As our knowledge of mathematics and technology changes, so does our approach to presenting this material. Today’s classroom is filled with diverse learners, many of whom do well learning through today’s technology. As the world moves forward with mathematics, those who teach math are called to move with it. Whether an elementary, middle, high school or community college instructor, one of these online mathematics education programs are right for you.
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/3): Combined analysis of overall tuition of the program, financial aid or scholarship assistance programs, and estimated cost per credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Flexibility (1/3): The number of flexibility-enhancing elements specific to the degree program including teaching philosophy concentrations, degree specialties, prior learning or life experience crediting options, accelerated or self-paced courses, personalized student advisement/guidance, and competency-based credit options.
- Academic Prestige (1/3): The academic prestige of the parent institution operationally defined through the analyses of the rankings/reviews of prominent education review entities such as US News & World Report and The Princeton Review.
Along with the Common Core Curriculum comes a new approach to teaching Math and Science, not only at the secondary level but at the elementary level. As teachers clamber to reinvent the wheel when it comes to mathematical pedagogy, the need for up-to-date trained teachers in these fields is growing by the minute. At this rate, there will be an exponential growth in jobs and qualified teachers to fill them. All math puns aside, the following programs are our absolute favorite picks for the best online masters in math education and in some cases, mathematics and science for today’s classroom. These courses offer flexibility, and affordability for today’s working professionals.
1. The University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas
Online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction- Mathematics Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,015/year in-state and $22,167/year out-of-state
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a public research university located in Arlington, and has the highest research activity according the Carnegie Foundation. UTA offers a total of 185 degrees; 85 baccalaureate, 74 masters, and 26 doctoral degrees. Additionally, there are 700 different courses offered online that are taught by UT Arlington’s faculty to a grand total of 51,000 students! “Texas does it bigger” certainly applies where UTA is concerned.
The University of Texas Arlington is a fantastic option for those who are looking to receive their master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and for those who are looking to specialize in math education. This is our least expensive pick as well as an extremely flexible choice. This program is a great fit for anyone who is looking to complete their master’s quickly. Courses are accelerated at just 5 weeks each and focus on research, practical approaches as well as curricular development. Courses include:
- curriculum design
- advanced instructional strategies in math and science
- classroom research and design
There are also several in-depth math-specific courses. The course requires 36 credit hours to complete.
- Flexibility-granting components: accelerated 5-week courses
2. Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, Utah
Master of Arts Mathematics Education Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 42:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,765/year
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit school based in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, this university is actually 100% online. Its innovative approach to education means less time and money (tuition is nearly half of other online universities) an extremely flexible schedule, as well as personal individual faculty support. This program was created by U.S. Governors and currently serves over 76,000 students across the United States and overseas military. Many organizations accredit programs at WGU including the NCATE.
The master of arts in teaching mathematics is an exclusively online degree accredited through NCATE and is suitable for middle school or high school math teachers. The course is available for grade 5-9 or grade 5-12. Additionally, math education degree students learn through practical teaching in real classrooms, and complete a capstone project.
How many credits does it take to earn a master’s in mathematics education? Well, WGU uses a competency-based degree program that awards degrees when certain levels of mastery are obtained. What this means ultimately is if you are entering with a strong mathematics background, you will most likely graduate faster. Some credits may still transfer. It is important to check with the student handbook to ascertain those that are eligible. This merit-based, flexible program rewards those with a math background.
- Flexibility-granting components: two specializations
3. Chadron State College – Chadron, Nebraska
Master of Education Mathematics (Elementary and Secondary)
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $4,650/year in-state and $9,300/year out-of-state
Chadron State College is a public school located in Chadron, Nebraska and enrolls 2,250 students from across the U.S. Student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1 where 83% of faculty hold the highest degree in their field. The college is situated in the northern part of the Nebraska Panhandle and five of its colleges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Chadron is regularly listed as one of top 50 sports and outdoor towns. Chadron is more than a beautiful place to go to school, it offers over 100 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students and is very affordable offering a flat-rate for in-state and out-of-state tuition.
Chadron State College offers a completely customizable Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for several areas of concentration including math education. Applicants to this program must be certified and have and will focus on either elementary or secondary mathematics- a rare added flexible bonus! A GRE is not required for entry into this program. Like many masters in education programs, the core material will focus on areas like:
- curriculum development
- school law
- assessment and data analysis
From there, math education students may elect courses to tailor their education to their classroom needs. The program is 36 credit hours in length.
- Flexibility-granting components: accelerated courses
4. Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana
Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,636/year in-state and $26,334/year out-of-state
Ball State University (Ball State) is a public school located in Muncie, Indiana, is classified as a “high research activity” university according to Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Their online programming uses blackboard and peer grouping on assignments. Students engage in quality interactions with professors through email and Skype. They also have access to resources like:
- the university library services
- Writing Center tutoring
- technology support
Ball State makes it to the top of our list, due to the quality of online education, and the flexibility for students to complete programming from anywhere at anytime.
Ball State University offers a wide range of concentrations for the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education including:
- elementary and middle school teachers
- secondary school teachers
- elementary and middle school specialists
The course you select with in part be determined by your previous experience with mathematics. Elementary and Middle School educators will learn to teach number concepts and theory as well as algebraic reasoning for young learners. Those focused on secondary education will look at geometry, abstract algebra as well as pedagogy and curriculum and instruction.
All math education course material is presented online by the same professors as on-campus. For those unsure about starting a master’s degree program, a graduate certificate in elementary mathematics leadership is available.
This math education degree program is outstanding for its high quality and its flexibility. Those close to Muncie may also choose to complete their degree in a hybrid format. Additionally, an online program in elementary mathematics is rare- another perk to selecting Ball State.
- Flexibility-granting components: Three concentrations
5. Drexel University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master’s in Math Education Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $36,234/year
Drexel University is a private comprehensive research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Drexel has nearly 25,000 students and is one of the largest private universities in America. They are the home of the Academy of Natural Sciences, the nation’s oldest major natural science museum and research organization. Drexel University offers a unique cooperative experience for their students. This co-op enables students to work in their field engaging paid full-times hours for up to 18 months during undergraduate or graduate work.
Drexel University has had Internet-based education since 1996. Drexel founded National Distance Learning Week. They also received the Sloan-C award for institution-wide excellence in online education as well as a best practices award for distance learning. Drexel offers more than 100 certificate, bachelors, and master’s degrees online.
While Drexel University is our most expensive pick, it is also one of the top 100 ranked Universities in the nation. The academic quality as well as the accelerated course offerings are just a couple of the reasons we selected Drexel University as one of our top 10 picks. The core courses include:
- evaluation and instruction
- current research in curriculum and instruction
- multi-media instructional design
The mathematics Education Core include courses in algebraic reasoning and spatial reasoning. The field experience is virtual and involves online mentoring. Students must complete 45 credit hours to earn their degree. This master’s in math education program is organized into four 10-week quarters instead of semesters. There’s also an option to obtain a certificate of graduate study which is simply five, three-credit classes.
- Flexibility-granting components: accelerated courses
6. Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia
MEd Math Specialist
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,893/year
Liberty University a private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty offers comprehensive programming online including 12 associates, 15 bachelor’s, 19 masters, and 17 doctoral degrees. That’s an impressive 63 degrees with options like an associate’s of arts in religion, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in ethnomusicology. Liberty University is a liberal arts institution that enrolls over 94,000 online students. Liberty University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The online Master of Education is a Math Specialist Endorsement degree focused on the planning and implementation of math curricula. Concentration courses include:
- School Based Mathematics Programs
- Trends and Inquiry for the Math Specialist
- Technology Practices for Instructional Improvement
This master’s in math education program is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Admission is open to mathematics teachers at the middle or secondary level. All students must complete a practicum and internship experience. Some other perks to this program are its flexible credit transfer policies and its truncated programming.
- Flexibility-granting components: intensives, life experience credits, lenient transfer policy
7. University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Nebraska
Master of Arts for Teachers – Mathematics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,138/year in-state and $17,928/year out-of-state
The University of Nebraska is a public flagship university located in Lincoln, Nebraska and enrolls over 20,000 students. The Carnegie Foundation lists the University of Nebraska as a “Doctoral University [with the] Highest Research Activity”. UNL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has also been listed as a “best value” public university according to Kiplinger’s and the Princeton Review. The value of this program lies in its fantastic education standards and low cost. That’s why UNL ranks as one of our top 10 schools for a Master’s in Mathematics Education. In addition to academic rigor, and affordability, Lincoln has more green space (parks) than nearly any other city in America.
UNL offers one of the top math education programs in the county. Their MAT in math education utilizes both UNL professors as well as real-world teachers. The suitable candidate for this program is anyone who is looking to deepen their understanding and practice of mathematics in today’s classroom. The program offers an option for middle school math teachers and another for high school teachers. The curriculum includes 36 credit hours, where 21 of those credit hours are electives. We like this program as students have the freedom and flexibility to tailor electives to their specific classroom needs.
- Flexibility-granting components: N/A
8. University of North Carolina – Greensboro, North Carolina
Master of Education – Mathematics Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $5,219/year in-state and $18,937/year out-of-state
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is a public liberal arts university that offers over 100 programs for undergraduates, and nearly 100 programs for master’s and doctoral students. UNCG is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. There are over 17,000 on-campus and 2,000 students enrolled in distance learning with a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. More than 80% of faculty hold a terminal degree in their field. Online programs at UNCG are offered both in an asynchronous and synchronous schedule- meaning you have the option to take courses with or without designated course times.
The MEd at University of North Carolina Greensboro is offered 100% online. The program prepares students to work as master math teachers in middle grades, high school, or post-secondary institutions. Students can complete their master’s degree in just two years. This program is fully accredited through the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. There are three different start dates in May, August and January.
This master’s in math education requires a total of 33 credit hours broken down into 9 core hours, 15 pedagogical expertise hours and 9 professional development hours. You will learn how to lesson plan for diverse learners, and various methods for educational research. You’ll also learn:
- Interactions in Mathematics Classrooms
- Special Topics in Mathematics Education
- Teaching Mathematics with Technology
This program aligns with the Common Core Curriculum.
- Flexibility-granting components: N/A
9. University of North Georgia – Dahlonega, Georgia
Master of Education in Middle Grades Math and Science
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $4,140/year in-state and $16,488/year out-of-state
The University of North Georgia is a public university located in Dahlonega about an hour north of Atlanta. This is one of the top schools in the region. Over 18,000 students are enrolled in programs. UNG is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, UNG is the premier senior military college and known as well as The Military College of Georgia. The university lists inclusion, innovation, commitment to diversity and excellence as some of its top priorities. They make a point of adhering to these commitments through a variety of resources including:
- resources for adult and military learners
- the AAIM grant which aims to fun African American males
- academic advising
- their center for global engagement
The University of North Georgia offers a Master of Education in Middle Grades Math and Science. This program has been accredited through the National Council Association for Teacher Education and requires 36 semester hours for completion. The program is open to middle school science or mathematics teachers who work in a classroom at least 20 hours per week. The curriculum for this program includes courses like:
- Mathematics for Middle School Teachers
- Algebra and Geometry for Teachers
- Mathematical Reasoning
Those looking to expand their knowledge of middle grade math and science would do well with this versatile program.
- Flexibility-granting components: can be completed in four semesters, asynchronous online classes
10. Valdosta State University – Valdosta, Georgia
Online Master of Education in Middle Grades Education, Math and Science Degree
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $4,572/year in-state and $16,470/year out-of-state
Valdosta State University is one of four comprehensive universities in the University System of Georgia. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the university to award associate’s through doctoral degrees to over 11,000 students representing all 50 states and more than 60 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The university’s mission is sustainability on all levels including human, financial, and environmental. The online presence is extremely flexible and implements something called “SmarthPath Core” which enables course materials to be presented at a pace that aligns with your schedule.
Valdosta offers one of the top math education programs for current mathematics teachers. This program does not require a GRE or MAT score for entry. Full-time students can complete this 12-course program in about 16 months. Since courses are offered on a continuous basis, part-time students are also welcome. Course offerings include:
- Mathematics for Middle School Teachers
- Research Methodology in Education
- Collaboration and Professionalism
We like the flexibility and relevance of this program: its core material includes instructional leadership and assessment as well as research methodology in education. The capstone experience is a teaching practicum that is available in the Spring and Fall semesters.
- Flexibility-granting components: No campus visits are required
11. Illinois State University – Normal, Illinois
Online Master’s in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,694/year in-state and $9,500/year out-of-state
Illinois State University is a public university located in Central Illinois. ISU serves almost 21,000 students. Students come from 47 states and 74 different countries. Three in ten students are from underrepresented backgrounds and four in five students receive financial aid.
The master’s in math education graduate program at ISU is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to master their level of mathematics in the classroom. Applicants should have at least a year of teaching experience, but this is not a requirement. The program consists of 32-credit hours. Courses are taught through synchronous instruction during the evening hours. Course offerings include:
- Issues and Trends in School Mathematics
- Instructional Strategies for the Middle School Teacher
- Advanced Topics in Assessment in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics
Each student must complete either a comprehensive project or a thesis to complete their degree.
- Flexibility-granting components: synchronous courses delivered during the evening hours
12. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Online Masters in Mathematics Education Degree
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,447/year in-state and $28,605/year out-of-state
The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Students come to MU from all 50 states and over 100 countries. There are more than 5,000 students at MU and over 150 different degree programs available.
UM offers an online masters math education degree with no required campus visits. Courses are semester based and students can typically finish in two years. The program emphasizes areas like:
- current issues in mathematics education
- elementary or secondary mathematics content
- recent research in mathematics education
- strategies for incorporating technology into mathematics instruction
The program is open to certified, practicing teachers who want to prepare for a leadership position. There are no required on-campus visits, but students may choose elective courses that have an on-campus component.
- Flexibility-granting components: students can take one or two courses each semester
13. American College of Education – Indianapolis, Indiana
MEd in Mathematics Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $5,640/year
The MEd in mathematics education from the American College of Education is a 34-credit hour program that takes 16 months to complete. Course offerings include:
- Mathematical Modeling Methods
- Integrative and Expanded Thinking in Mathematics
- Cognition and Critical Thinking
The program provides students with advanced knowledge of mathematics at the secondary or college level. High school teachers will learn to identify problems in curricula and make adjustments through predictive modeling and data.
ACE can help save students time and money by accepting transfer credits from other universities. Tuition rates are low, and ACE believes in full transparency in relation to the total cost of attendance. There are no surprises so students can effectively budget the cost of their education.
- Flexibility-granting components: students can complete their degree in just 16 months.
14. Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma
MS Teaching, Learning and Leadership- Mathematics and Science Education
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $5,611/year in-state and $21,114/year out-of-state
Oklahoma State University is a large public university located about 60 miles from Oklahoma City. There are students from over 100 countries and all 50 states. Students benefit from a vibrant community with over 70 diversity related organizations.
OSU offers an online master’s in mathematics and science education. The program is a great choice for K-12 educators who want to deepen their knowledge in the teaching of science and math. Courses are offered 100% online. Most students can complete their degree in two years by taking two courses per semester. Course offerings include:
- Teaching Algebra and Mathematical Tasks
- Elementary Statistical Methods
- Problem-Centered Learning in Math
Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of educational settings.
- Flexibility-granting components: accelerated program that takes two years to complete
15. Missouri Baptist University – Saint Louis, Missouri
MS in Mathematics Education Online
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,102/year
Missouri Baptist University is a private, Christ-centered university with just under 5,000 students. They offer over 40 different degree programs. MBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The masters degree online in mathematics education from MBU is a 30-credit hour program. Students can expect to augment their instructional skills, exploring areas like:
- classroom management
- presentation skills
- communication
- discipline
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in either mathematics or a secondary educator certification in mathematics. Courses are delivered in a flexible, 100% online format. Students can complete their degree in just two years, even while working full-time.
- Flexibility-granting components: no campus visits required
