Mathematics
Math for every path
Whether you are fulfilling a general education requirement, working toward a science or technical degree, or building toward Calculus for an engineering or mathematics transfer program, your starting point in math shapes your entire academic timeline.
College Mathematics and Algebra
For most students, college-level math begins here. College Mathematics and Algebra courses develop the foundational quantitative reasoning and algebraic skills that nearly every degree at CCC requires, and they prepare students for further math coursework if their program calls for it. These are not remedial courses. They are rigorous, credit-bearing courses that transfer to Arizona public universities and count toward your degree.
Who this is for: Students completing AGEC Quantitative Reasoning requirements for any CCC degree or certificate that includes general education; students in workforce programs like Fire Science, Early Childhood Education, Administration of Justice, and allied health who need a college-level math course as part of their program; students who need to build algebraic skills before moving into Pre-Calculus or Statistics.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the MAT prefix in the CCC Course Catalog and filter by course number below MAT 160. [View Math Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Completion of your AGEC math requirement, qualification for Statistics or Pre-Calculus, and fulfillment of general education requirements across most CCC degree and certificate programs.
Statistics
Statistics Statistics is the science of making sense of data, and it is one of the most broadly applicable math disciplines available at CCC. From healthcare and social science research to business decision-making and public policy, the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data is increasingly essential across almost every field.
Data Science
Data Science sits at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and real-world problem solving. It is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, and CCC is building toward a more comprehensive Data Science program to meet that demand. Current coursework gives students an entry point into a growing field.
Who this is for: Students interested in working with data, building analytical skills, and preparing for careers in technology, research, business intelligence, and related fields; students considering transfer into Data Science, Computer Science, or Analytics programs at a four-year university.
CCC Courses: To see the most current course offerings, search for Data Science in the CCC Course Catalog [View Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Transfer into Data Science, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or Statistics programs at four-year universities. Careers in data analysis, business intelligence, research, technology, and any field that depends on making sense of large amounts of information.
Pre-Calculus
Pre-Calculus is the bridge between algebra and Calculus, and for many students it is one of the most important courses they will take at CCC. It builds the mathematical fluency and conceptual foundation that Calculus requires, and completing it successfully opens the door to the full transfer math sequence for science, engineering, and mathematics programs.
Who this is for: Students who have completed College Algebra or placed into Pre-Calculus and are planning to continue into Calculus; students transferring into science, engineering, mathematics, or technical programs that require Calculus; students who need to strengthen their algebraic and trigonometric foundations before entering the Calculus sequence.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the MAT prefix and look for MAT 187 in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Math Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Calculus I and the full transfer math sequence for the Associate of Science degree and bachelor’s programs in science, engineering, mathematics, and related technical fields.
Calculus and Analytical Geometry
Calculus is the mathematical language of change, and it is the foundation of modern science, engineering, economics, and technology. CCC offers the full three-semester Calculus sequence that most science and engineering bachelor’s programs require, giving students a complete and transferable pathway through one of the most demanding and rewarding areas of mathematics.
Who this is for: Students pursuing the Associate of Science degree; students planning to transfer into engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, or other technically demanding programs; students who need the full Calculus sequence to meet university program prerequisites.
CCC Courses: To see the full current course list, search for the MAT prefix and look for MAT 220, MAT 230, and MAT 241 in the CCC Course Catalog. [View Math Courses in the Catalog]
Where this can take you: Completion of the AS degree math requirement, transfer into engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, and related technical bachelor’s programs. The full Calculus sequence is among the most recognized and transferable credentials in the mathematical sciences.
A note on Differential Equations: Students who complete Calculus III and are heading into engineering or upper-level mathematics programs may continue with MAT 261 Differential Equations, which is the next step beyond the standard three-semester sequence. Speak with an advisor or faculty member about whether Differential Equations is appropriate for your transfer program before registering.
Math across every field
Data Science
Nursing and Allied Health
Business and Accounting
Construction Technology
Early Childhood Education
Students interested in data analysis, statistics, and quantitative reasoning will also find relevant coursework in CCC's math sequence, particularly Introduction to Statistics. Before you register for a math course, check your degree requirements and speak with an advisor. The right course depends on your program, your placement, and your transfer goals.
Math at a Glance
Course Delivery: In-person and online at most CCC campuses
AGEC requirement: One college-level math course required for most degrees
Other program general education requirements: MAT 142 College Mathematics or MAT 140 College Math with Algebra Review for most programs
AS Degree Requirement: Calculus I (MAT 220) or higher
Financial Aid eligible: Yes, for all credit-bearing math courses
The Associate of Science (AS) Degree
The AS degree is designed for students planning to transfer into majors with mathematics and science requirements, including mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, geology and physics. It combines a full general education core with a degree-specific math and science sequence that prepares you to enter a four-year program as a competitive transfer student.
[See more about this degree]
Transfer Options
All CCC college-level math courses transfer to NAU, ASU, and the University of Arizona as AGEC Quantitative Reasoning credit. The AS degree and AGEC-Science Certificate are specifically designed to maximize transfer credit for students entering science and mathematics-intensive bachelor’s programs.
For students in upper-level math coursework, Calculus and above, CCC has established agreements with Arizona’s public universities so the credits you earn here are recognized when you transfer. Speak with a transfer advisor to confirm how your specific math courses apply to your intended program and university
Career Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
- What math course should I start with?
Your starting point is determined through Multiple Measures Placement, which uses your high school GPA and math grades rather than a separate placement test. Submit your high school transcript when you apply so your placement can be confirmed before you register. If you are unsure where you placed or which course is right for your program, speak with an advisor before registering. Starting in the wrong course can significantly affect your timeline.
- Do I need to take math even if my program does not seem math-heavy?
Most CCC degrees that include general education requirements have at least one college-level math course as part of those requirements, including workforce programs like Fire Science, Early Childhood Education, and Administration of Justice. The specific course you need depends on your program. Check your degree requirements or speak with an advisor to confirm which math course applies to your pathway before you register.
- What if I have not taken math in a long time?
That is common, and CCC has options for students who need to rebuild their skills before entering college-level coursework. Optional developmental math courses are available for students who place below the college-level threshold. These courses do not count toward your degree but they do prepare you for the credit-bearing math sequence. Speak with an advisor about your placement and your timeline so you can plan realistically for how long your math pathway will take.
Meet your Faculty:
Next Steps:
- Apply for free
- Find ways to pay for college
- Meet with your Advisor
- Enroll in classes
