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Dr. Jia Liu is a professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of West Florida. She earned her PhD in mathematics from Emory University.
Dr. Liu’s research focuses on computational mathematics, especially the numerical solver for large sparse linear systems. She studies Krylov subspace iterative algorithms, preconditioning techniques, biological models, machine learning, and complex network structures.
Dr. Liu’s research has been published in the SIAM Journal of Scientific Computing, the International Journal of Computer Mathematics, the Journal of Biological Dynamics, the Journal of Applied Physics, and other peer-reviewed journals. They covered preconditioning techniques for solving the Navier-Stokes problems, iterative solvers for optimization problems, geometric and topological properties of Ellipsoids, community detection algorithms in complex networks, and disease prediction. Dr. Liu also has made presentations at prestigious academic gatherings in China, Canada, and the United States.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about mathematics?
Dr. Liu: I wish the public understood that mathematics is a powerful language for understanding the world. It provides a framework for logical thinking, problem-solving, and making informed decisions in everyday life.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in mathematics?
Dr. Liu: To motivate students in mathematics, we may connect math concepts to real-world applications that appeal to their interests, demonstrating how math is used in everyday life and across various fields. We focus on encouraging a growth mindset by highlighting the importance of making errors in the learning process. Use engaging, hands-on activities and projects to make math accessible and enjoyable, while emphasizing the beauty and creativity underlying mathematical patterns and problem solving.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Liu: As technology advances, mathematics will play an even more critical role in fields like artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The integration of mathematical techniques with other disciplines will lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. The increasing focus on data-driven decision-making across industries will further elevate the importance of mathematical literacy, making it a cornerstone of future education and research.
An online mathematics degree can benefit anyone who wishes to pursue higher education, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level. In most online applied math degrees, the coursework is available in an online, learn-on-your-own-time format. Students generally require only a laptop or a personal computer to get started.
Online programs take away the time commitment necessary to travel to campus and allow students to do their coursework and homework assignments on a schedule that fits their needs.
However, like with any campus-based program, students must complete assignments and papers when they're due. At the same time, the actual learning component may provide more flexibility.
Some schools might ask that you attend an on-campus orientation while others might ask that you attend an on-campus intensive at regular intervals. Still, others may ask that you present your capstone project on campus. It's important to go over the individual program's campus visitation requirements before applying.
Online programs can be a highly attractive option for those who do not have the time to attend lectures or do not live close enough to the campus to make travel practical. Others, however, may find it difficult to excel in such a program, particularly students who do not perform well without support from professors or their peers inside or outside the classroom in group study sessions.
Keep reading to discover more about online mathematics degrees.
| School | City | State | Website | Undergrad | Graduate | Grads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lubbock |
TX | www.ttu.edu | 154 | |||
Manchester |
NH | www.snhu.edu | 145 | |||
Houston |
TX | www.uh.edu | 122 | |||
Pasadena |
TX | www.sanjac.edu | 107 | |||
College Station |
TX | www.tamu.edu | 88 | |||
Edinburg |
TX | www.utrgv.edu | 72 | |||
McAllen |
TX | www.southtexascollege.edu | 68 | |||
Cedar Falls |
IA | www.uni.edu | 63 | |||
Knoxville |
TN | www.utk.edu | 62 | |||
Lowell |
MA | www.uml.edu | 58 | |||
Bozeman |
MT | www.montana.edu | 54 | |||
Hoboken |
NJ | www.stevens.edu | 54 | |||
Pensacola |
FL | uwf.edu | 50 | |||
Slippery Rock |
PA | www.sru.edu | 48 | |||
Richmond |
IN | www.iue.edu | 41 | |||
Brenham |
TX | www.blinn.edu | 34 | |||
Huntsville |
TX | www.shsu.edu | 29 | |||
Emporia |
KS | www.emporia.edu | 28 | |||
Muncie |
IN | www.bsu.edu | 28 | |||
Tulsa |
OK | www.tulsacc.edu | 27 | |||
Springfield |
IL | www.uis.edu | 24 | |||
Honolulu |
HI | www.hpu.edu | 18 | |||
Redwood City |
CA | canadacollege.edu | 16 | |||
Little Rock |
AR | ualr.edu | 15 | |||
Wesson |
MS | www.colin.edu | 13 | |||
Terre Haute |
IN | www.indstate.edu | 12 | |||
La Jolla |
CA | www.nu.edu | 12 | |||
Portsmouth |
OH | www.shawnee.edu | 11 | |||
Durham |
NC | www.nccu.edu | 10 | |||
Killeen |
TX | www.ctcd.edu | 9 | |||
Ridgecrest |
CA | cerrocoso.edu | 8 | |||
Chadron |
NE | www.csc.edu | 8 | |||
Dobbs Ferry |
NY | www.mercy.edu | 7 | |||
Ottawa |
KS | www.ottawa.edu | 7 | |||
Cheney |
WA | www.ewu.edu | 7 | |||
Rochester |
NY | www.monroecc.edu | 5 | |||
Fayette |
MO | www.centralmethodist.edu | 5 | |||
Phoenix |
AZ | www.ottawa.edu | 4 | |||
Dickinson |
ND | www.dickinsonstate.edu | 4 | |||
Abilene |
TX | www.hsutx.edu | 4 | |||
Mayville |
ND | www.mayvillestate.edu | 3 | |||
San Juan |
PR | www.metro.inter.edu | 3 | |||
Goodman |
MS | www.holmescc.edu | 3 | |||
Iola |
KS | www.allencc.edu | 2 | |||
Overland Park |
KS | www.ottawa.edu | 2 | |||
Mequon |
WI | www.cuw.edu | 2 | |||
Newtown |
PA | www.bucks.edu | 2 | |||
Booneville |
MS | www.nemcc.edu | 1 | |||
Scooba |
MS | www.eastms.edu | 1 | |||
Snyder |
TX | www.wtc.edu | 1 |
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor of arts in mathematics degree, with a concentration in applied math. The program is 100 percent online and ideal for working professionals.
Admission requirements to the program include a completed online application form, transcripts from all previous schools attended, and an acceptable GPA. GRE or GMAT scores are not required.
The program consists of 120 credits and gives students a primer on the most widespread techniques and tools used in applied mathematics. Some of the topics included in the curriculum are math and society; the heart of mathematics; precalculus; precalculus with limits; introduction to mathematical modeling; cryptology; dynamical modeling; and introduction to scripting.
The program makes students aware of mathematics’s quintessential role in modern research and industry. They learn to find solutions to mathematical problems, apply reasoning to real-world challenges, and solve problems related to abstract and linear algebra.
Graduates of the program can pursue opportunities in a wide variety of settings including government research labs, engineering research organizations, computer information and software firms, financial services and investment management firms, and research offices and agencies. They can take up roles such as operations research analysts, statisticians, financial analysts, management analysts, and more.
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Hybrid)
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell offers an online bachelor of science in applied mathematics program. The program is available partially online, as some courses require classroom attendance. The program helps students develop transferable and valuable skills in quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
To apply, students must submit a completed online application and proof of a high school diploma (or GED), among other documents.
This 120 to 126 credit program includes courses such as an introduction to applied mathematics; differential equations; linear algebra; probability and statistics; discrete structures; numerical analysis; and applied statistics. Students learn how to apply math to real-life challenges and numerical techniques such as error analysis.
The program prepares students to take up a variety of research roles such as statisticians, financial analysts, computer programmers, quality control analysts, teachers, and market researchers in academia as well as industry.
An online bachelor of science (BS) offered at Maryville University provides students with theoretical, practical, and foundational mathematics skills for pursuing further education or beginning their career in this field. This 100 percent online program does not require any campus visits. The program also includes a minor in data science that will help students develop skills in high-tech areas such as machine learning and coding.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. High school transcripts will be required for students with fewer than 60 transfer hours, while standardized tests are not required.
Consisting of 128 credits, the program includes courses such as foundations of mathematics; number theory with applications; applied linear algebra; applied differential equations; probability; mathematical statistics; and fundamental analysis.
The program opens up opportunities in engineering, education, technology, medicine, software development, finance, accounting, banking, and more for graduates. They can take up roles such as data analysts, math teachers, management analysts, market researchers, statistical analysts, and data scientists.
Indiana University’s online bachelor of science in mathematics prepares students to think logically, solve quantitative problems, read and write analytically and articulately, analyze and interpret data, and explain scientific research.
For admission to this program, students must complete an application for admission and submit a high school transcript; additional materials may be required of international students.
The program comprises 120 credits, including courses such as linear algebra; bridge to abstract mathematics; modern algebra; real analysis; mathematical models; differential equations; number theory; and intuitive topology.
On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as mathematics teachers, mathematical technicians, data scientists, mathematical modelers, statisticians, and software engineers, to name a few.
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
Louisiana State University offers an online bachelor of science program in mathematics, providing students with the required skills and knowledge needed for employment as statisticians, data scientists, financial analysts, cryptographers, high school teachers, computer programmers, or other occupations requiring substantial analytical skills. Graduates can continue their education to graduate or professional schools to become engineers, medical doctors, lawyers, or university professors.
This 120-credit program includes courses in calculus, the fundamentals of mathematics, elementary differential equations, linear algebra, an introduction to computer programming, and abstract algebra.
New students must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0, while transfer students must have earned a transferable associate degree or higher.
University of North Dakota’s online bachelor of science degree in mathematics helps students learn to solve problems and think analytically. They will be prepared for a successful career in a high-demand field. The program helps students become proficient in logical and analytical thinking, computational mathematics, formulating problems in mathematical language and solving them, abstract thinking, and working with mathematical structures.
The program consists of 120 credits and includes courses such as calculus, elementary differential equations, an introduction to linear algebra, geometry, theory of numbers, abstract algebra, cryptological mathematics, mathematical modeling, and numerical analysis.
Graduates will be prepared for positions such as data analysts, high school teachers, software engineers, mathematicians, scientific consultants, and statisticians, among many other such roles.
University of West Florida – Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
The University of West Florida offers a fully online master’s of science in mathematical sciences that’s ideal for professionals pursuing career advancement, doctoral study, a teaching career, or government positions. Applicants should have a bachelor’s in mathematics, statistics, or a related field.
The program consists of 26 credits: 6 of which come from a common core and 18 of which are department-approved electives. Students may choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. Courses include matrix theory, statistical inference, and math or statistics research. These courses are offered synchronously, using free conference software, and students will communicate one-on-one with faculty and classmates.
Upon completion, graduates will be able to: understand the theories behind key mathematical processes; connect mathematics to scientific computing, finance, or data science; and analyze data using statistical methods and state-of-the-art computer technology.
Johns Hopkins University – Whiting School of Engineering
Johns Hopkins University offers an online MS degree in applied and computational mathematics. The program prepares students to face challenges in business, defense technology, biomedicine, and public policy.
To get accepted into the program, an applicant must be in the last semester of undergraduate study or hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and submit official transcripts from all college studies, as well as an online application form and proof of proficiency in English (international applicants only).
The program comprises ten courses that delve into everything related to reasoning and mathematical logic. The curriculum includes instruction in the theory of statistics; computational methods; number theory; an independent study in applied and computational mathematics; and advanced differential equations.
As part of the coursework, students learn how to distinguish between theorems, axioms, and definitions, use fundamental algebra concepts, and tackle simple probability problems. They also learn about the various concepts and principles of statistics.
Students can also select a focus area from topics such as applied analysis, operations research, simulation and modeling, probability and statistics, and information technology and computation. Choosing a focus area is not required. They may specialize in one of these areas or tailor their courses to meet their individual needs.
Also, students who are not quite ready to commit to a master’s degree can take a post-master’s certificate option. They can earn this certificate in five courses.
The University of Washington offers an online master of science in applied mathematics program. Ranked as one of the best programs in the country, it provides students with a thorough overview of mathematical concepts and their applications.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States (or its equivalent from a foreign institution); a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher; and English language proficiency scores (for non-native applicants only). Additional application materials include a completed application, unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. GRE scores are optional and are no longer required for admission.
Students in the online master of science in applied mathematics program must complete at least 36 quarter credits. The curriculum explores topics such as an introduction to dynamical systems and chaos; applied linear algebra and introductory numerical analysis; computational methods for data analysis; and methods for partial differential equations.
Students learn how to find solutions to problems at the intersection of engineering and science, systems for solving linear equations, and data analysis applications in engineering, physics, and biology.
The program can open doors to a wide range of careers for students in actuarial science, aviation, computer science, cryptography, and data science.
Indiana State University offers an online master of science program in mathematics. While the program is available online, it is only open to residents of the US and Canada, though US military and state department personnel and their family members can apply.
Admission requirements include a completed online application form, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, mathematics education, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.7, and official transcripts for all institutions attended. GRE test scores are not required but will be considered if submitted.
The program consists of a total of 33 credits. Some of the courses include topology; real variables; complex variables; mathematical modeling; commutative algebra; and linear programming and optimization.
As part of the program, students become skilled in solving practical problems using data, analyzing mathematical models, and interpreting results. They also learn the theory of linear programming, its myriad applications, and ways to formulate a problem mathematically.
Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Columbia University offers an online master of science program in applied mathematics.
Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics, engineering, computer science, science, or a related subject and a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also submit GRE scores and, if they are non-US applicants, TOEFL scores.
Comprising 30 credits, this master’s program lays a strong foundation for students in applied mathematics. Students study dynamical systems; numerical methods for partial differential equations; probability and statistics; and numerical algorithms and complexity. Along with developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills, students are also trained to become effective leaders, communicators, and researchers.
Graduates of the program can work in many fields, including aerospace, accountancy, and actuarial sciences.
University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas offers an online master of science in mathematics. Students who wish to take up teaching, work in the industrial sector, or pursue further studies can benefit from this program.
To get admitted to the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or a related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores (waivers available).
There are four major concentrations to choose from: mathematics teaching, mathematics, statistics, and industrial and applied mathematics. The program consists of 36 credits. The required courses are algebra, ordinary differential equations, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, and linear algebra.
Depending on the concentration they choose, students have a wide range of other courses to choose from. For instance, mathematics concentration offers algebra and analysis, while mathematics teaching concentration offers mathematical modeling using technology and contemporary geometry. Students opting for industrial and applied mathematics study ordinary and partial differential equations, while those opting for statistics delve into statistical methods, probability, and statistics.
The program equips students with various skills, including communicating with non-mathematical and mathematical audiences about complex topics; conducting research, and solving real-world challenges with the help of mathematics. Upon completion of the program, students can work in the industrial sector, pursue other opportunities in mathematics, or apply to a PhD program.
An online master of arts in mathematics education from Ball State University can be completed entirely online and is taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus. Depending on your experience and your teaching license, you can choose from three available concentrations:
The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by a regional accrediting association and a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75. The program does not require GRE scores.
The curriculum includes courses such as algebraic reasoning, number concepts and number theory, research methods in mathematics education, intermediate analysis, topics in geometry, probability, data analysis, and statistical reasoning, assessment in mathematics education, and theory of statistics.
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest figures available as of November 2024.
Mathematicians
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