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A degree in mathematics is a great way to pursue a career that incorporates your love of numbers and problem-solving skills. As a Math graduate, you can pursue various career options including working as an actuary, researcher, mathematician, database analyst, or statistician, among others. With a wide range of career options, an online math degree opens lots of doors with higher-than-average wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects rising demand for mathematicians, particularly for actuaries.
There are two routes you can take to earn a degree in mathematics. One is through the traditional route of enrolling in a 4-year university. The other is by enrolling in an online math degree program. If you’re wondering, can I do a math degree online entirely, here’s what you should know.
BROWSE ALL MAJORS >>About Online Math Degrees
As with accounting degrees, mathematics degrees lend themselves extremely well to the digital format of online classes.
The online bachelor’s degree program at Indiana University East is a prime example of this. The program requires the same amount of study as the on-campus option but is done ENTIRELY online. The program can also be taken as a full or part-time student making it possible to work while you complete your degree.
Today, many universities in America offer the option of online math degree programs.
Online Math Degrees Offered
Students interested in mathematics can pursue various levels of degrees offered online.
Associate of Arts or Science in Mathematics (A.A.M. or A.S.M)
An associate’s degree in mathematics is a great option if you’re looking to get your foot in the door in the field. Enrolling in the online program also knocks out general education requirements. You’ll take foundational courses in algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and other mathematics subject areas to build a solid background prior to continuing on to your bachelor’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (B.S.M)
A Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics is a four-year degree and is required for most jobs in the field of mathematics. In this course, students generally focus on either applied or theoretical mathematics and often choose an emphasis for their degree. Emphasis can include actuarial mathematics, statistical analysis, teacher certification, and many more.
Master of Science in Mathematics (M.S.M)
Earning a master’s degree in mathematics opens a lot of doors to possible employment opportunities. In this program, you’ll focus more heavily on research for both applied and theoretical mathematics in your chosen field. You’ll also be required to complete research projects and write a thesis based on your research while completing your degree.
A master’s degree in mathematics is often the degree required to obtain a position as a mathematician or research analyst. The skills you learn while working toward your degree are generally required to complete the work.
Doctorate of Mathematics (Ph.D.)
This is an academic degree that is mostly related to research and is the highest degree in the mathematics field. Ph.D. candidates graduate to become researchers and professors of mathematics.
Online Math Programs and Fields of Study
There are many fields in mathematics that you can choose to pursue. However, unlike many other subject areas, mathematics is a field in which most roles require post-secondary degrees. Jobs are available at each degree level, but prior to obtaining your master’s degree, it’s more common to be offered internships meant to provide hands-on experience between degrees. Internships allow students to see real-world applications of the research they have previously done.
Actuary
Helping businesses asses risk is the main aspect of being an actuary. Through mathematical and financial analysis, actuaries work with people, companies, and organizations to make decisions with regard to potential financial risks and events. Actuaries play an especially important role in terms of insurance decisions.
If you’re studying to become an actuary, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree and should choose courses in finance and business to supplement your mathematics courses.
Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining the accounts of businesses and organizations. They must be good with numbers, have strong problem-solving skills and be detail-oriented. Bookkeepers with two years of experience may apply to be certified which gives them a competitive advantage within the field. As with students who wish to become actuaries, those looking to pursue a career in bookkeeping should take classes in finance and accounting to supplement their math degree.
Mathematician
Mathematicians use theoretical and applied mathematics to do research and analysis. Government agencies or large organizations often employ them to assist in research and planning. Mathematicians often work in teams to complete projects with other mathematicians, engineers, and scientists. Most entry-level mathematician positions require a master’s degree at a minimum.
Statistician
Statisticians work to collect and analyze data for application in practical, real-world situations. They work both within the private and public sectors and often work in business, engineering, health care, and other science-related fields. Statisticians can easily use a background in mathematics and research to excel in their field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, demand for qualified statisticians will rise by 34% by 2022!
What To Expect In An Online Math Degree Program
Several top universities offer students the option of earning an online mathematics degree. Online degree programs from accredited institutions have the same education standards as their traditional on-campus programs. And the certificates are just as well-recognized. Basically, there’s no difference in the value of the certificate, whether you earn it through a traditional program or an online program.
Colleges pull out all the stops to offer their online students an enriching learning experience. They hire top-notch professors who are well-versed with the online learning environment and the latest technologies. On their part, online professors encourage students to reach out to them through various communication tools. They also offer support and guidance to students enrolled in the online program. Professors of online study programs also encourage students to engage in team work and group study, so you need not worry about studying in complete isolation.
Two of the biggest advantages of enrolling in an online math degree program are the cost factor and the convenience. Online programs cost significantly less than on-campus programs. For some students, this can make all the difference between earning a math degree and giving up on their dreams. Many students can’t attend on-campus programs because they are the primary care-givers for a parent or child. Others may not be able to attend for some other reasons. With the ability to study from anywhere, online math degree programs offer the ultimate convenience for these students.
What to Look For in an Online Math Degree Program
When looking into any online program it is important to do in-depth research. This is especially important when considering online nursing programs due to the clinical experience required.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an incredibly important aspect of any degree program. The accreditation of a school can directly affect your credibility so it is important to do your research into the program’s accrediting body. Take a look at our guide to accreditation for a more in-depth overview.
Costs
College is expensive. There are no if’s and’s or but’s about it. But earning a degree online can help you to cut back on those costs significantly. This doesn’t mean that an online degree will be cheap, but it can be less costly than a traditional on-campus program. Many online programs also allow students to keep working while they are in school. Be sure to do your research into the exact costs of your program before enrolling in classes.
As we’ve said, a degree in mathematics is different from other degrees because often post-graduate work is necessary. The good news is that many masters and Ph.D. programs offer great options for Teachers Assistantships which can greatly cut back on the cost of these programs.
Skills / Experience
Internships or co-op’s are incredibly important in the field of mathematics. Most students go on to post-graduate work. Thus, internships give students a break from their studies and the ability to see their research in real-world situations. Hands-on experience also adds to a student’s ability to market themselves in the job market after they have finished their degrees.
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