courses at its regional campuses. Its online master’s in math education is designed for math educators or those with undergraduate degrees in other fields seeking to pursue careers in math education. The master in mathematics education curriculum is a good fit for in both elementary and secondary school teachers, with a separate postsecondary specialization available to those who qualify. The completely online program requires 36 hours of coursework focusing on teaching strategies, curriculum development, and assessment for subjects such as algebra, calculus, and geometry. The program culminates with an applied professional experience project and submission of a portfolio. NSU also offers an online international master’s in the teaching of mathematics in Spanish.	Visit Site
3	Regent University Virginia Beach, VA		ADMISSIONS RATE 84% GRADUATION RATE 49% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 66% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 5% Regent is a Christian-affiliated university that offers a variety of online graduate- and doctorate-level education programs. The school’s master of education in leadership in mathematics education is open to elementary teachers with an active teaching license and an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. This 35-credit online math education master’s can be completed in six consecutive semesters, with each class taking between eight and 15 weeks. Regent does not require GRE scores for admission. Course delivery is primarily asynchronous, through the Blackboard learning management system, allowing students to complete coursework when convenient. Some courses require students to participate in real-time classes or to be online at certain times to receive feedback from instructors. Regent is a military-friendly school, participating in the Yellow Ribbon tuition reduction program for veterans. It also provides transfer credit for training completed during active service, and it offers a military spouse discount.	Visit Site
4	Lesley University Cambridge, MA		ADMISSIONS RATE 67% GRADUATION RATE 54% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 8% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 4% Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley's flexible and affordable M.Ed in mathematics education is open to first through eighth grade teachers. This entirely online master’s in math education requires 33 credits with courses offered in eight-week sessions. Students are admitted on a rolling basis and students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. This degree leads to specialized math licensures for Massachusetts educators who hold current teaching certificates in the state. Lesley provides several financial aid options for graduate students. Scholarships are available for STEM and mathematics specializations, including the federally funded TEACH grant for education students. Cambridge residents, senior citizens, veterans, and low-income students can apply for tuition discounts, and students who earned their undergraduate degree at Lesley are eligible for discounted tuition and 12 free credits applied to a graduate program of their choice.	Visit Site
5	Iowa State University Ames, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 87% GRADUATION RATE 71% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 87% DEFAULT RATE 5% A public land-grant university founded in 1858, Iowa State offers a unique online math education master’s designed for math teachers at the high school level. The 32-credit master of school mathematics is a blended program that offers the majority of courses online, in the summer only, on a three-year rotating cycle. Some courses require on-campus meetings. With careful planning, most students complete their degree in three years. The program is delivered synchronously, combining online classes with real-time video and audio meetings using Adobe Connect software. Course topics include continuous mathematics, geometry, and statistics. A creative component and oral final exam are required. Applicants must have already earned their bachelor’s degree in mathematics, have two years of teaching experience, and hold current secondary education certification.	Visit Site
6	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ	ADMISSIONS RATE 77% GRADUATION RATE 52% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 20% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 9% NAU's master’s in math education online is a convenient option for math teachers trying to fit graduate school into their already busy lives. The 35-unit master of science in mathematics education is delivered in a blended online format through the BlackboardLearn platform. The majority of courses are accessible in a flexible asynchronous format, and the remainder are taught synchronously, requiring students to log in at predetermined times. Applicants must have completed six undergraduate math education credits, or have two years of math teaching experience. Additionally, they must have completed 23 credits of math coursework at the calculus level and above. NAU provides discounted tuition to veterans, and it offers in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states through the Good Neighbor Policy and the Western Regional Graduate Program.	Visit Site
7	University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI	ADMISSIONS RATE 73% GRADUATION RATE 63% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 2% RETENTION RATE 85% DEFAULT RATE 6% With its student-teacher ratio of 15:1, engaged professors, and accessible technical support, UDM prides itself on its carefully constructed distance learning programs. The school’s master’s in math education online provides a unique focus, combining courses in math subject areas and pedagogy with educational management and leadership. The master of arts in the teaching of mathematics is open to middle and high school educators who have finished a bachelor’s degree and can demonstrate successful completion of college math coursework, including calculus. Applicants should already have, or be very near completion of, a teaching certificate. The 33-credit online master’s has an optional thesis requirement. The program includes training in state-of-the art information technology with classroom applications to enhance teaching methods. Teachers employed in the state of Michigan receive a 60% tuition discount.	Visit Site
8	Drury University Springfield, MS	ADMISSIONS RATE 84% GRADUATION RATE 56% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12% RETENTION RATE 84% DEFAULT RATE 16% Drury provides a well-structured math education online program for teachers who already hold certification. Delivered entirely online through the university’s Moodle learning management system, the M.Ed in instructional mathematics and science consists of 36 credits offered in eight to 16 week sessions. The 12-course program takes two years to complete. Most courses are presented asynchronously, although a few synchronously offered classes require students to log in at particular times. The curriculum provides a unique focus on instructional technology and digital literacy in the classroom. Financial aid is available for graduate students, and teachers working in institutions affiliated with the Drury Partner Schools Alliance may be eligible for a 50% reduction in tuition. The GRE is not required for admission.	Visit Site
9	Columbus State University Columbus, GA	ADMISSIONS RATE 56% GRADUATION RATE 30% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 18% RETENTION RATE 71% DEFAULT RATE 11% CSU offers a master’s in math education online especially for students transitioning into the teaching profession. This master of arts in teaching math and science is delivered completely asynchronously, with the exception of the supervised student teaching component. Georgia residents can apply for secondary school certifications upon completion of the program, but non-residents should check with their home state office of education to verify licensing requirements. The curriculum highlights classroom management for emerging teachers and best practices in math education. The program requires students to have undergraduate training in math, natural sciences, or related areas. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school, a passing score on the GACE Program Admission Tests (or a recognized national standardized test equivalent), and completion of an FBI background check.	Visit Site
10	Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT	GRADUATION RATE 14%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 100%	RETENTION RATE 75%	DEFAULT RATE 7%	WGU is the first exclusively online university to receive accreditation for an online master’s in math education from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Its master of arts in teaching mathematics (Grades 5-9 or 5-12) is open to students seeking high school or middle school certification who have already earned their bachelor’s in mathematics or a related field. In addition to substitute teachers, unlicensed paraprofessionals, and school volunteers, this program is a good fit for other professionals interested in pursuing a career change in the education field. The fifth to ninth grade option consists of 43 competency units, while the fifth to twelfth grade program requires 47. Most students complete the program in three and a half years or less, taking an average of eight units per term. WGU ‘s affordable flat-rate tuition policy allows students to pay the same tuition regardless of the number of courses they take per six-month term.	Visit Site

How to Choose an Online Master's in Math Education Program

The best master’s in math education online programs have accreditation from the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education. Students should look for a program that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency. Program length varies according to the school’s curriculum, but most online master's in math education can be completed in approximately two years. Semesters can be as short as four weeks or as long as 16 weeks.

When choosing an online master's in math education, students should look at elements such as concentration options, specific courses, and residency requirements. Many programs require a teaching component; students should ask whether this can be completed at a school near where they live. Cost is also an important factor. Some schools have higher tuition rates, but also offer higher financial aid packages. Students who are unable to attend class at regular set times should enroll in an asynchronous courses.

Careers for Graduates of Master's in Math Education Programs

Graduates with a master’s in math education online degree can enjoy careers as educators and administrators. They are qualified to lead math departments at high schools and some postsecondary institutions. As administrators, they help school districts with curriculum design and assist teachers with lesson plan creation. Graduates may also pursue careers as mathematicians in professional environments.

Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of Math Education Master's Degrees

As the demand for postsecondary teachers grows, teachers with a specialization will be at the forefront of the hiring process, especially math teachers. Salaries vary for teachers and factors such as tenure play a significant role. Teachers with an online math education master’s are expected to have a few years of experience and a valid teaching certificate. Graduates that pursue careers outside of education will have different employment opportunities and salary growth rates.

Below is the projected growth rate for postsecondary educators over the next 20 years.

Salary Growth by Experience for Graduates of Math Education Master's Programs

Two factors contribute to salary growth: education and experience. An advanced degree such as an online master's in math education helps demonstrate competency to an employer. Years of experience within the field shows consistency and reliability. Experienced math teachers have more expertise in instructing students and a clear understanding of the subject matter. As a teacher gains tenure, their earning potential grows. Mathematicians in other industries also experience salary growth as they gain more experience.

To determine the best online math education programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school’s commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 25 best online math education degree programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school’s ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category’s ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.