Gain a career edge with a mathematical course delivered online by an Australian university.
University degrees with a major or minor in math or statistics are available fully online. You'll gain powerful concepts and skills to advance your professional career. Maths is a core subject in many fields, including science, computer science, data science, business, education, and engineering.
Why study mathematics and statistics online? In short, because online learning is convenient and effective. Gain a valuable qualification and develop your math skills from the comfort of your home or office. There is a wide selection of programs to choose from.
Bachelor of Mathematics
You can target Mathematics as a major or potential major with these programs from some of Australia's largest online universities. Pure math is combined with other disciplines early in the degree, with the opportunity to increasingly specialise moving into the 2nd and 3rd years.
CSU - Bachelor of Science (Mathematics)
Charles Sturt University has a general science course in which students can major in Mathematics. Your online study of maths can be combined with other science disciplines, including: analytical chemistry, biology, earth science, and physics. CSU also offers maths units in information technology and education programs. Subjects include complex analysis, computer aided mathematics, linear algebra, mathematical modelling, multivariable calculus, ordinary differential equations, scientific statistics, and topics in calculus.
University of New England - Mathematics Major
UNE offers online maths and statistics units that can be used as credit towards degrees, including for majors and double majors. They're available across all three years of a typical bachelor course, with the ability to complete around five subjects each year (more than half the annual study load). Relevant bachelor degrees are Computer Science, Education, and Science. Topics covered include abstract algebra, calculus and linear algebra, complex analysis, discrete mathematics, differential equations, number theory, probability and simulation, and multivariable calculus.
UniSQ - Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)
The University of Southern Queensland offers a Mathematics and Statistics major as part of the online Bachelor of Science degree. There is an emphasis on practical methods for analysis, modelling and decision making. Subjects available include algebra and calculus, distribution theory, experimental design, high performance numerical computing, harmony of partial differential equations, mathematical modelling and dynamical systems, multivariate statistical methods, operations research, statistical inference, and statistical models.
Why Do a Mathematical Degree?
Maths and statistics could be your academic strength. Mathematical skills could also be essential for the career you want to pursue. Whatever your motivation to study maths online, opportunities will emerge. Many degrees and jobs rely on you having a good grasp of numbers.
Distinguished research biologist and former Australian of the Year, Sir Gustav Nossal, recommended, “Do as much Mathematics and Statistics as you can in your degrees – these skills will empower your professional lives.”
To get the most out of your studies, choose a strong distance education university with a good range of courses. For a bachelor degree, this allows you to study maths as part of a custom online program. You can try different fields and don’t have to commit to a major until the 2nd or 3rd year.
Related: How Hard Is Data Analytics to Learn and Do?
Is a Math Degree Useful?
In planning for a career using number skills, you should identify where maths has power. Ideally, you'll be able to leverage your quantitative abilities to solve important problems. The bigger the problem, the greater the rewards – both personal and for the community.
A pure, dry maths or statistics degree may have value but normally less than a degree with complementary studies. Outside of academia and teaching, you’ll find few mathematicians or statisticians. However, professionals use maths and statistics heavily in fields such as:
- banking, finance and insurance
- business analysis and data science
- engineering and mining
- scientific modelling
- software development
- telecommunications.
UNSW graduate Anthony Morris reflected on the benefits of his advanced mathematics degree, stating, "The quality and flexibility of the degree has meant that I have had a diverse range of opportunities available to me as I near the completion of my degree. I personally considered options ranging from corporate careers in finance or management consulting to further postgraduate study in mathematics, before choosing a technical role in software engineering at Google."
Advice on Course Choices
Maths and statistics graduates have the ability to solve problems, think logically, construct computer models, and do quantitative research. To find a good job where you can apply these skills, UMass Amherst advises students to:
- Choose a balanced set of courses within a maths and stats program.
- Expose yourself to computing (computer science, scientific computing or information technology) extensively.
- Build tangible competency in another field, such as computer science, finance, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, public health or engineering.
- Develop soft skills through your study choices and broader lifestyle.