By TED Staff
February 2021
As an aspiring teacher, you have so many more opportunities to study online than did previous generations. A real gap has formed in the coverage of teaching middle school subjects, but allowing teachers to study and gain the relevant certifications via online degree programs can go a long way to closing this gap. In no subject is this potentially more true than in mathematics.
That’s why Top Education Degrees went on the hunt for the best online master’s degrees in middle grade and/or secondary math. To come up with our ranking, we began by compiling a list of any and every university offering a master’s degree in middle grade mathematics which could be completed entirely online. We then narrowed down our list to just the 20 best by focusing on the points-based ranking system below. In the event of a tie in points, we placed the program with the lower annual out-of-state tuition cost in the higher-ranking position.
Student to Faculty Ratio:
10:1 and lower: 5 points
11:1 to 12:1: 4 points
13:1 to 15:1: 3 points
16:1 to 20:1: 2 points
21:1 and higher: 1 point
Estimated Program Cost (for in-state student):
Under $20,000: 5 points
Under $30,000: 4 points
Under $40,000: 3 points
Under $50,000: 2 points
Under $60,000: 1 point
Overall Graduation Rate:
90% and above: 5 points
75% and above: 4 points
50% and above: 3 points
25% and above: 2 points
24% and below: 1 point
20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
10% and above: 5 points
8%-9%: 4 points
6%-7%: 3 points
4%-5%: 2 points
3% and below: 1 point
#20. Western Governors University
Online Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
Salt Lake City, Utah
Estimated Program Cost: $12,960
Total Points: 7
Western Governors University offers a MA in Mathematics Education. The online degree is specifically for teaching math to middle grades, though other options exist for secondary math and elementary math. Regarding eligibility, please note that the program is for teachers who already have certification and a bachelor’s degree. Typically, students complete this degree in two years. Tuition is $3,240 per six-month term.
#19. Kennesaw State University
Online M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education w/ a concentration in Mathematics
Kennesaw, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $13,788
Total Points: 8
For several years Kennesaw State University has been developing a M.Ed. degree program in Middle Grades Education. Tuition stands at a reasonable $383 per credit, and the degree consists of 36 credits. Students intending to concentrate in mathematics will need to declare it from the choice of four concentration options.
#18. Mercy College
Online Master of Science in Mathematics and Adolescence Education: Grades 7-12
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Estimated Program Cost: $33,948
Total Points: 9
Mercy College offers a M.S. in Mathematics and Adolescence Education for grades 7-12. The completely online degree consists of 36 credits. The mathematics specialization includes coursework in the history of mathematics and problem-solving in mathematics. Tuition for this degree program is currently $943 per credit, regardless of residency. Mercy College is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#17. University of the Cumberlands
Online Master of Teaching w/ a concentration in Secondary Education
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Estimated Program Cost: $10,395
Total Points: 9
The University of the Cumberlands online education program features a master of arts in teaching where your concentrations can be any area from elementary education to special education–learning & behavior disorders. In a notable nod to veterans, the school welcomes veterans in its “Troops to Teachers” program, which includes stipend-based funding as well as other support. Tuition for those taking the online MA offered by the University of the Cumberlands is $315 per credit hour for between 33 and 42 hours.
#16. Nova Southeastern University
Online Master of Science in Education in Mathematics Education
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Estimated Program Cost: $38,340
Total Points: 10
Nova Southeastern University’s online MS in Education offers a specialization in Mathematics Education. Coursework for the 36-credit program includes Strategies for Teaching Calculus and Algebra in Secondary Schools, among others. The admissions process includes a small application fee, and evidence of an earned bachelor’s degree. Nova Southeastern University charges a tuition rate of $1,065 per credit.
#15. Chadron State College
Online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Secondary Education
Chadron, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $13,680
Total Points: 10
Chadron State College is proud to offer an online master of education in curriculum and instruction – secondary mathematics concentration that is a 36 credit hour program. The degree consists of seven core courses in the art and science of teaching and five courses in the concentration. This will not lead to additional endorsement or certification in subject areas. The online out of state graduate tuition rate is $380 per credit for the MEd in curriculum and instruction – secondary mathematics concentration at Chadron State College.
#14. University of Colorado Denver
Online Master of Arts in STEM Education w/ a concentration in Mathematics
Denver, Colorado
Estimated Program Cost: $11,310
Total Points: 10
The online MA in STEM Education offered by the University of Colorado Denver offers a concentration in Mathematics. The degree is entirely online, and designed with working educational professionals in mind. The 30-credit program includes courses in Research in Schools, Assessment and Equity in Mathematics Education, and Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching. The University of Colorado Denver features a special discounted online out-of-state rate of just $452 per credit hour, while Colorado residents pay just $377 per unit.
#13. Georgia State University
Online Master of Education in Mathematics Education
Atlanta, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $14,016
Total Points: 11
Accomplished in just 36 credit hours, the online master of education in mathematics education’s main focus is to “strengthen secondary students’ mathematical understanding.” The program is open to students who meet certification requirements at the secondary or middle grade level in the state of Georgia for mathematics education. There is no GRE requirement for application to this degree.
#12. Ball State University
Online Master of Arts in Mathematics Education
Muncie, Indiana
Estimated Program Cost: $21,152
Total Points: 11
Ball State University offers an M.A. in Mathematics Education which students can complete entirely online. The program is designed for working professionals, and provides teachers with the training necessary for teaching math in middle/secondary school. The degree consists of 30 credits covering topics on pedagogy and math itself.
#11. Montana State University
Online Master of Science in Mathematics: Mathematics Education
Bozeman, Montana
Estimated Program Cost: $35,644
Total Points: 11
Montana State University’s master of science in mathematics – mathematics education option is an online degree that can be completed in 2-3 years. GRE scores are not required as part of the admissions process. Two or more years of professional teaching experience and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 are part of the admissions process. There is a screening and advising first step to the process to let you know how good of a “fit” the program is before you get too involved in the process. Note state students of other western states may pay significantly less than the typical out-of-state cost.
#10. Drexel University
Online Master of Science in Mathematics Learning and Teaching
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $45,315
Total Points: 12
The 45-46 quarter credit hour online master of science in mathematics learning and teaching developed by Drexel University focuses both on instructional practices that are student-centered and teacher leadership skills that allow individuals to better advocate in their home schools. The program is looking for individuals with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with provisional acceptance available for otherwise qualified individuals not meeting that criteria. Drexel University offers an online tuition rate of $949 per credit hour (which they advertise as a 25% savings over traditional students) for the MS in mathematics learning and teaching online.
#9. University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Mathematics
Lincoln, Nebraska
Estimated Program Cost: $24,336
Total Points: 12
The University of Nebraska Lincoln’s online master of arts in teaching in mathematics can be accomplished in just 36 credit hours. Applicants to the program should have a current mathematics teaching certificate, three letters of recommendation, and a written personal statement as part of their submission to the admissions committee. The degree is made up of three core courses and nine electives. The University of Nebraska Lincoln charges an online out of state graduate tuition rate of $676 for the MAT in mathematics online.
#8. Northern Arizona University
Online Master of Science in Mathematics Education
Flagstaff, Arizona
Estimated Program Cost: $6,500
Total Points: 12
Requiring 37 units of graduate study, the online master of science in mathematics education at Northern Arizona University gives students six calendar years to complete the coursework. Application requirements include: three letters of recommendation; a personal statement; and evidence of a 3.0 GPA on a conferred and regionally accredited bachelor’s degree. Uniquely, Northern Arizona University does not follow the traditional cost-per-credit format. Rather, students pay $3,000 for a six-month subscription. As they prove competency in their classes, they are able to move on to additional courses in the degree. This degree does not lead to an official state teaching certification.
#7. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle and Secondary Education
Charlotte, North Carolina
Estimated Program Cost: $3,528
Total Points: 13
Open to students who have completed the graduate certificate in teaching middle and secondary education program, the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s master of arts in teaching in middle and secondary education can result in an “M” or advanced teaching license in the Tarheel State. The program (including the degree and the certificate) is 30 hours long. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above in the graduate certificate to enter the program. Students without this GPA may be accepted with acceptable GRE or MAT scores.
#6. University of North Georgia
Online M.Ed in Middle Grades Math and Science
Dahlonega, Georgia
Estimated Program Cost: $19,260
Total Points: 13
With no campus visit required, the 100% online Master of Education in Middle Grades Math and Science at the University of North Georgia is a 36-credit degree students can complete in just four semesters. This program is taught by a combination of faculty from UNG and Valdosta State University. Regular degree-seeking applicants to the program should be able to provide a cumulative 2.75 GPA for undergraduate work and be a certified teacher working at least 20 hours per week with students. The MEd online offered by the University of North Georgia charges an online graduate tuition rate of $535 for students inside Georgia and out.
#5. University of Missouri
Online Master of Education in Mathematics Education
Columbia, Missouri
Estimated Program Cost: $13,903.50
Total Points: 13
The University of Missouri’s master of education in learning, teaching, and curriculum with an emphasis in mathematics education online is a 30 credit hour program with no on-campus portion. Applicants to the program should be sure to include evidence of a 3.0 GPA over the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework and two years of teaching experience in a relevant field with the admission packet. $464 per credit hour is the online graduate tuition rate for the online MEd in learning teaching and curriculum with an emphasis in mathematics education.
#4. Lesley University
Online Master of Education in Mathematics Education
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Estimated Program Cost: $22,225
Total Points: 14
Lesley University offers an M.Ed in Mathematics Education that be completed entirely online. The program has been approved for licensure in elementary 1-6, and in mathematics 1-6 and 5-8. Lesley University has arranged the 33-credit hour online MAT to orient graduates toward licensure, which the school site suggests should take two years if summers are included. This track is part-time, so your ideal path may vary. Per-credit tuition currently stands at about $673.
#3. Wilkes University
Online Master’s in Middle Level Education w/ a concentration in Middle Level Mathematics
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $15,510 (non certification), $18,612 (certification)
Total Points: 14
The online Master’s in Middle Level Education with a concentration in Middle Level Mathematics from Wilkes University consists of 36 credits, including certification preparation, or 30 credits without certification prep. The school is looking for applicants who can provide evidence of a strong academic record, and two letters of recommendation. Tuition is $517 per credit.
#2. Saint Joseph’s University
Online Master of Science in Education in Secondary Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Estimated Program Cost: $27,540
Total Points: 15
The online master of science in education – secondary education at St Joseph’s University will waive the application fee of $35 if the school receives all application materials within 20 days of the initial application. Two professional recommendations, a letter of intent/personal statement, and a current resume are among the requirements for admission. There is no GRE requirement. $765 per unit of instruction is the going tuition rate for St Joseph University’s MSE – secondary education online.
#1. University at Buffalo
Online Master of Education in Math Education Studies
Buffalo, New York
Estimated Program Cost: $12,179.75
Total Points: 16
University at Buffalo offers an EdM in Math Education Studies degree that is ideal for students who are looking to teach math in the U.S. or internationally, but who do not need or want teaching certification in the state of New York. The 33-credit program is part time, and can be completed in as few as two years. Coursework includes Technology in Secondary Math Teaching, Teaching and Learning of Calculus, and Digital Media in Education, to name but three. In-state residents pay an online per credit fee of around $369.
Related Rankings:
Top 20 Best MATs in Elementary Education Online
Top 14 Master’s in Physics Education Online
Top 10 Master’s in Teaching and Learning Online
