BEST AFFORDABLE MASTER'S IN MATH EDUCATION ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

With an average tuition that comes in below $6k, the University of the Cumberlands easily earns the title as the top cheap online master's degree in math education. But the school has plenty to offer besides financial savings. In fact, its MAED rivals much more expensive programs when it comes to quality and comprehensiveness. As a student interested specifically in math education, you'll enroll in the Teacher Leader (Math) track. This concentration aims to impart skills that support degree candidates' "lifelong pursuit of professional achievement, responsible service, and leadership in teaching." The curriculum, therefore, covers a wide range of topics, from number theory, statistics, and geometry to research methods and mentoring practices.

If you're looking for a program that lets you customize your coursework, you'll love the master's in math education online degree program at Minnesota State University - Mankato. This MS in Elementary Education lets you mix and match all sorts of different options to suit your interests. First, select one of three subject tracks: STEM, Math, or Generalist. If you pick the Math option, you might also want to add in some of the STEM track courses - such as "Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" - as electives. And at the end of the program, you'll also get to pick your capstone. You can complete a thesis, creative project, or in-depth research paper.

Few schools offer a mathematics education program as comprehensive and robust as Aurora's. Here, the curriculum is entirely devoted to coursework in teaching mathematics - that means no classes in general education or other content areas. From "Numbers and Mathematical Thinking" to "Applications in STEM" and "Educational Research in Mathematics and Science" this affordable master's in math education online degree program leaves no stone unturned. As a result, you'll graduate from this program with a full suite of specialized math, teaching, and leadership skills that will help you be successful in your career.

Marshall University offers not one, but two math education master's degrees online. The first is an Elementary Mathematics Specialist program that is designed to help K-6 teacher improve their content knowledge and leadership skills. Although you will have to complete some general teaching classes ("Educational Research and Writing," for example) the majority of the curriculum focuses specifically on math education, including geometry, algebra, and elementary mathematical methods. Marshall's other degree program is an MAEd with a specialization in Mathematics through Algebra I. This option is designed for middle school teachers who need to brush up on higher-level subjects like pre-calculus and finite math.

Degree candidates in Kennesaw State University's MEd program can choose from a variety of subject and grade-level specialties. For example, students looking for a top online mathematics education graduate program will first select math as their subject area and then pick a sub-focus in either middle or secondary grades. The core courses for both options are the same and include classes like "Transformative Teaching and Learning with Families and Communities" and "Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Research." In addition, both programs require 12 credits of teaching field courses in math (e.g., "Technology and Mathematics"), nine elective credits, and a final capstone.

Regent University's MEd in Leadership in Mathematics Education is an especially popular choice for Christian students. Although the curriculum doesn't include any explicitly religious coursework, most classes at Regent are "presented from a Christian worldview." As the degree title suggests, this affordable online master's degree in math education is also well-suited for teachers who want to take on leadership positions in their workplace. Classes like "Educational Leadership in Mathematics" and "Technology Applications for School Mathematics Leaders" - plus a cumulative project/portfolio - will give you the skills you need to take charge in the classroom and pioneer fresh solutions to problems.

Even amongst the top online master's degrees in math education, few are as comprehensive as East Carolina University's MA program. Degree candidates can take their pick of three grade-level concentrations: Elementary School (K-5), Middle School (6-8), or High School (9-12). All three tracks are designed to act as "a springboard to National Board Certification" and include coursework relevant to mathematics licensure. For example, the middle grades specialization offers classes in "Teaching with Mathematical Modeling," "Reasoning with Numbers and Algebra," and "Leadership in Mathematics Education," to name just a few. Note, however, that while the elementary and middle school tracks are 100% online, the high school option does require some on-campus courses.

Like most schools in this online mathematics education graduate programs ranking, NAU offers a master's degree for educators who already hold a teacher certification. As such, eligible applicants must have prior teaching experience (or relevant undergraduate coursework in math education) and be employed in a classroom setting while enrolled in the program. Indeed, Northern Arizona University's MSME emphasizes hands-on learning throughout its curriculum. This includes a "Research in Mathematics Education" course as well as a final capstone, during which you'll put together a comprehensive portfolio of your work and take a cumulative exam to demonstrate your mastery of the curriculum.

If you're looking to take charge and initiate change in the classroom, Western Kentucky University has a program for you. Its MAE in Secondary Education (Teacher Leadership) imparts skills that will help you make a direct impact on student learning. Also, its flexible curriculum enables you to tailor a course of study that fits your individual career goals. For a specialization in mathematics, you'll take 18 credits in content courses like geometry and statistics as well as pedagogical courses like "Secondary Mathematics an Advanced Perspective." What's more, you can add an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Teaching or Instructional Computer Technology while pursuing this affordable math education master's degree online.

When it comes to the job market, versatile teachers are in-demand. Even if you are credentialed to teach a specific subject (e.g., math), being knowledgeable in a wide range of content areas - geometry and calculus, for example - increases your attractiveness to employers. And that's exactly the focus of the University of Arkansas' online master's degree in math education. Over 30 credit hours, you'll learn about statistics, calculus, abstract algebra, and geometry in the context of teaching mathematics. You'll also have the opportunity to take electives in broader areas of education, such as "Instructional Theory" and "Content Specific Pedagogy."