Earning an online Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics allows students who are great with numbers, put their knowledge to practical use. There are generally two types of online bachelors degrees in mathematics: theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics. The former deals with discovering new avenues of math, while the latter deals with the everyday use of math in the real world. Either degree can be applied to numerous purposes and venues, from finances in business to computer programming.
Online Bachelors Degrees in Mathematics Requirements
The online bachelor mathematics students who do well in their studies tend to have a few attributes in common: they are great with numbers, think abstractly, and have the patience to work on a problem until it is solved. The best online bachelor degree programs in mathematics offer students a positive environment in which to nurture these attributes while building their math skills.
Before enrolling in an accredited online bachelors mathematics program, prospective students should ask themselves the following questions:
- Do I enjoy working with numbers?
- Do I like deciphering complicated mathematical problems?
- Can I work well in a variety of environments?
- Do I enjoy identifying patterns in large amounts of data?
- Am I able to work independently?
Many online bachelor of mathematics students earn an online associate's degree in mathematics before enrolling in an online bachelor's mathematics program. However, this is generally not a prerequisite for acceptance into online bachelor degree programs in mathematics.
Online Bachelor Degree in Mathematics Education
Top online mathematics bachelor's degree programs typically take between 4 to 5 years to complete. The types of degrees available through the best online bachelor in mathematics programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BS in Mathematics)
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (BA in Mathematics)
- Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath)
Information on Mathematics Courses
Coursework in an online bachelors in mathematics program consists of classes that solidify students' understanding of mathematical theories and practices. Some common classes may include:
- Calculus
Calculus is the complex branch of mathematics that deals with derivatives, integrals, limits, and functions. Most students will take several different calculus courses while earning their online bachelor of mathematics degree.
- Algebra
Although most students enrolled in online bachelor degree programs in mathematics will have taken algebra in high school, the algebra classes in a good online mathematics bachelor's program are more advanced and elaborate further into theories and concepts.
- Mathematical Statistics
Statistics is a branch of mathematics focused on the collection and interpretation of data. This challenging course teaches students the fundamentals of gathering data, organizing it in an understandable way, and interpreting their findings.
- Independent Research Methods
After graduation, most mathematicians will be faced with conducting research on their own at some point in their careers. This course teaches essential methods necessary for conducting effective research in any field of mathematics.
- Theoretical Mathematics
This course gets to the root of what math is made of. The advanced coursework teaches the online mathematics bachelors student to explore the very core structure of mathematics.
Specializations and Concentrations
The specialties and concentrations often available through good online bachelor of mathematics programs include:
- Computer Science
- Statistics
- Applied Mathematics
- Theoretical Mathematics
- Computer Programming
- Actuarial Mathematics
Careers in Mathematics
A bachelor's degree in mathematics from the
best online schools can provide many career opportunities, with business enterprises as well as academic institutions. Some possibilities include:
- Computer Programmer
Computer programmers use their knowledge of mathematics to write detailed algorithms that tell computers what to do; since math and computer science are very closely related, this is a popular job choice for people who hold online bachelor degrees in mathematics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for a computer programmer is $74,690. Job growth for computer programmers is expected to be very slow and is actually expected to shrink by three percent between 2008 and 2018.
- Accountant
Accountants help individuals, businesses and governments keep their financial affairs in top order. On average, accountants can expect to earn $67,430 annually. Competition for top accountant jobs is steep, but the industry is projected to grow by 22 percent in the decade between 2008 and 2018.
- Actuary
Actuaries work for the insurance industry combining statistics with their knowledge of business and finance to assess potential risks. Actual salaries vary, but an actuary can expect to earn an average annual wage of $97,450 Job growth for this field is projected to be much faster than most other industries, with an estimated increase of 21 percent between 2008 and 2018.
- Statistician
Statisticians apply statistical methods of data analysis to a wide variety of industries: public health, biology, economics and sports, among others. With additional job-related training and certification, an applicant with an online bachelors degree in mathematics could expect to earn an average yearly salary of $75,220. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates average job growth for the statistician job field, with a projected growth of 13 percent between 2008 and 2018.
- Operations Analyst
Operations analysts use mathematical modeling to develop workplace policies in both military organizations and private companies. A graduate could expect to earn an average wage of $75,370 in this job field. The projected job growth for this profession is much faster than average at 22 percent between 2008 and 2018.
Graduates with an online bachelor's of mathematics degree may require some additional certification or vocational training before they can work in their chosen field. However, an online bachelors of mathematics degree gives a firm foundation upon which to build a future career in a wide variety of industries.
