Online Math Degree Bachelor's in Mathematics
Program Overview Why get an online math degree?
When you earn your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematics online at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have the opportunity to develop a strong mathematical skill set — that includes advancing your understanding of mathematical methods, reasoning and problem solving. Future-ready skills like these are essential for graduates entering an ever-evolving job market, and can help you break into careers across industries like technology, finance, healthcare and more.
Intimidated by a degree in mathematics? Don't be. At SNHU, our programs are designed for everyone — regardless of background or prior experience. With built-in academic support like tutoring, and instructors who will help you every step of the way, you'll have the tools you need to be successful.
Skills you'll learn:
- Analyze and solve problems across a broad range of mathematical areas
- Construct, evaluate and present mathematical solutions
- Apply and communicate mathematical reasoning in real-world scenarios
- Learn Python, MATLAB & R for analysis
- Excel in calculus, differential equations & linear algebra
Courses & Curriculum Online math courses built for the modern workforce
If you love working with numbers and are looking to apply mathematics to your career, SNHU's BA in Mathematics degree program might fit into the equation perfectly for you.
This online math degree provides broad exposure to the key branches of mathematics — like calculus, algebra and statistics. 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 fields like business, finance or pharmaceuticals.
Online mathematics concentrations
Choose the general track or add a specialization to your bachelor’s degree.
Concentration Options
Applied Mathematics
Add a competitive edge to your natural aptitude for math by enhancing your Bachelor of Arts (BA) 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 30% through 2032 – 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.
This concentration includes 4 courses in applied mathematics, in addition to the 10 required mathematics courses in the degree program. You'll get 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.
Online Courses may include:
- Introduction to Scripting
- Mathematical Modeling
- Operations Research
- Dynamical Modeling
Online math courses
Throughout your program, you'll take major courses that lay the foundation for your knowledge of all things mathematics: topics like calculus, proofs, problem solving and differential equations. Plus, you'll have four elective courses, where you can narrow your focus and explore elements of math that appeal to your unique interests and skills.
And no matter where your career takes you next, you'll be able to apply what you've learned to a variety of scenarios in almost any field. Wherever there's a need for quantitative analysis or modeling, you'll have an opportunity to use your online math degree in impactful ways.
Courses may include
Calculus I: Single-Variable Calculus
Course ID:
MAT 225
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.
Calculus II: Integration and Series
Course ID:
MAT 275
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.
Mathematical Proof and Problem Solving
Course ID:
MAT 299
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.
Calculus III: Multivariable Calculus
Course ID:
MAT 325
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.
Differential Equations
Course ID:
MAT 330
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.
Applied Linear Algebra
Course ID:
MAT 350
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.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Mathematics curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU's gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Next term starts:
Sept. 02, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from instructors with multi-industry experience
Our faculty bring with them decades of experience applying mathematics to real-world problems and exhibit strong leadership both in the classroom and in their professional careers. This experience informs the development of courses and curricula that can help position graduates for success, no matter what they pursue next.
Featured Faculty
Mark Gruen
Prior to coming to SNHU, Mark Gruen taught physics and mathematics in the Boston Public Schools, where he was a part of the initial group of teachers in Boston’s first fully inclusive high school. While at SNHU, Gruen was selected as part of ACHE’s (American College of Healthcare Executives) first class for its Emerging Leaders Institute. He is a Certified Professional Coach, an active foster parent in the Manchester area, and his work is focused on supporting students of all ages and experiences.
Position
Associate Dean, Academic Mathematics Program
Joined SNHU
2013
Education
- MEd in Physics Education from the University of Massachusetts-Boston
- BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University
Read more about Mark Gruen and other online faculty at SNHU.
A dedicated academics team
Susan McKenzie, Senior Associate Dean of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 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.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate programs
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an online 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. And although some fields or specializations may require additional training or credentials, earning your bachelor's in mathematics is a great way to build a strong foundation for your career.
Occupations
With Southern New Hampshire University's BA in Mathematics under your belt, you may be qualified to step into a diverse array of roles across a number of disciplines, including:
Actuary
Use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess financial risk for businesses.
Operations Research Analyst
Solve organizational problems using advanced mathematical and analytical methods.
Financial Analyst
Assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other investments to determine the best financial strategies for your clients.
Management Analyst
Improve efficiency in organizations by making informed recommendations and collaborating with managers to solve operational challenges.
Computer Programmer
Bring life to the ideas software developers create by writing the code that gives computer applications functionality.
23%
Increase in actuary and operations research analyst positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, financial analyst positions are projected to grow by 8%, and management analyst positions by 10%.1
$120,000
Median annual pay for actuaries as of May 2023, according to the BLS. In the same time period, operations research analysts earned $83,640, financial analysts earned $99,890 and management analysts earned $99,410.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I learned so much from this program, and it was a great experience. I am so thankful for the opportunities it brought me, and it inspired me to go for my master's degree (an MS in Data Analytics, class of 2020) with SNHU!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
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.
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 allows you 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?
A math degree can help prepare you for a number of professions. Fields that require math proficiency include:
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.
Tim McMillan '15 is a police officer who earned his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at SNHU. 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?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median annual wage for all math occupations was $101,460.1
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. 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).
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.
A BS in Mathematics provides a broad knowledge of mathematics topics with depth in key areas, while a BA in Mathematics provides a solid mathematics core with a more flexible curriculum.
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.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/home.htm (visited April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm (visited July 9, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (visited April 19, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (visited April 19, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.