Best Online Mathematics Degrees

Many people are interested in earning a degree in mathematics because there are several different ways to use the degree in a career. In fact, math majors rank 28th most popular out of 384 college majors, which makes them an excellent choice for people who love numbers, problem-solving, and taking an analytical approach to situations.

In an online mathematics program, you’re not just adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing; you’re using complex equations combined with science to help solve the secrets of the universe. Some of our most significant discoveries, like gravity or how our solar system rotates, were found thanks partly to math. Earning a bachelor’s in mathematics is not only an excellent career choice but can also help make a difference in our world!

If you’re considering going to school to earn an online mathematics degree, we’re here to help you find the right program for your needs.

What Is a Mathematics Degree?

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in mathematics, you’ll need to earn 120 credits in core and degree-specific courses. And, while math seems like it is just about numbers, you’re actually using analytical approaches and statistical formulas to find different answers and solutions to various problems.

With an online mathematics degree, you can have one of several emphases for your major, including applied math, statistics, pure math, and computer science, depending on what you’re interested in.

In a mathematics program, you’ll learn a variety of skills and grow them as you get closer to graduation. These skills include:

  • Ability to shape intricate and precise ideas
  • Analytical thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Construct logical debates
  • Expose illogical arguments
  • Independence
  • Problem-solving
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Teamwork
  • Time management

Earning a mathematics degree online is extremely similar to a traditional in-person degree. However, all of your classes and coursework will be done online and remotely instead of on campus. To succeed in an online mathematics program, you’ll need to have strong self-motivation, take advantage of all available resources, manage your time wisely, be familiar with your school’s online software, and maintain consistent contact with your professors.

Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

When looking at school options for your online mathematics degree, you’ll come across the phrases Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in your chosen field. To ensure you’re enrolling in the right mathematics program, you need to know the difference between degree options.

For a BS, you’ll get a broad knowledge of various mathematical topics and in-depth knowledge of specific topics (based on program and degree type). If you are interested in earning a BA, you’ll deep-dive into the core elements of mathematics with more flexibility in the courses you take.

Featured Online Programs for a Bachelor's in Mathematics

For prospective students looking to earn a mathematics degree online, the numbers need to add up to ensure you’re getting the best program with the best value to meet your needs. That’s why our team at Top Online College uses a proven methodology to help us create a list of online mathematics degree programs that may be right for you.

Researching the different school options can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be when we do the legwork for you. Here are our recommendations for mathematics degree programs online.

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Southern New Hampshire University

BA in Mathematics — Applied Mathematics

Location: Online (based in Manchester, NH)

Acceptance rate: 93.5%

Graduation rate: 32.7%

Cost of attendance: $320 per credit hour

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Admission requirements

  • Complete the online application
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Speak with an SNHU admission counselor
  • Apply for financial aid
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Eastern Oregon University

BS or BA in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in La Grande, OR)

Acceptance rate: 94.3%

Graduation rate: 44.1%

Cost of attendance: $278.00 per credit hour

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admission requirements

  • Complete Application for Undergraduate Admission
  • Pay a $50 application fee
  • Submit high school or GED transcripts
  • High school GPA of 2.75
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Western Governors University

BS — Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
BS — Mathematics Education (Secondary)
MA — Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
MA — Teaching, Mathematics Education (Secondary)

Location: Online (based in Salt Lake City, UT)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 64%

Cost of attendance: $3,575 per 6-month term

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admission requirements

  • Complete the application
  • Pay the $65 application fee
  • Send official transcripts by mail or email
  • Complete FAFSA application
  • Complete intake interview
  • Arrange for tuition payment
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University of Illinois at Springfield

BA in Mathematical Sciences

Location: Online (based in Springfield, IL)

Acceptance rate: 77.3%

Graduation rate: 61.8%

Cost of attendance: Ranges from $312.25 to $367.50 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admission requirements

  • Complete admission application
  • Check program-specific admission requirements
  • Send official transcripts
  • Submit personal statement/writing sample
  • Send test scores
  • Pay a $50 application fee
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Mercy College

Combined BS and MS in Mathematics and Adolescence Education, Grades 7-12

Location: Online (Based in Dobbs Ferry, NY)

Acceptance rate: 82%

Graduation rate: 55%

Cost of attendance: $10,259.00 per term

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admission requirements

  • Submit an online application
  • Send in official high school transcripts from all high schools attended
  • Submit official standardized test scores (only if you want them considered in your admissions review)
  • Check special programs requirements, if any
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Maryville University

BS in Mathematics

Location: Online (based in St. Louis, MO)

Acceptance rate: 94.9%

Graduation rate: 35.3%

Cost of attendance: Higher Learning Commission

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admission requirements

  • Complete the application for admission
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED
  • A high school GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
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Indiana University East

BS in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in Richmond, IN)

Acceptance rate: 80.5%

Graduation rate: 39%

Cost of attendance: $346.89 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Admission requirements

  • Submit online or paper application
  • Submit required documents
    • High school or GED transcripts
    • ACT or SAT scores
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Chadron State College

BS in Mathematics
BS in Mathematics Education

Location: Online (Based in Chadron, NE)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 42.9%

Cost of attendance: $299.00 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admission requirements

  • Complete admission application
  • Submit official transcripts and scores
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Arizona State Online

BS in Mathematics

Location: Online (based in Scottsdale, AZ)

Acceptance rate: 88%

Graduation rate: 70%

Cost of attendance: $561–$661 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Admission requirements

  • Review competency requirements
  • Review admissions requirements
  • Complete online application
  • Request ACT/SAT scores
  • Submit transcripts
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Bellevue University

BS in Mathematics

Location: Online (based in Bellevue, NE)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 65.6%

Cost of attendance: $440 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admission requirements

  • Submit online application
  • Pay a $50 application fee
  • Submit high school transcripts
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Midway University

BA in Mathematics

Location: Online (based in Midway, KY)

Acceptance rate: 77.7%

Graduation rate: 38.8%

Cost of attendance: $395 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Admission requirements

  • Complete online application
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Submit official SAT or ACT scores
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Thomas Edison State University

BA in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in Trenton, NJ)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Graduation rate: 44.5%

Cost of attendance: $535.00 per credit hour

Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)

Admission requirements

  • Submit a high school degree, GED, or a secondary home school diploma
  • Be 20 years of age or older, or 18 years or older and an active member of the United States military (not applicable to military spouses, dependents or relations)
  • Complete an online application
  • Pay $50 application fee
  • Explore payment options and financial aid

Earn an Affordable Degree in Mathematics Online

When it comes to earning any degree, including an online mathematics degree, the cost of attendance can quickly add up. And since most students consider the cost as one of their main concerns when pursuing a degree, we want to provide some cost-effective options for prospective students.

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Eastern New Mexico University – Main Campus Online

BS or BA in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in Portales, NM)

Acceptance rate: 51%

Cost of attendance: $174.75 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

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Louisiana State University — Alexandria

BS in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in Alexandria, LA)

Acceptance rate: 58.3%

Cost of attendance: $203.92 per credit hour

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

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Central Methodist University

BS or BA in Mathematics

Location: Online (Based in Fayette, MO)

Acceptance rate: 99%

Cost of attendance: $260.00 per credit hour

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Online Mathematics Degree FAQ

Are degrees in mathematics worth it?

Yes! Mathematics skills are transferable in numerous fields, and there are many careers where your degree can be put to good use. If you’re good with numbers and passionate about problem-solving, a bachelor’s in mathematics could be very worthwhile for you.

If you want to take your mathematics skills further into a career like a cryptographer, data analyst, software developer, or aerospace engineer, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in the mathematics field. However, you’ll need to earn your bachelor’s first, and earning a mathematics degree online can help you get to your future career goals sooner.

What is the average length of an online bachelor of mathematics?

As with other bachelor’s degree programs, earning a mathematics degree online typically takes four years of full-time study, though there are accelerated programs where you may be able to finish your degree in three years.

To earn a degree in mathematics, you’ll need to complete 120 credit hours combining core and degree-specific courses. If you’ve previously earned an associate’s degree before enrolling in an online mathematics program, you may be able to complete your bachelor’s degree faster since you’ll have your core courses finished already.

If you have more questions regarding the length of a mathematics program, you can speak to a representative from the online schools you are considering.

What skills do you need to be successful in mathematics?

If you’re considering a career in mathematics, you likely already have a passion and knack for numbers. However, there is more that goes into succeeding in this field, and you’ll need a variety of skills, including

  • Critical thinking — Identifying how strong or weak alternative solutions or approaches are using logic and reasoning.
  • Complex problem solving — Reviewing information related to complex problems to find different options and implement new solutions.
  • Active learning — Taking in new information and learning how to apply it to current and future decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Deductive reasoning — Applying general mathematical rules to specific problems to find cohesive answers.

What types of classes do you need for a degree in mathematics?

There are different math classes you’ll need to take, depending on what type of math you’re majoring in. However, there are some common classes that you can potentially expect in a mathematics program, including:

  • Numerical analysis
  • Calculus
  • Linear algebra
  • Differential equations
  • Physics
  • Geometry
  • Data structures
  • Operating systems
  • Applied statistics
  • Probability

As you research schools for your online mathematics degree, you will get a better idea of the courses you need to take.

What is the average salary for a mathematics degree?

Salary averages vary based on how you use your math degree after graduation and where you live. Here are some popular mathematics careers and their average salaries.

  • Math teacher — $48,371
  • Accountant — $54,785
  • Financial analyst — $71,421
  • Mathematician — $94,754
  • Software engineer — $107,904
  • Economist — $110,230
  • Actuary — $116,366
  • Insurance underwriter — $127,647

What can I do with a degree in mathematics?

Just as there are different majors for mathematics, there are also other ways you can use an online mathematics degree. Once you’ve earned a degree in mathematics, you can get a variety of positions, including:

  • Investment banker
  • Teacher (if you earn mathematics education degrees)
  • Financial analyst
  • Statistician
  • Business analyst
  • Engineer
  • Researcher
  • Programmer
  • Accountant
  • Economist
  • Civil engineer
  • Actuary
  • Physicist
  • Computer programmer
  • Investment manager
  • Government researcher
  • Theoretical mathematician
  • Numerical analyst
  • Banker
  • Space/aircraft industry

With so many different ways to use your math degree, the options are almost endless. If you want to enter the mathematics field, you’re going to find a job you’ll love.

How much does an online mathematics degree cost?

There are several factors that influence the cost of a mathematics degree, including which school you go to, whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition, if you’re attending a public or private school, and if you are a full-time or part-time student. On average, mathematics program costs can range from $10,000 a year on the low end up to $28,000 for the most expensive private universities.

What to Look for in an Online Degree Program

Attending college is a significant decision on its own, and deciding to be an online student adds a whole new component to the equation. It can be challenging to narrow down your online mathematics degree school options when you can’t visit the campus or meet professors in person. Top Online College has some tips to make your online search easier so you can find the right mathematics program for you.

You should start by determining if a potential school offers the degree in mathematics that you’re looking for. If they do, take time to see if they are accredited by verified agencies and do some research on the school’s reputation. From there, you can start comparing tuition and fees costs as well as graduation rates to ensure you’ll have a good chance of succeeding in that school. Don’t forget to inquire about transferring credits if you’ve already earned credits from a different school; you don’t want those to go to waste!

With remote learning, you need excellent professors that thrive on communication. Research teachers in the math department to see who you’ll potentially be learning from. Then, you can look them up on a site like Rate My Professor to see if they’ll be a good fit for online courses.