Math Courses

Wondering which math course to take first?

At DVC, we encourage you to take transfer-level math your first year. There are lots of ways to achieve this! Once you've completed the placement process, explore our recommended math course sequences based on your interest area.

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Arts, Communication & Language

Find math courses typically recommended for students earning a certificate or degree in the Arts, Communications & Language interest area:

Mathematics for Liberal Arts

  • Math 124 - Mathematics for Liberal Arts
    • This course includes applications and concepts of intermediate algebra and critical thinking to the solving of contemporary problems in mathematics. Topics  include statistics, finance, voting/apportionment and include one of the following:  sets, probability, geometry, graph theory, exponential and logarithmic functions, mathematics and culture.  Math 124 transfers to UC and CSU.

Elementary Statistics with Probability

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 142 - Elementary Statistics with Probability
    • This course includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 142L  - Elementary Statistics with Probability + Support for Success 
    • This combination integrates algebraic and arithmetic topics throughout the course to refresh the math skills that you need for success in Statistics.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Statistics instructor.  Elementary Statistics includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students. 

Business, Computer Science* & Culinary

Find math courses typically recommended for students earning a certificate or degree in the Business, Computer Science & Culinary interest area.

*Computer Science majors should instead view our Math & Engineering course recommendations. 

College Algebra

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 135 - College Algebra
    • This course includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 135 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 135 + Math 035 - College Algebra + Support for Success in College Algebra
    • This combination gives you more opportunity to review the math skills needed for success in College Algebra.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your College Algebra instructor.  College Algebra includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 135 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students.

Calculus for Management, Life Science, and Social Science

  • Math 182 - Calculus for Management, Life Science, and Social Science
    • This course includes the study of derivatives and integrals and their applications to these fields.  Math 182 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Elementary Statistics with Probability 

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 142 - Elementary Statistics with Probability 
    • This course includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 142L  - Elementary Statistics with Probability + Support for Success 
    • This combination integrates algebraic and arithmetic topics throughout the course to refresh the math skills that you need for success in Statistics.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Statistics instructor.  Elementary Statistics includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students.

Math & Engineering

Find math courses typically recommended for students earning a certificate or degree in the Math & Engineering interest area:

Trigonometry

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 121 - Trigonometry
    • This course focuses on right triangle, general, and unit circle trigonometry, and the trigonometric functions of real numbers.  Math 121 transfers to CSU only. 
  • Math 121 + Math 021 - Trigonometry + Support for Success in Trigonometry
    • This combination gives you more opportunity to review the algebra skills needed for success in Trigonometry.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Trigonometry instructor.  Trigonometry focuses on right triangle, general, and unit circle trigonometry, and the trigonometric functions of real numbers.  Math 121 transfers to CSU only.  This combination of courses is open to all students.

Pre-Calculus

  • Math 191 - Pre-Calculus
    • This course includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 191 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Analytic Geometry and Calculus

  • Math 192 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus
    • This course integrates algebraic and transcendental functions in the study of derivatives and integrals and their applications to science and engineering fields.  Math 192 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Science & Health

Find math courses typically recommended for students earning a certificate or degree in the Science & Health interest area:

Trigonometry

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 121 - Trigonometry
    • This course focuses on right triangle, general, and unit circle trigonometry, and the trigonometric functions of real numbers.  Math 121 transfers to CSU only. 
  • Math 121 + Math 021 - Trigonometry + Support for Success in Trigonometry
    • This combination gives you more opportunity to review the algebra skills needed for success in Trigonometry.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Trigonometry instructor.  Trigonometry focuses on right triangle, general, and unit circle trigonometry, and the trigonometric functions of real numbers.  Math 121 transfers to CSU only.  This combination of courses is open to all students.

Pre-Calculus

  • Math 191 - Pre-Calculus
    • This course includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 191 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Analytic Geometry and Calculus

  • Math 192 - Analytic Geometry and Calculus
    • This course integrates algebraic and transcendental functions in the study of derivatives and integrals and their applications to science and engineering fields.  Math 192 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Elementary Statistics with Probability

Students enrolled in our "Health & Wellness" programs may prefer to take Statistics. We offer 2 options:

  • Math 142 - Elementary Statistics with Probability
    • This course includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 142L  - Elementary Statistics with Probability + Support for Success 
    • This combination integrates algebraic and arithmetic topics throughout the course to refresh the math skills that you need for success in Statistics.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Statistics instructor.  Elementary Statistics includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students. 

Social Sciences

Find math courses typically recommended for students earning a certificate or degree in the Social Sciences interest area:

Elementary Statistics with Probability

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 142 - Elementary Statistics with Probability
    • This course includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 142L  - Elementary Statistics with Probability + Support for Success 
    • This combination integrates algebraic and arithmetic topics throughout the course to refresh the math skills that you need for success in Statistics.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your Statistics instructor.  Elementary Statistics includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, design of experiments, introductory probability and statistical distributions and inference.  Math 142 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students. 

College Algebra

We offer 2 options:

  • Math 135 - College Algebra
    • This course includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 135 transfers to UC and CSU. 
  • Math 135 + Math 035 - College Algebra + Support for Success in College Algebra
    • This combination gives you more opportunity to review the math skills needed for success in College Algebra.  It gives you a chance to increase your confidence in your math skills, improve your study skills, and allows more time with your College Algebra instructor.  College Algebra includes creating mathematical models and solving equations using the family of functions typically found in Calculus.  Math 135 transfers to UC and CSU.  This combination of courses is open to all students.

Calculus for Management, Life Science, and Social Science

  • Math 182 - Calculus for Management, Life Science, and Social Science
    • This course includes the study of derivatives and integrals and their applications to these fields.  Math 182 transfers to UC and CSU. 

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Learn more!

How do I choose a math course if I don't know my major?

If you're unsure of your major, there are a few steps you can take to help you choose the right math course:

  • If you haven't chosen a specific certificate or degree yet, you may be able to select a math course by choosing a broader interest area. (See recommendations above.) Our interest areas group our courses, certificates, and degrees into five areas based on common skills and interests:
    • Arts, Communication & Language
    • Business, Computer Science & Culinary
    • Math & Engineering
    • Science & Health
    • Social Sciences
  • Work with a counselor to make an education plan. You'll learn about our certificates and degrees and get help making a plan that meets your education goals. Once you've chosen a specific program, you can check the catalog for math requirements for your intended certificate or degree.

What is the difference between a class with support (L) or without?

DVC offers two types of introductory courses that fulfill the same learning outcomes. Courses labeled with an "L" (like 121L), have extra units and time built in to help students focus on important foundational topics. These classes also provide support in areas like managing test anxiety, improving study skills, and developing a growth mindset. Students should complete the placement process and review course descriptions to determine which version is best suited for their needs.

Should I retake a math class I completed, but found challenging - or take the class at the next level?

Data shows students who take on the challenge of higher-level math often perform better than those who stick to lower-level courses. If you are concerned about being well-prepared, know that DVC is committed to ensuring student success! You can get extra help in the Math and Engineering Student Center, where you'll find free tutoring for all math levels.