Best Online Master’s in Math Education Degree Programs of 2025

An online master’s in math education can help students further their knowledge of mathematics and educational pedagogy. Such programs usually require the completion of 30 to 33 credit hours and can be finished in as little as one year. Afterward, students may qualify for several different jobs, though the general goal of this graduate program is to prepare students to become math teachers.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513. Once you graduate, you may choose to become a math teacher at the K-12 level, where you can expect an annual salary of around $65,000 per year.

Choose your area of study

This degree is typically offered as a Master of Education (MEd), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Arts (MA). A master’s in math education is a specialized degree designed to prepare future mathematics instructors. As such, online master’s programs usually have two concentrations to choose from: one that prepares students to teach at the K-12 level and one that prepares students to teach at the postsecondary level. If your career goal is to become a college professor, consider pursuing a PhD after completing your master’s to increase your chances of employment.

Research schools and programs

When investigating schools, the first thing to confirm is their accreditation status. This affects whether the school is eligible to award federal financial aid to students. For educators, it can also impact their ability to get the necessary licenses and certifications. Students should seek out schools with regional accreditation as well as accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Once students have narrowed things down to a few schools they are interested in, they should inquire about the job placement rate for graduates. While online programs mean students can take classes anywhere, it may be important to consider universities close to where students would like to teach, as the choice of alma mater may ultimately help them to land a job in their desired area.

To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Application requirements vary by school and program.

While some online master’s in math education programs have waived the requirement, the majority of them will require that students submit GRE scores as part of the application. It’s essential to consider application deadlines when preparing for the GRE because it takes some students as long as three months to prepare for the test and up to 15 days to receive the results.

Undergraduate transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are also often required. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.

Select your program

Ultimately, selecting the best program for an online master’s in math education will come down to where students want to go, how much the program costs, and their test scores. It’s not uncommon for students to apply to multiple programs, so they still have options if they do not get into their top pick.

Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Once students know how much the graduate program will cost, they need to explore ways of paying for it. You should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. It helps students receive federal loans and other potential assistance that may help pay for educational costs.

Additionally, exploring any scholarships available from the school in question or various local, state, and national groups is advisable. Those who already work in the field should see if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits as well. With these resources, you may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.

Be sure to speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost.