What may appear as a jumble of numbers to some can be an exciting challenge to others. Individuals who see the meaning in data, figures, and equations can apply their skills through one of the following 15 Best Online Bachelors’ Degrees in Mathematics. The programs listed explore mathematical areas such as algebra, calculus, modeling, real analysis, and statistics. Each program is designed to deepen students’ understanding of the mathematical sciences, and their ability to communicate about complex math problems. Each program can be completed primarily or entirely online to allow working adults maximum flexibility and affordability.
Some programs listed focus on preparing graduates for careers teaching math. Others allow students to concentrate in actuarial science, which helps prepare them for careers in insurance and finance. Generally speaking, mathematics and statisticians analyze data and apply their analytical skills to solve complex problems in a variety of fields. They may work in schools, financial agencies, government agencies, or research firms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians earned a median salary of $88,190 in 2018. The field is experiencing a projected 33 percent growth rate, which is much faster than average as an increasing volume of digital data emerges.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Top 15 Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Mathematics
Best Value Schools' top-ranked online bachelor's degree in math is offered through Indiana University Online. The university's Bachelor of Science in Mathematics explores algebra, calculus, mathematical modeling, and real analysis. Students can choose an area of specialization, such as financial mathematics or pure mathematics. Students who intend to pursue graduate studies or a career in actuarial sciences may specialize in probability, finance, and economics. Features of the online program include an interactive orientation, one-on-one success coaching, online library resources, and 24/7 support.
IU is a multi-campus public university system that encompasses nine campuses. The flagship campus is located in Bloomington, Indiana. IU Online offers 125 distance education programs and 2,427 distance education classes. U.S. News & World Report ranks IU Online No. 89 in National Universities, No. 38 in Top Public Schools, and No. 20 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs.
Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of General Studies with an area of concentration in Mathematics. The online degree program is designed for students who wish to study multiple fields. Each BGS student must select three concentration areas that form a specialized plan of study. Distance education courses are offered in areas including College Algebra, Elements of Finite Mathematics, and Mathematical Statistics for Engineers and Scientists. In addition to math, students may select concentrations in areas such as Actuarial Science, Business Statistics, Education, or Engineering.
TTU is a public state research university established in 1923. Located in Lubbock, it is the primary institution of the Texas Tech University System. The university's prominent research areas include atmospheric sciences, grid computing, and nanophotonics. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education includes TTU in its top tier of research universities.
Students looking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics can earn theirs online with Bellevue University. The core curriculum covers calculus, computer programming, discrete math, algebra, and statistics. All students must choose an emphasis in Business Analytics, Computer Programming, Predictive Modeling, or Secondary Education. Course delivery includes real-time, interactive classroom sessions, as well as video recordings of class sessions with online activities.
Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit, open-access university with a focus on adult education. The university opened in 1966 to serve working adults in Bellevue, Nebraska. It started offering online degree programs in 1996 and was one of the first accredited institutions to do so. It was also the first institution to provide an online MBA degree. Bellevue partners with several community colleges throughout the nation to help students transfer quickly.
Indiana University East offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The degree program features a comprehensive core with courses including Calculus, Modern Algebra, and Real Analysis. Students can specialize in an area such as financial mathematics or pure mathematics. Those who have completed their general education courses can complete the BS degree in two years or less. Graduates of the program go on to careers in actuarial science or teaching at the community college or high school level.
IU East is a public university and a member institution of the Indiana University System. Located in Richmond, it is a regional campus of Indiana University. The school is near Earlham College and the Richmond location of Ivy Tech Community College. The university also hosts a branch of Purdue Polytechnic Richmond. IU East provides a traditional and online campus, with select online degree completion programs.
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Sciences. The online degree program builds math skills relevant to careers in insurance, industry, research, and teaching. Required major courses include Arithmetic Review, Business Calculus, Mathematics in Daily Life, and Real Analysis. Students must complete an entrance assessment upon entering the program, and an exit assessment during their final semester.
UIS is a public liberal arts university and the newest member of the University of Illinois system. The university was established in 1969 and entered the UI system in 1995. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 50 in Regional Universities Midwest and ninth among public institutions.
Mayville State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in Mathematics Education. The online degree program is designed to prepare students to teach math at the secondary level, in middle and high schools. All students must complete a minor in an area such as Business Administration, Library Media and Information Science, or Special Needs. Courses include History and Philosophy of Math, Education Technology, and Theory of Numbers. Students can also expect to gain student teaching experience and complete an electronic portfolio.
Mayville State University is a public university and a member institution of the North Dakota University System. It was founded in Mayville in 1889 as a teacher training school. The average age of a Mayville State student is 24 years. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 43 in the Midwest and fourth among public institutions.
Mercy College offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The program is offered through the university's Division of Mathematics and Computer Information Science, which emphasizes applied math and computer language. Major courses include Algebraic Structures, Mathematical Modeling, and Number Theory. Students interested in teaching math may choose to follow a five-year BS and Master of Science teacher education program.
Mercy College is a private, nonsectarian college. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1950, the college is historically affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. In addition to its main campus in Dobbs Ferry, it operates locations around the New York City area, in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Yorktown Heights. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report listed Mercy sixth in the northern United States for campus ethnic diversity.
American Public University offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. The online degree program is designed for working adults. It is suitable for students who intend to pursue postgraduate education or teaching careers. The curriculum examines advanced theory and analysis in math, science, and technology. Students may concentrate in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, or Statistics. Major required courses include Data Analysis and Presentation, Mathematical Modeling, and Technical Writing. The degree is designed to be finished within four years of full-time study.
American Public University System is a private, for-profit, online institution headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. APUS encompasses American Military University and American Public University. It was founded in 1991 as an American Military University to educate military personnel in areas such as counterterrorism and military intelligence. The institution has no direct affiliation with the United States military or government.
Thomas Edison State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. The online degree program is designed to prepare adults to change careers, advance in their current field, or pursue graduate education in math. Required courses include Linear Algebra, Multivariate Calculus, and Probability/Statistics. Elective offerings include Abstract Algebra, Graph Theory, and Topology. The curriculum culminates in a liberal arts capstone.
Thomas Edison State is a public liberal arts university. It was established in 1972 in Trenton, New Jersey. The university is named for former New Jersey resident and significant inventor Thomas Edison, who gained much of his knowledge through self-directed learning. TESU is primarily focused on serving local adult students through online programs. A pioneer in online education, the university has been called "one of the brighter stars of higher learning" and a "college that paved the way for adults" by The New York Times.
Western Governors University awards a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. The online degree program focuses on secondary education, preparing teachers for middle or high school instruction. Key subject areas include Fundamentals of Diversity, Inclusion, and Exceptional Learners; Psychology for Educators; and Trigonometry and Precalculus. The program leads to licensure to teach at a grade level that depends on each student's state of residence. Most students complete the program in a time frame between 18 months and four years.
WGU is a private, nonprofit, online university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded in 1997 by 19 United States governors. The university is distinguished by its use of a competency-based learning model rather than the traditional credit-based model. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 10 in the nation's Most Innovative Schools.
Chadron State College awards a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. It is an online degree completion program. Transfer students must complete at least half of the major at Chadron State. The curriculum is designed to build students' understanding of communication and technology in the mathematical sciences and to prepare them to apply this understanding to other academic disciplines. Core courses include Differential Equations, History and Foundations of Mathematics, and Probability and Statistics. In addition to completing the core requirements, CSC students are required to complete a major or minor in another area.
Chadron State is a public college and a member of the Nebraska State College System. It was founded in 1909 by the state legislature. The campus is located in a small rural area of the northern Nebraska panhandle. It includes five buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chadron State has an average class size of 14 students. The college offers courses in locations across the state, and online courses year-round.
Ottawa University offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Students may minor in Secondary Education or concentrate on Actuarial Science. The Secondary Education minor encompasses algebra, calculus, computer programming, and geometry. It teaches students about individual student needs, problem-solving skills, and technological advancements as they relate to mathematics. The Actuarial Science degree is designed to prepare students to apply math skills to careers in the business, finance, and insurance industries.
Ottawa University is a private Christian liberal arts university. Founded in 1865, the university has its roots in the Baptist Church. It has a main campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and satellite locations across the nation. Many of these locations serve adult students, along with the university's online programs. Ottawa allows students to earn college credit through certifications, military service, and work/life experience. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university No. 44 in Regional Colleges Midwest.
Midway University offers a 120-credit online Education Studies degree with a Math emphasis. The major is designed for students who do not need teacher certification and is ideal for students who wish to work outside of the United States. The degree program is also useful for students who intend to work as a school paraprofessional, or those who intend to immediately move into a Master of Teaching program. Education Studies major courses include Human Growth and Development, Multicultural Education, and Technology in Educational Studies. Math emphasis courses include College Algebra and Trigonometry.
Midway University was founded in 1849 by members of the Midway Christian Church. The school is located on a working farm in the Kentucky Bluegrass region. Originally called the Kentucky Female Orphan School, it was the only women's college in the state until 2016. The university now admits male students and offers programs in fields including equine studies, sports management, and teacher education.
Granite State College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Math Studies with teacher certification options. The flexible online degree program has a focus on liberal studies and prepares students for teaching degrees. It offers five certification options in elementary education, general special education, and mathematics. Course requirements vary by certification, but major courses required of all students include Geometric Structures, Mathematical Proof, and Number Systems. A minimum of 120 credits is required for the degree, including at least 30 credits in residence at the college.
Granite State is a public college and a member of the University System of New Hampshire. It was founded in 1972 with a focus on accessible, affordable adult education. The college is headquartered in Concord, and it operates six additional suburban locations across New Hampshire. It also partners with the Community College System of New Hampshire to allow students to transfer easily.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. The online degree program provides advanced study in analysis, algebra, and statistics. Students may follow a general math track or concentrate on applied math. Major courses include Abstract Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Scripting, and Real Analysis. All students must also complete an elective course in The Heart of Mathematics.
SNHU is a private, nonprofit university that was founded as a business school in 1932. It is considered one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States. The university is located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. The majority of SNHU students are enrolled in a fully online capacity. The university has an open enrollment policy that accepts any student with a high school diploma or GED.
Methodology: Here's How We Rank Schools
At Best Value Schools, we help students of all ages get the best possible value for their education. When choosing the best schools and programs, we prioritize tuition rates, student debt, financial aid opportunities, graduation rates, and the availability of online programs.
We source unbiased data from government and educational databases like the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 6,374 schools across the U.S. We organize that data into five weighted categories to compile our school rankings.
Metric
Data Used
Percentage
Academic Quality
Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates
25%
Affordability
Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid
35%
Reputation
Admission and enrollment rates
15%
Program Offerings
Number of program options
10%
Online Enrollment Score
Portion of learners taking at least one online course
15%
You can read more about our comprehensive evaluation process on our methodology page.
Best Value Schools publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be, both, affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
Degree Investment Return (25%)
Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
Cost Value (25%)
Matriculation (10%)
Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Additional Resources
Use articles and resources to uncover answers to common questions, get guidance on your goals, and learn about applying to schools.
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