Add a Math Degree to your Resume
- $320/credit (120 total)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Earn math credits for what you already know
- 24/7 online access to the classroom
- No application fee or SAT/ACT
- Prepares you for many jobs in quantitative and analytical fields
Online Math Degree Program Overview
Earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics online and develop a strong mathematical skill set, including an advanced ability in mathematical methods, reasoning and problem solving.
Learn how to:
- Analyze and solve problems across a broad range of mathematical areas
- Construct, evaluate and present mathematical solutions
- Use mathematical reasoning to solve real-world problems
- Create logical mathematical proofs
Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
Paving Your Pathway to Math Success
Join thousands of SNHU students who’ve saved time and money by earning credits and having courses waived – simply by demonstrating what you already know.
Concentration Options
Applied Mathematics
Add a competitive edge to your natural aptitude for math by enhancing your Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics.
Applied math puts mathematical concepts to work to solve today's most complex real-world problems. With this applied mathematics degree online from Southern New Hampshire University, you'll discover a side of mathematics that functions more like an interdisciplinary science - one with broad-reaching applications in the modern world.
You’ll learn commonly used statistical methods and techniques, delving into mathematical modeling and working with cutting-edge software tools that let you visualize the models you’re constructing and analyzing.
You’ll also get to specialize in one of three growing areas of interest, including statistical analysis, operations research and dynamical modeling. Plus, you'll explore the vital role that mathematics plays in scientific research and industry by completing your own research project.
Career outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mathematicians and statisticians could expect job prospects to grow 33% through 2029 – much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 With the applied mathematics concentration, you'll be well suited for future work in a number of areas, from biology, epidemiology, organic chemistry and other natural sciences to data analytics, business management science, marketing and even urban planning. Mathematicians are in especially high demand in:
- Government labs, research offices and agencies
- Engineering research organizations
- Computer information and software firms
- Aerospace and transportation equipment manufacturers
- Financial services and investment management firms
- Chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturers
This concentration includes 3 courses in applied mathematics, in addition to the 8 mathematics courses in the major. The program gives you a solid grounding in applied math, sharpening your analytical and statistical skills along with your ability to construct and defend clear, rigorous and logical mathematical proofs.
Courses may include:
- Mathematical Modeling
- Operations Research
- Dynamical Modeling
Mathematics Career Outlook
Upon completion of the online math degree, you can be prepared for career opportunities in a broad range of fields, though some may require additional credentials:
- Actuary. As an actuary, you’ll use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess financial risk. This profession is in particularly high demand in the insurance industry - with some specializing in health insurance, life insurance and property and casualty insurance - but may also extend to the public sector.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for actuaries are set to soar 18% through 2029, far faster than the national average.1 The median annual wage for actuaries was $111,030 in 2020.1 At the time, the top employers for actuaries were finance and insurance companies, professional, scientific and technical services, management of companies and enterprises and government. A small percentage of actuaries (1%) were self-employed.2
- Operations research analyst. In this role, you’ll use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help solve problems in just about all aspects of an organization. For example, you may manage a supply chain, advise managers and other institutional leaders or decision-makers or develop production schedules. In all that you do, you’ll be an essential player in helping a business reach its full potential.
As a valued asset to any team, it’s no wonder demand for operations research analysts is expected to grow. The BLS predicts that new jobs will be added much faster than the national average — 25% through 2029.1 That adds up to over 26,000 new jobs. Additionally, the median pay for this profession was reportedly $86,200 in 2020.1 Among the largest employers of operations research analysts at that time were finance and insurance companies, professional, science and technical services, manufacturing and the federal government.
- Statistician. A statistician is responsible for designing surveys, analyzing data and presenting their findings to stakeholders through reports, tables, charts and graphs. They are qualified to work in many fields. For example, biostatisticians work in environments like pharmaceutical companies, public health agencies and hospitals to conduct studies that may identify an epidemic outbreak, test the success of a new drug or uncover the source of an illness.
Career prospects in the field appear very promising. According to the BLS, job growth for statisticians is set to soar 35% through 2029, well above the national average.1 By comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations in that same time frame is projected to be only 4%.1 In 2019, top employers of statisticians included research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences; healthcare and social assistance; and colleges, universities and professional schools in the state, local and private sectors. In 2020, statisticians earned a median annual wage of $92,270.1
- Financial analyst. If you’re passionate about giving investment advice to people and businesses, this could be the career for you. You’ll assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other investments to determine the best financial strategies for your clients. Financial analysts are often categorized as either buy-side or sell-side analysts. The former works with institutional investors and nonprofit universities with large endowments; the latter advises financial services sales agents who sell stocks and bonds.
The BLS anticipates jobs for financial analysts will grow 5% — over 26,000 new positions — through 2029.1 In May 2020, professionals in the field reportedly earned a median annual wage of $83,660.1 Among the top employers that same year were securities, commodity contracts and other financial investments, credit intermediation and insurance carriers.
- Management analyst. Often called management consultants, these are the people responsible for proposing ways to improve efficiency in an organization. If you choose this career track, you'll wear many hats – from interviewing personnel and analyzing expenditure to recommending new procedures and collaborating with managers to solve operational challenges.
With companies across all industries looking for ways to improve efficiency and mitigate costs, the skills of management analysts are looking to be a hot commodity for years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of management analysts is set to grow 11% through 2029, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 IT consultants are expected to see an especially high demand in the coming years. Along with promising career outlook projections, the median annual salary for management analysts in 2020 was reportedly $87,660.1
You'll be able to apply what you've learned to a variety of real-world problems in almost any field, from pharmaceuticals to sports statistics. Wherever there's a need for quantitative analysis or modeling, you'll have an opportunity to use your online math degree in real, impactful ways.
"Throughout high school I made it a point to help my fellow classmates understand what was frustrating them in math and would always strive for the moment when they got a big smile on their faces and started enjoying themselves … There is nothing more pure than math; it's the core basic universal truth. Science is a theory that somewhere down the line might be disproven by some improbable possibility. I love science, but no matter what, math ties into everything," Benet said.
"Towards the end of my degree program, I began working with someone from the SNHU career center, because I wanted to transition out of an industry that I was no longer passionate about," she said. "I also wanted to find a company with a better culture. During this time, I was laid off and because I was already working towards transitioning, it made the situation a lot less stressful than it would have been under normal circumstances."
Dexter credits the combination of her math degree and SNHU's career services to leading her to her employer.
"I learned so much from this program and it was a great experience," she said. "I am so thankful for the opportunities it brought me. ... This degree allowed me to complete my goal and it inspired me to go for my master's degree (an MS in Data Analytics, class of 2020) with SNHU!"
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Mathematics Degree
Why SNHU for Your Math Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.2 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so SNHU can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
If you have a genuine interest in mathematics, you have an ideal way to multiply your skills with the help of instructors in the online BA in Mathematics degree program.
"The instructors at SNHU not only brought classroom experience and most of them brought in real-world experience," said Luanne Dexter '18. "They really helped me to understand how the concepts are used and also how to find additional resources if I needed them."
This online math degree provides broad exposure to the key branches of mathematics. In addition, students can strengthen their math skills and marketability through the use of industry-standard programming languages like Python, Matlab and R to solve real-world problems in business, finance – just about any discipline.
In addition to completing your core BA requirements, you'll complete 13 math courses as you work toward your math degree online – 3 of which are elective courses based on your particular areas of interest. Courses in this program are taught by seasoned faculty with real-world experience as mathematicians and educators across a broad range of fields, including business, economics, technology, natural sciences and social sciences.
"The class that stood out the most to me was Differential Equations," Dexter said. "This was the last in-person course I had taken at a local college ... and the professor told us that most of us would fail. That was the case, and I was really discouraged after that. SNHU was a completely different experience. I was given so many resources and full support of the professor. I was so happy when I completed that course since it signified a new experience, and I knew I was in the right program."
Learn more about how to study math.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BA in Mathematics |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BA in Mathematics | ||
| GEO 200 | World Geography | This course examines the implications of global location and topography for the people of planet Earth. Students will explore how geography shapes the dynamics of human societies, with an emphasis on the geoenvironmental, geopolitical, and geosocial phenomena that help to define the modern world. |
| MAT 225 | Calculus I: Single-Variable Calculus | Calculus is the mathematical study of change that has widespread applications in science, engineering, economics and business. This course provides a rigorous introduction to single-variable calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, applications of derivatives, and integration, including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This course will encourage students to think beyond memorizing formulas and to work towards understanding concepts. |
| MAT 275 | Calculus II: Integration & Series | This course is a continuation of MAT 225 that deepens a student's understanding of single-variable calculus. Students will learn new techniques of integration, including substitution, integration by parts, partial fractions, and integration tables. This course will also extend a student's knowledge of addition. That is, students already know how to add two, three, or n numbers together but, in this course they will learn how to add an infinitely many numbers together. This will enable students to represent differentiable functions-including exponential, trigonometric and logarithmic functions-as functions that look like polynomials with infinitely many terms. In doing so, students will enhance their abilities to evaluate and estimate integrals. Finally, students will also learn about parametric curves and polar coordinates-both useful tools for describing the motion of moving objects such as projectiles, planets, or satellites-in order to apply single-variable calculus skills in additional settings. Students may not take both MAT 211 and MAT 275 for credit. |
| MAT 299 | Mathematical Proof and Problem Solving | This course introduces students to the language and methods used to create and write mathematical proofs and solve problems. Methods of proof will include: direct, contrapositive, contradiction, and induction. Methods of problem solving will be based on Polya's four steps for problem solving. Students will learn about and utilize the many functions of proof including: verification, explanation, communication, discovery, justification, and inquiry. The course will also explore the relationship between problem solving and the process of proving. Students will explore fundamental abstract concepts in mathematics including: functions and relations, set theory, number theory, and logic. |
| MAT 325 | Calculus III: Multivariable Calculus | Many real-world applications of calculus in science, engineering, economics, and business employ functions with many variables. This course extends the basic concepts of single-variable calculus developed in MAT 225 and MAT 275 to functions of several variables. Topics include vectors, the geometry of space, vector-valued functions, motion in space, partial derivatives and multiple integrals. |
| MAT 330 | Differential Equations | Differential equations are useful in modeling real-world phenomenon involving rates of change such as the spread of disease, the change in a population, the free fall of an object, and the decay of a radioactive substance. This is a first course in differential equations. Topics include solving first- and higher-order differential equations and modeling with first- and higher-order differential equations. |
| MAT 350 | Applied Linear Algebra | This is a first course in linear algebra and matrices. Topics include systems of linear equations, linear independence, matrices of linear transformations, matrix algebra, determinants, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. After mastering the basic concepts and skills, students will use their knowledge of linear algebra to model a selection of applied mathematics problems in business, science, computer science and economics. |
| MAT 415 | Abstract Algebra | Algebra is concerned with sets of objects and operations on these sets. This course will take students beyond the real number and polynomials to groups and other algebraic structures. In a modern, or abstract algebra course, one assumes a small number of basic properties as axioms and then proves many other properties from the axioms. This will assist the student in becoming more proficient at proof-writing. |
| MAT 470 | Real Analysis | This course provides a theoretical foundation for single-variable calculus concepts. Topics include the structure of the real numbers, sequences, continuity, differentiation and Riemann integration. This course will be run as a seminar that emphasize problem solving, proof writing and orally defending proofs. |
| PHL 214 | Formal Logic | This course is a study of the fundamental principles of correct and incorrect argument, historical forms of deductive logic, and the significance of language and clear verbalization. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a math degree online?
You can most certainly earn your math degree online. If you choose SNHU, you'll have the added benefit of receiving one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. We are so committed to making education more accessible and affordable for our learners, we've kept our online tuition rates frozen since 2012.
Opting to go to school online has many other benefits, too. It's more flexible than a traditional in-person classroom, for one. You can log in whenever you want to complete weekly assignments, and never need to worry about the hassle of a long commute. This not only gives you the ability to study on your own time, but empowers you to advance your education without having to put your life on hold.
"I had been searching for an all-online program to finish my bachelor's in math," said Luanne Dexter '18. "I was not able to attend in person because of family obligations so I was never able to complete my degree."
More and more working adults with busy lives are choosing the path of distance learning. And with an accredited, respected, nonprofit institution like Southern New Hampshire University, you can rest easy knowing that you will have the support you need every step of the way.
"It exceeded my expectations, learning online," Dexter said. "And the way the courses were structured really helped me learn the information better than the traditional courses I had taken previously. Self-study and asking questions were a great way to learn."
How long does it take to get a mathematics degree?
The amount of time it takes to earn a mathematics degree online really depends on 2 key factors:
- How many classes you take each term
- How many previously earned credits you're able to transfer into your bachelor's program
If you've earned general education credits, you may be closer than you think to earning your bachelor's. We also offer Pathways to Math Success assessments, which allow you to show your knowledge of the materials in your program's math courses. Each course assessment is less than $50, and depending on your scores, you can earn up to 12 math credits, saving you both time and money – and moving you that much closer to earning your degree.
We also accept up to 90 transfer credits for our undergraduate programs and offer a free credit evaluation. This gives you the opportunity to look at all your previously earned credits and determine what is transferable to a bachelor's-level program. Once you have this information, you'll be able to identify the classes you'll need to take moving forward, and have a clearer picture of the time it will take to graduate.
Is a math degree useful? What can you do with a math degree?
Because math reasoning skills are so transferable, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), a math degree can help prepare you for a number of professions, many of which can turn into rewarding careers.
Fields that require math proficiency include:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Physics
- Nursing
- Computer science
- Actuarial science
These are just a starting point. Virtually all fields benefit from the analytical and problem-solving skills students learn in mathematics.
Take, for example, law enforcement.
Once he earned his math degree, he was able to use it in the workplace. "We set up an operation where we used a bait car. It was rigged so we can remotely shut it down and lock the doors, keeping someone inside who's trying to steal it."
"I was able to do the time analysis beforehand using applied mathematics — the same procedure that’s in any other statistical research — to determine what times were the best times to do this operation. So we didn't have to guess, we were able to have a plan as to what time statistically tipped the scales in our favor."
Math can be seen everywhere. Chefs or gardeners use math fundamentals to measure and purchase supplies. Event planners use math to figure out per-head costs and inventory. Seamstresses and decorators use math on a daily basis, too, as does anyone who works with measurements and schedules.
Read more about the importance of mathematics.
What kind of salary can I earn with a math degree?
In May 2020, the median annual wage for mathematicians was $110,860. The highest 10% of them earned over $170,000.1
Salary often depends on the industry you work in. For example, in May 2020, the median annual wages in the top industries1 were:
- Professional, scientific and technical services: $121,140
- Federal government: $116,410
- Colleges, universities and professional schools – state, local and private: $63,600
Plus, since some of the jobs you may be interested in require additional credentials – like a master's degree – you may be able to position yourself for even more of a boost in pay.
In 2020, a master's degree bumped up pay by about 18% in median usual weekly earnings.1 You'll want to research the roles you're interested in to determine if a master's or another credential would be necessary.
Is a math degree a BA or BS degree?
Southern New Hampshire University's online math degree is a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Why does that matter? The short answer is: It doesn't. While BS and BA programs may differ in some ways, both options end with a credential that can help start or advance your career. The one you choose really depends on your desired field of study.
Oftentimes, it comes down to the university's preference whether its math program is a BA or a BS degree.
SNHU's BA program offers broad exposure to different areas of math. It allows you to focus on your interests through the use of major and free electives. The program has technical aspects, but it also includes developing skills like communication.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/home.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (visited May 4, 2021).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.