Top 10 Online Master's in Math Education Programs for 2019
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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What are the Best Online Master's in Math Education Programs?
Top 10 Online Master's in Math Education Programs for 2019
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.
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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.
Secondary teachers are high school teachers. Secondary math teachers instruct algebra, calculus, chemistry and other intermediary math courses. Teachers help students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT. They also provide tutoring services for students that struggle with math concepts.
Median Salary: $49,000
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.
| Employment, 2016 | Projected Employment, 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1,314,400 | 1,511,900 |
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.