Online Math Degree or College: Attended Math Degree Choice

Holding a degree in mathematics is a huge asset in terms of career options and lifestyle choices. It is important, at an early stage, for the prospective student to not just to choose a suitable college, but to decide on an online math degree or an attended math degree course. This article explains some of the factors that could influence the decision.

Online Math Degree Costs Compared to Attended Math Degree

There are many cost advantages to doing an online math degree compared to an attended course. The student can usually live at home, and so does not need to pay for campus or local accommodation. Travel costs are also much lower, assuming that the student stays at home. It can save time for a lab report or other home tasks. The cost of the actual course varies from college to college, from year to year, and even from subject to subject, but in general, it is cheaper to pay for an online math college degree than it is to pay for an attended math degree.

Online Math Degree Accreditation and Recognition

It is absolutely critical before selecting a mathematics degree college to ensure that the college is recognized and accredited. The accreditation system varies from country to country. In general, universities that have a physical presence and that provide attended courses as well as distance learning courses have better recognition. Examples of these are the Harvard Extension program in the USA and the Open University in the United Kingdom.

Online Math Degree Tuition

When a student selects a reputable college at which to take a math degree by distance learning, the course material is generally of a very high standard. The subject choices are the same too - trigonometry, complex analysis etc.

Many colleges provide online lectures as well as high quality printed or CD / DVD notes, and these have the advantage that they may be watched again if necessary. This gives the student great flexibility in terms of choosing when to study, and the pace at which to progress. This could be said for other online degree subjects too.

The difference with mathematics is that the mathematics (and science or engineering) usually have a high number of lectures per week at attended colleges. This distinction is important: where difficult concepts are met for the first time, math and science students can ask for further explanation at an attended lecture, but cannot do so quite so easily with an online course. The use of online "student forums" can help to make up for this.

Online Math Degree - Other Considerations

Online math degree courses tend to be very flexible and are generally cheaper overall. Other points for the prospective student to consider are:

A higher level of self-discipline is needed than for an attended course
Some colleges (e.g. Open University in the United Kingdom) require higher scores to reach the same grades as other colleges
The potential for cheating online means that the reputation of some online degrees is lessened
Some of the more prestigious colleges do not offer online math degrees (e.g. MIT in the USA, Cambridge in the UK)
There is usually a need for online students to attend formal examinations / tests in person

Math Degree Subject Combinations

Mathematics degrees attended on campus or studied online, may be combined with other subjects. Online math degrees are particularly flexible for subject combination choices. Everyone who gains a mathematics degree will enhance their employment prospects, personal achievements, and choice of career. This article examines some of the most popular math degree choices.

Mathematics Degree

A straight mathematics degree can lead directly to careers in many professions, such as actuary, teacher, statistician, or computer programmer. The advantage of a straight math degree over the combined math degrees is that there is often a wider range or greater depth of study of pure math subjects like number theory, set theory, and complex analysis.

Mathematics and Statistics Degree

The rigor and intellectual challenge of the math degree can be supplemented with a statistics option. A math and statistics degree will include a greater level of statistical expertise. Probability is studied in more depth with a math and statistics degree. It is particularly useful for those who have decided on a long-term career as an actuary. Statisticians are sought after by many employers in market research and finance.

Mathematics and Computing Degree

The rigorous logic and thought processes that are used in mathematics have much in common with those used by computer programmers. There are many areas of overlap with these subjects, such as Boolean algebra and binary arithmetic, as well as set theory and group theory. It is common for holders of math and computing degrees to become full-time programmers straight after graduation, without any extra "conversion" courses necessary.

Mathematics and Teaching / Learning Degree

Mathematics teachers are sought after at all levels, from first school right through to post-graduate levels. It is also, however, an excellent combination for those who want to become math or statistical consultants, where teaching adults often forms a large part of the job description. Another advantage with this combination of subjects is that a formal teaching qualification is achieved by the math graduate, allowing him / her to become a qualified teacher at the appropriate level.

Mathematics and Business / Economics Degree

Math and business degrees combine mathematical expertise with leadership, accounting, sales and marketing etc. This is a particularly useful degree for those who wish to become managers in business. Leadership skills combined with logic and numeracy are much sought after. Proficiency in economic forecasting and econometrics requires a very high level of mathematical ability, and so this combination of subjects is often found in degree course offerings.

Math Degree Options Summary

Math degrees may be studied alone, or in combination with a wide range of other subjects. Many of the options allow direct entry into careers that are very rewarding, stimulating, as well as lucrative and secure. The short summary shown here is just one part of a huge list of options to the prospective math degree student, and there are many more options available.

Online Math Degree Summary

Studying for a mathematics degree online is a cheaper and more flexible way than attending a college in person. There are some drawbacks, such as the choice of colleges, the self-discipline needed, and the absence of instant feedback to questions. Overall, however, an online math degree is an excellent investment of time and money.