Completing accredited online precalculus courses are a solid way to fulfill requirements, pick up credits, and level up your education. Whether you’re looking at going on to study medical-related educational courses, engineering, or computer science, taking a solid precalc course can really open doors.
I’ve researched the top courses that deliver exactly that and listed them in this article.
Here’s what else we’ll cover:
- Accredited online precalculus courses from top colleges
- Recommended free/cheap options
- What to expect from studying precalc online
Ready to learn more about what’s out there? Let’s go.
Best Accredited Online Precalculus Course Listings
Here’s a quick overview of all the recommended courses listed in this article…
| Course | Credits | Institution | Level | Prerequisites | Length | Hours | Cost |
| Precalculus – MAT 170 | 3 | Arizona State University | Undergrad | None | 16 weeks | Self-paced | $425 |
| Precalculus – MAT201 | 3 | StraighterLine | Undergrad | None | <30 days | Self-paced | $59 + membership |
| Precalculus – MATH 1011 | 3 | University Of New England | Upper-level undergrad | College level algebra | 16 weeks | Self-paced | $1,140 |
| Precalculus – Math 165 | 4 | University of North Dakota | Undergrad | Math Placement Exam score | 3-9 months | Self-paced | $370.08/credit |
| Precalculus – MATH-40018 | 3 | UC San Diego Extension | Undergrad | Basic math | 2 months | Self-paced | $675 |
| Precalculus – MATH X9 | 3 | Berkeley Extension | Undergrad | High school algebra | 180 days | Self-paced | $895 |
1. Precalculus – MAT 170 (Arizona State University)
This precalculus is part of ASU Universal Learner® Courses. This college-level course prepares you for calculus by focusing on quantitative reasoning and functions.
They expect students to set the skills to describe the behavior and properties of linear, exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and trigonometric functions.
After the course, students should be able to:
- Use introductory algebraic operations on numbers, expressions, and equations
- Apply algebraic and trigonometric reasoning to crack a range of problems
- Solve real-world application problems
- Begin future studies in calculus
The school provides individualized coaches as you move through each new subject and utilize the ALEKS learning system. It delivers students a personalized experience since they will be instructed on the topics they are most ready to learn.
Students may opt between a self-paced version or an instructor-led one in this course. In the first case, the course allows students to complete course assignments at their own pace, as long as they are completed within a year. But if you opt for an instructor-led, courses have a structure with a weekly assignment due dates and an instructor guiding a student through the curriculum and content. You must finish it within 16 weeks.
Here’s a sample video from the precalc course that gives some insight into teaching style/what to expect…
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MAT 170
- Institution: Arizona State University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Credits: 3 credit hours
- Prerequisites: MAT 117 College Algebra is strongly suggested as a prerequisite
- Length: 16 weeks
- Hours: Self-paced
- Website: ea.asu.edu/precalculus-mat-170
- Price: $25 + $400
2. Precalculus – MAT201 (StraighterLine)
This StraighterLine course provides instruction and review of standard concepts of college-level math. It will help you get into General Calculus I.
It covers the following:
- Reviewing algebraic operations and linear and polynomial equations
- Solving and graph equations from linear and polynomial to exponential and logarithmic functions
- Trigonometric expressions and functions
- Modeling and solving applications using linear systems
- Geometric sequences
YouTuber Josh Madakor gives a breakdown of StraighterLine’s calculus offerings. He suggests midterms and finals are proctored but that scoring 100% on ongoing quizzes and homework is fairly straightforward meaning you can skip the final…
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MAT201
- Institution: StraighterLine
- Level: undergraduate
- Credits: 3 college credits
- Prerequisites: StraighterLine suggests, though does not require, that students take College Algebra or its equivalent before enrolling in precalculus
- Length: less than 30 days
- Hours: self-paced
- Website: straighterline.com/precalculus
- Price: $59 + Membership
3. Precalculus – MATH 1011 (University of New England)
The University of New England’s course prepares students for subsequent college-level calculus. It reviews the prerequisite mathematical concepts necessary for calculus.
Topics covered include:
- Rational functions
- Trigonometric functions
- Polar coordinates
- Sequences and series
- Probability
- A brief introduction to continuity
After concluding the course, students should then be able to:
- Construct graphs of rational and trigonometric functions
- Interpret information (graphical) of rational and trigonometric functions
- Solve trigonometric functions
- Graph equations in polar coordinates
- Using trigonometric identities, determine angle measures and side lengths of triangles
- Communicate algebraic facility of trigonometric functions concerning real-world applications
- Solve counting problems using combinations and permutations
- Evaluate mathematical series
- Compute probabilities of events using counting theory and probability models
- Identify the continuity of a function
- Find the limits of a function
The exams are all taken online, and, as a lecture-only course, the University doesn’t have associated lab components.
Classes begin every two or three weeks, and students must be registered for them by noon EST the Monday before class starts. The course works out at around $1,140.
The video below gives a very short intro to UNE’s Online program…
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MATH 1011
- Institution: University of New England
- Level: upper-level undergraduate
- Credits: 3 credits
- Prerequisites: a semester of college-level algebra (MATH 1010)
- Length: 16 weeks
- Hours: self-paced
- Website: online.une.edu/precalculus/
- Price: $1,140
4. Precalculus – Math 165 (University of North Dakota)
This University of North Dakota precalculus online curriculum meets all the typical topics for a Precalculus college course and is a great option.
The main topics in this course are equations and inequalities, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, and algebraic and trigonometric methods.
Students have 3 to 9 months to finish three proctored exams and 24 lessons from the enrollment date.
The video below provides a quick run-down of how online programs work at UND…
Details:
- Name: Calculus I – Math 165
- Institution: University of North Dakota
- Level: Undergraduate
- Credits: 4 credits
- Prerequisites: MATH 93, Math 98, or Math Placement Exam score
- Length: 3 to 9 months
- Hours: Self-paced
- Website: und.edu/math165
- Price: $370.08 per credit
5. Precalculus – MATH-40018 (UC San Diego Extension)
This UC San Diego Extension is another good option for precalculus. It covers all the basic requirements for this level of math, including:
- Transformation of functions, circular functions and their graphs, the Laws and properties associated with Trigonometric functions
- Complex numbers
- Power, exponential and logarithmic functions
- Polynomial functions
- Systems of equations and inequalities.
According to their website, the course goals include:
- Analyzing functions and graphs
- Applying polynomial and rational Functions to real-life problems
- Solving problems, including exponential and logarithmic Functions
- Assessing the behavior of trigonometric functions
- Using systems of equations and inequalities to solve complex models
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MATH-40018
- Institution: UC San Diego Extension
- Level: undergraduate
- Credits: 3 credits
- Prerequisites: Basic Mathematics
- Length: 2 months
- Hours: self-paced
- Website: extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/precalculus-1
- Price: $675
6. Precalculus – MATH X9 (Berkeley Extension)
The Berkeley precalculus program exposes students to basic and advanced algebra concepts and some trigonometry.
It covers:
- Logarithms
- Solving or graphing linear equations
- Factoring a polynomial
All the topics are more advanced level than that of a beginning or intermediate algebra class.
Still, it’s an excellent option to give you the prereqs you need to study in future calculus classes. At $895 it’s pretty cost-effective too.
There’s a quick essentials intro video to the course below…
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MATH X9
- Institution: Berkeley Extension
- Credits: 3 credit hours
- Prerequisites: Two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry
- Length: 180 days
- Hours: self-paced
- Website: extension.berkeley.edu
- Price: $895.00
Free/Low-Cost Online Precalculus Courses
The following courses, although not “officially” accredited, are still good options for students looking to take structured precalc courses to help in the preparation for exams and further education.
1. Precalculus (ASU/edX)
Arizona State University offers an excellent option of a free precalculus course through edX. It is a free version of the Precalculus – MAT 170 we pointed out before, meaning everything we said earlier fits here too!
It is self-paced, and an average student should conclude it in approximately 15 weeks.
For $49, you can choose a verified track and enjoy unlimited access to course materials, a shareable certificate upon completion, and graded assignments and exams.
Details:
- Name: Precalculus – MAT 170
- Institution: Arizona State University
- Level: Undergraduate
- Credits: 3 credit hours
- Prerequisites: MAT117 College Algebra & Problem Solving
- Length: 15 weeks
- Hours: Self-paced
- Website: edx.org/precalculus
- Price: Free
Related Questions
What Are The Most Important Things To Look For In An Online Precalculus Course?
Precalculus, for newcomers, can be confusing. But learning it online can be just as effective as taking a class in person.
To get the best out of an online course you’ll want to look for the following qualities:
- Structure: how well are the course goals defined and the curriculum laid out?
- Time commitment: does the course give you a rough estimate of how much time you’ll need to commit to it each week?
- Cost: does it fit your budget?
- Instruction: is the teaching professor suitably qualified and delivering the classes in an easy-to-understand format?
- Prerequisites: what level of knowledge should you have before starting the course?
- Support: once signed up, how much support is available to you to help meet your goals?
- Assessment: how isyour knowledge and progress assessed?
Many of these questions are answered in the introductory table at the beginning of this article.
Anything else should be researched via your own criteria and the contact you make with course providers.
Good luck!
What Study Tips Can I Use For Precalculus?
Precalculus, like most other STEM subjects, is best studied by actively working through problem sets and building on your knowledge as you go.
Rote memorization can be done via an effective spaced-repetition system (we recommend Anki) but the real learning comes in applying that knowledge to exam-style practice problems.
The video below provides lots of useful tips on performing well in the subject…
If you found this article useful, you might find the following interesting:
- 8 Best Online Physics Courses For College Credit
- 6 Online Statistics Courses For College Credit
- Do Medical Schools Require Calculus?
Writer | Lawyer | PhD Student at @DerechoUCA and @UFPel
I spend most of my time washing dishes, changing diapers, playing doll/ball/house/doctor/cooking with my daughter, and making my son sleep. I write and read about education, philosophy, law, religion, finance, and real estate when there is some time left. And I usually don’t sleep!