Math Competency Requirements

Incoming students are expected to demonstrate competency in three areas: writing, mathematics, and modern foreign language. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency in any of these areas will take courses to help them reach the level of competency required for successful performance at the university level.

Mathematics competency (or mathematics proficiency) may be demonstrated by achieving one of the following:

  1. A score of at least 550 on the math portion of the SAT taken within the last two years.
  2. A passing grade in a college-level math course at the level of College Algebra and Trigonometry or Finite Mathematics of three hours or more taken within the last three years.
  3. A grade of C or higher (or the equivalent) in MATH-090 Elementary Algebra or MATH-105 Intermediate Algebra.
  4. A score of 55 percent* or above on the mathematics placement exam.
  5. A passing grade in high school or college calculus.

* The Mathematics Department recommends that students scoring below 40 percent on the exam be placed in MATH-090 Elementary Algebra. Students scoring at least 40 percent but less than 55 percent are recommended for placement in MATH-105 Intermediate Algebra. Both courses prepare students for college-level mathematics courses and other courses requiring mathematics proficiency.