Online Math & Applied Math Degrees

Is an Online Applied Math Program Right for Me?

An online mathematics degree can benefit anyone who wishes to pursue higher education, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level. In most online applied math degrees, the coursework is available in an online, learn-on-your-own-time format. Students generally require only a laptop or a personal computer to get started.

Online programs take away the time commitment necessary to travel to campus and allow students to do their coursework and homework assignments on a schedule that fits their needs.

However, like with any campus-based program, students must complete assignments and papers when they're due. At the same time, the actual learning component may provide more flexibility.

Some schools might ask that you attend an on-campus orientation while others might ask that you attend an on-campus intensive at regular intervals. Still, others may ask that you present your capstone project on campus. It's important to go over the individual program's campus visitation requirements before applying.

Online programs can be a highly attractive option for those who do not have the time to attend lectures or do not live close enough to the campus to make travel practical. Others, however, may find it difficult to excel in such a program, particularly students who do not perform well without support from professors or their peers inside or outside the classroom in group study sessions.

Keep reading to discover more about online mathematics degrees.

Online Master’s Programs in Math & Applied Mathematics

University of West Florida – Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering

The University of West Florida offers a fully online master’s of science in mathematical sciences that’s ideal for professionals pursuing career advancement, doctoral study, a teaching career, or government positions. Applicants should have a bachelor’s in mathematics, statistics, or a related field.

The program consists of 26 credits: 6 of which come from a common core and 18 of which are department-approved electives. Students may choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. Courses include matrix theory, statistical inference, and math or statistics research. These courses are offered synchronously, using free conference software, and students will communicate one-on-one with faculty and classmates.

Upon completion, graduates will be able to: understand the theories behind key mathematical processes; connect mathematics to scientific computing, finance, or data science; and analyze data using statistical methods and state-of-the-art computer technology.

• Location: Pensacola, FL
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Johns Hopkins University – Whiting School of Engineering

Johns Hopkins University offers an online MS degree in applied and computational mathematics. The program prepares students to face challenges in business, defense technology, biomedicine, and public policy.

To get accepted into the program, an applicant must be in the last semester of undergraduate study or hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and submit official transcripts from all college studies, as well as an online application form and proof of proficiency in English (international applicants only).

The program comprises ten courses that delve into everything related to reasoning and mathematical logic. The curriculum includes instruction in the theory of statistics; computational methods; number theory; an independent study in applied and computational mathematics; and advanced differential equations.

As part of the coursework, students learn how to distinguish between theorems, axioms, and definitions, use fundamental algebra concepts, and tackle simple probability problems. They also learn about the various concepts and principles of statistics.

Students can also select a focus area from topics such as applied analysis, operations research, simulation and modeling, probability and statistics, and information technology and computation. Choosing a focus area is not required. They may specialize in one of these areas or tailor their courses to meet their individual needs.

Also, students who are not quite ready to commit to a master’s degree can take a post-master’s certificate option. They can earn this certificate in five courses.

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: To be completed within five years

University of Washington

The University of Washington offers an online master of science in applied mathematics program. Ranked as one of the best programs in the country, it provides students with a thorough overview of mathematical concepts and their applications.

Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States (or its equivalent from a foreign institution); a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher; and English language proficiency scores (for non-native applicants only). Additional application materials include a completed application, unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional and are no longer required for admission.

Students in the online master of science in applied mathematics program must complete at least 36 quarter credits. The curriculum explores topics such as an introduction to dynamical systems and chaos; applied linear algebra and introductory numerical analysis; computational methods for data analysis; and methods for partial differential equations.

Students learn how to find solutions to problems at the intersection of engineering and science, systems for solving linear equations, and data analysis applications in engineering, physics, and biology.

The program can open doors to a wide range of careers for students in ​actuarial science, aviation, computer science, cryptography, and data science.

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 36 months

Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers an online master of science program in mathematics. While the program is available online, it is only open to residents of the US and Canada, though US military and state department personnel and their family members can apply.

Admission requirements include a completed online application form, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, mathematics education, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7, and official transcripts for all institutions attended. GRE test scores are not required but will be considered if submitted.

The program consists of a total of 33 credits. Some of the courses include topology; real variables; complex variables; mathematical modeling; commutative algebra; and linear programming and optimization.

As part of the program, students become skilled in solving practical problems using data, analyzing mathematical models, and interpreting results. They also learn the theory of linear programming, its myriad applications, and ways to formulate a problem mathematically.

• Location: Terre Haute, IN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 60 months (part-time), 24 months (full-time)

Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

Columbia University offers an online master of science program in applied mathematics.

Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, engineering, computer science, science, or a related subject and a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also submit GRE scores and, if they are non-US applicants, TOEFL scores.

Comprising 30 credits, this master’s program lays a strong foundation for students in applied mathematics. Students study dynamical systems; numerical methods for partial differential equations; probability and statistics; and numerical algorithms and complexity. Along with developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills, students are also trained to become effective leaders, communicators, and researchers.

Graduates of the program can work in many fields, including aerospace, accountancy, and actuarial sciences.

• Location: New York, NY
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: Five years or less

University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas offers an online master of science in mathematics. Students who wish to take up teaching, work in the industrial sector, or pursue further studies can benefit from this program.

To get admitted to the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores (waivers available).

There are four major concentrations to choose from: mathematics teaching, mathematics, statistics, and industrial and applied mathematics. The program consists of 36 credits. The required courses are algebra, ordinary differential equations, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, and linear algebra.

Depending on the concentration they choose, students have a wide range of other courses to choose from. For instance, mathematics concentration offers algebra and analysis, while mathematics teaching concentration offers mathematical modeling using technology and contemporary geometry. Students opting for industrial and applied mathematics study ordinary and partial differential equations, while those opting for statistics delve into statistical methods, probability, and statistics.

The program equips students with various skills, including communicating with non-mathematical and mathematical audiences about complex topics; conducting research, and solving real-world challenges with the help of mathematics. Upon completion of the program, students can work in the industrial sector, pursue other opportunities in mathematics, or apply to a PhD program.

• Location: Edinburg, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 48 months

Ball State University

An online master of arts in mathematics education from Ball State University can be completed entirely online and is taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus. Depending on your experience and your teaching license, you can choose from three available concentrations:

• Elementary and middle school concentration (30 credits)
• Secondary school concentration (30 to 32 credits)
• Elementary or middle school mathematics education specialist concentration (36 credits)

The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by a regional accrediting association and a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75. The program does not require GRE scores.

The curriculum includes courses such as algebraic reasoning, number concepts and number theory, research methods in mathematics education, intermediate analysis, topics in geometry, probability, data analysis, and statistical reasoning, assessment in mathematics education, and theory of statistics.

• Location: Muncie, IN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months