Math Placement
Mathematics Placement Test
All incoming students who do not present qualifying advanced placement or transfer credits in mathematics should take the Mathematics Placement Test. The placement test consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics taught in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus courses in high school. There are no questions related to Statistics or Probability.
Together with the academic transcript and planned program of study, the math placement score is used to determine the appropriate level of mathematics for the student.
Based on the score on the Mathematics Placement Test, students are placed into one of four categories: 105, PRE, ELC, or ADV. These should be interpreted as follows:
105
MATH 105 Fundamentals of Mathematics must be taken prior to MATH 120 Elementary Functions. (NOTE: MATH 120 is a pre-requisite for MATH 140 Concepts of Calculus.) MATH 105 does not fulfill the Mathematical Perspectives requirement of the Core Curriculum, but does count towards the 120 credit hours needed for graduation.
Students who are not required to take MATH 120 or MATH 140 for their major can take MATH 116 Elementary Statistics instead of MATH 105.
PRE
Students should not take MATH 105. They should choose from any of the following courses:
- MATH 116 Elementary Statistics
- MATH 120 Elementary Functions
- MATH 125 Explorations in Mathematics
- MATH 169 Precalculus
- CSCI 170 Computer Science I
Students without specified mathematics requirements in their major are encouraged to take MATH 125, a special topics math course aimed at a general audience.
ELC
Students should not take MATH 105 or 120. They should choose from any of the following courses:
- MATH 125 Explorations in Mathematics
- MATH 140 Concepts of Calculus
- MATH 156 General Statistics
- MATH 169 Precalculus
- CSCI 170 Computer Science I
- STAT 146 Introductory Biostatistics
Students without specified mathematics requirements in their major are encouraged to take MATH 125, a special topics math course aimed at a general audience.
ADV
Depending on the mathematics requirement of their major, students should choose from any of the following courses:
- MATH 125 Explorations in Mathematics
- MATH 140 Concepts of Calculus
- MATH 156 General Statistics
- MATH 180 Differential Calculus
- CSCI 170 Computer Science I
- STAT 146 Introductory Biostatistics
Students studying calculus may take MATH 181 Integral Calculus provided they have AP or transfer credit for MATH 180. Likewise, students may take MATH 182 Sequences & Series or MATH 220 Multivariable Calculus provided they have AP or transfer credits for MATH 180 and 181.
Students without specified mathematics requirements in their major are encouraged to take MATH 125, a special topics math course aimed at a general audience.
Mathematical Perspectives
Courses which fulfill the Mathematical Perspectives requirement of the Core Curriculum are: MATH 116, 120, 125, 140, 156, 180, 181, 201, 202, 211, 212, 225 and CSCI 170.
Notes for Non-Math majors
All degree programs offered by the Department of Mathematics require MATH 180, 181, and 182. Students interested in adding a major or minor in a math related area should consult an academic advisor.
Business majors (only) who place at the PRE, ELC, or ADV category can choose to take BAIS 210 Quantitative Methods.
Education majors (only) who place at the PRE, ELC, or ADV category should choose from the following:
- MATH 201 Foundations of Arithmetic – ECED
- MATH 202 Geometry and Measurement – ECED
- MATH 211 Foundations of Arithmetic – MCED
- MATH 212 Geometry and Measurement – MCED