North Carolina Community Colleges
Mathematics Programs
Mathematics coursework at community colleges in this state. College algebra, precalculus, calculus, and statistics for transfer to four-year programs.
50 colleges · 3150 sections · 32 unique courses · Spring 2026
Math is among the most consequential coursework students take at North Carolina community colleges — both because it gates progress into many degrees (nursing, engineering, business) and because it's the most-failed subject for community college students nationally. 50 NCCCS institutions offer 3150 sections this term, from developmental algebra through Calculus III, statistics, and discrete math.
The math associate as a standalone credential is rare — most students taking lots of math at CC are using it as pre-engineering, pre-CS, pre-actuarial, or pre-finance preparation. Compare colleges below by section availability (especially calculus, which not every CC offers locally) and online vs in-person options.
Colleges offering Mathematics
Mathematics Availability Snapshot
How mathematics sections are being offered across 50 colleges in North Carolina this term (3150 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person2059 (65%)
- online860 (27%)
- hybrid158 (5%)
- zoom73 (2%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)1101
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)621
- Evening (5 PM and after)125
- Asynchronous / TBA1303
Start dates
Sections begin on 32 distinct dates. 685 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 834 distinct instructors across 50 colleges.
Common Mathematics courses
- MAT 171Precalculus Algebra(573 sections)
- MAT 152Statistical Methods I(451 sections)
- MAT 143Quantitative Literacy(425 sections)
- MAT 025Concepts of Essential Math/Sta(310 sections)
- MAT 172Precalculus Trigonometry(309 sections)
- MAT 110Math Measurement & Literacy(202 sections)
- MAT 035Concepts of Algebra(184 sections)
- MAT 271Calculus I(102 sections)
- MAT 272Calculus II(95 sections)
- MAT 045PMath Skills Support Mat171(87 sections)
- MAT 263Brief Calculus(69 sections)
- MAT 045QMath Skills Support Mat143(64 sections)
Frequently asked questions
- Which math classes count for a four-year college?
- College Algebra, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Statistics, Calculus I/II/III, and Differential Equations transfer cleanly to North Carolina four-year programs. Developmental math (pre-algebra, basic algebra) doesn't transfer but is often required to enter college-level math. Take the placement test before enrolling; many North Carolina colleges now offer accelerated pathways that skip much of the developmental sequence.
- Can I take Calculus at a community college and transfer it cleanly?
- Yes — Calculus I, II, and III at any NCCCS college articulate to the standard calculus sequence at North Carolina four-year programs. This is one of the strongest CC value propositions: same content as the four-year, smaller class sizes, much lower tuition. Many engineering and physics majors intentionally take calculus at CC before transferring.
- What can I do with a math associate degree?
- Standalone: not much directly — entry roles for math-heavy careers (actuarial, statistician, data analyst) require a bachelor's. The associate is most valuable as the lower-division foundation for transfer to math, engineering, computer science, economics, or finance bachelor's programs.
- How do I know which math course to start with?
- North Carolina community colleges use placement tests (Accuplacer, ALEKS, multiple-measures placement) or your high-school transcript GPA + most-recent math grade to place you. Most colleges allow you to challenge a higher placement. Talk to a math advisor before your first semester — placing too low costs time and tuition; placing too high causes a failed course.
Compare Mathematics programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how North Carolina’s mathematics programs stack up.
Other programs in North Carolina
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.