Online Math Degree Overview
Anyone looking to earn an online degree in mathematics has a great number of programs from which to choose. These programs aim to provide their students with the necessary skills and techniques to apply mathematical concepts to practical realms, as well as a theoretical basis of its fundamentals. Below are descriptions of various levels of math degrees and programs to help assist in any decisions.
Online Associate Degrees in Math
Online associate degrees in math are offered as an Associate of Science (AS) degree. These can come as a general degree in mathematics or in a grouped major like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To enroll in such a program, a student usually will have a high school diploma or a GED. These programs can be completed entirely online in four semesters (two years) but can be done at the pace of the student. They are designed for students hoping to transfer to a four-year program to pursue a bachelor's, which is recommended for anyone pursuing higher education in mathematics, as most jobs require at least a BS for entry-level employment. 60 credit hours must be completed in order to earn an associate degree, some of which are general education courses.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Math
There are many online bachelor's degree programs. These typically come in the form of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematics. Since mathematics is a wide-ranging term, a degree in mathematics can have a focus on other areas like accounting, actuary science, statistics, or physics. A bachelor's in math requires a student to complete 120 credit hours, with at least 30 to 40 hours (depending on the institution) focused on the major. These programs can be entirely online, and although they are designed to be completed in four years, a student need not work at that pace if they are unable to take the necessary credit hours each semester in order to do so.
Online Master's Degrees in Math
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical entry-level education for careers in mathematics is a master's, so students hoping to work in math for their careers should pursue post-graduate degrees for a better chance of doing do. At this level of study, a student may have to focus on a specific area within mathematics, such as statistics, accounting, or education. Many online master's programs are offered as a Master of Science (MS) and can be completed 100% online. Programs require anywhere from 30 to 36 credit hours in total, with most of them coming from math courses. They can be completed in two years of full-time attendance, or three to five years as a part-time student.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Math
Online doctoral programs in mathematics are rare at accredited American universities. Any student with a master's in mathematics who hopes to continue their education will most likely have to do so in person. In-person programs might take between four and six years to complete. Coursework may dive into topics like algebraic topology, mathematical logic and probability. However, doctorate programs in math include quite of bit of research and independent study on top of required courses. Most also include a dissertation.
Online Certificates in Math
There are numerous online certificate programs in math available. These programs can help earn math credits|https://study.com/college_math_credit_online.html] a student on their way to a master's, aid a professional's math skills for teaching purposes or help mathematicians move into other areas of the field. These programs can often be finished at the pace of the student, sometimes as quickly as a single semester. In some programs, students might need to complete around 18 credit hours to earn the certificate.
Math Specializations/Concentrations
Mathematics is often divided between applied mathematics (the practical application of math) and pure mathematics (math for its own sake; math theory). The deeper a student goes with education the more specialized their mathematics degrees often are. Within its purview, you might find some of the following specializations and concentrations:
- Mathematical finance
- Mathematical Biology
- Statistics
- Math Theory
- Actuarial science
- Computational mathematics
- Math education
In addition to the numerous occupational fields within mathematics, there are the divisions of mathematical branches, which a student may specialize in. The branches are:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Statistics and Probability
Curriculum/Coursework for a Math Degree
Most mathematics degrees will require a student to take math courses in the main branches of mathematics mentioned above, to provide a general understanding of mathematic fundamentals. Beyond the core math courses, students have many electives choices in terms of the rest of their credits. If a student knows the occupation they want to pursue, they can orient their classes toward the skills that job requires. Here are some examples of coursework one can choose from while getting a degree in mathematics:
- Introduction to Number Theory
- Representation Theory
- Dynamical Systems
- Linear Algebra
- Microeconomic Theory
- Introduction to Computer Programming
- Elemental Differential Equations
- Advanced Calculus
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Math?
Most programs require 120 credit hours to complete, which can be done in four years at 15 credits per semester. Most institutions won't allow a student to take more than 20 credits per semester, so an accelerated pace would still take at least three years. A student could, however, transfer previous college credits (from an associate degree or AP courses) and elect to take classes during the summer, meaning they could conceivably finish in under three years.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Math Degrees
Any student wishing to pursue an online degree in journalism should make sure the institution they are applying to has either national or regional accreditation. National accreditation for undergraduate bachelor's programs is typically found at for-profit or trade schools while regional accreditation is often found at public universities and is usually considered more exacting. Accreditation is overseen by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and seven regional bodies of accreditation including the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation is required if you'd like to apply for federal financial aid.
The Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC) offers accreditation for some mathematics programs at the bachelor's level.
Math Licensure & Certification
Professional certification is not necessary for mathematics in general, but there are specific certifications that fall under math, such as in accounting. In order to become a certified public accountant (CPA), you must pass the Uniform CPA Examination to qualify for a certificate and license.
Actuaries can also earn the Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) credential from the Society of Actuaries.
Math Career Information
Anyone interested in a career in mathematics must first pursue higher education; many careers in mathematics require at least a master's degree. There are lots of jobs in mathematics as it is a wide-ranging subject. Jobs can include:
- Mathematician
- Actuary
- Statistician
- Math teacher
- University faculty
- Research analyst
- Economist
How to Become a Mathematician
The minimum degree to work in an entry-level position in mathematics is a bachelor's, but most professionals have a master's or a doctorate. Many mathematicians are associated with a university, so pursuing advanced degrees is in a student's interest career-wise as well. It is recommended to specialize in a field within mathematics (e.g. statistics) or pair mathematics with an outside subject, such as biology, in order to find useful employment within those sub-fields. Computer programming skills are also recommended, as many mathematician jobs involve data analysis.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those working in management, scientific, and technical consulting services can earn $123,270 a year, whereas those working in universities earn a median salary of $62,780.
How to Become an Actuary
Most actuaries have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics or actuary science. There is a process for becoming certified, which involves coursework and examinations, as well as two levels of certification, which are associate and fellow. According to BLS.gov, it usually takes someone 4 to 7 years to become an associate actuary, and an additional 2 to 3 years after that to become a fellow. The job requires much study and numerous tests, but the pay is very competitive. The median salary for all actuary jobs is $108,350.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Math Degrees
As an online degree in mathematics can come with various costs, and especially since most mathematics careers involve advanced degrees, a student may need to find financial assistance to allow them to attend the program of their choice. The first place a student should look is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what loans, grants and work-study opportunities they qualify for.
Additionally, a student may apply for scholarships and grants from numerous national organizations. Students can inquire about scholarships at their school's financial aid office, or use the U.S. Department of Education's CareerOneStop scholarship search.
Many colleges offer scholarships or grants for their students as well. For example, the University of Kansas offers a full-year scholarship to their math students based on merit.
Professional Organizations in Mathematics
For professionals in mathematics in general, there is an organization called the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), which aims to help advance the understanding of mathematics in society. Professionals in all fields of mathematics are members of the MAA.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is an organization for certified public accountants, which has a membership of over 431,000.
Actuaries, too, have organizations for professionals in the field, the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA).
How to Choose an Online Math Degree Program and School
As there are many online degree programs in mathematics, a student must determine their own needs and ambitions before choosing the right fit for them. Factors such as finances, occupational intention, and schedule should be included in a prospective student's considerations. Use the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator tool and school websites to help determine the cost of a given program.
Most importantly, a student must figure out what career they are pursuing, as each career in mathematics requires not only an advanced degree but also specialization. Programs that specialize in the concentration the student hopes to work in will take precedent over more generalized ones. If a student is unclear about a career, they are advised to begin with a general associate degree program, where they can determine their interests as they explore the many aspects of mathematics.
