FAQs
Here is a brief list of questions that the Math Department receives every semester.
Should I take a placement exam?
The best way to answer this question is to begin with the course in which you would like to enroll. Then check the prerequisite requirements in the catalog for that course (minimum ACT score, previous courses, etc.). If you do not satisfy any of the prerequisites and do not have transfer credit from another university, then a placement exam may be the route to go.
What is the difference between the Freshman Placement Exam and the Advance Credit Exam?
The Freshman Placement Exam is for students who do not satisfy the necessary prerequisite requirements for MATH 102, 103/104, 105, 107, or 117.
The Advance Credit Exam is for students who do not satisfy the necessary prerequisite requirements for MATH 110, Precalculus Trigonometry, or MATH 270, Calculus I.
I need to enroll into MATH 270, Calculus I, but I do not have the necessary prerequisites. What can I do?
Many students would like to enroll in MATH 270, Calculus I, their freshman year. Students with an ACT math sub-score of 28 or who have credit for MATH 109, Precalculus Algebra, and MATH 110, Precalculus Trigonometry may enroll. Also, MATH 143 is a combined precalculus algebra and trigonometry course and can be used in the place of MATH 109 and 110. However, you must have an ACT of 26 to enroll in MATH 143.
Now here is where the fun begins. Students who choose to take Math 109 and Math 110 have options that depend on their math ACT score. If you have at least a 24 Math ACT, then you may enroll in MATH 109 and MATH 110 in the same semester. Otherwise, they must be taken in sequence. MATH 109 first and MATH 110 second.
Students who choose to take the Advance Credit Exam must have at least a 23 math ACT sub-score. This exam can allow you to skip MATH 109 or MATH 110 or both.
Bottom line, students who do not have the necessary Math ACT to enroll in MATH 270 must satisfy the prerequisites of precalculus algebra and trigonometry. This is done by either taking the courses or passing the placement exam.
Which is the difference between MATH 103/104, MATH 105, and MATH 107, and which one do I take?
All three courses cover the same material, Applied College Algebra. So, there is absolutely no reason to take more than one of these courses unless you change your major. Different majors will require different numbers.
MATH 107 is strictly for Education majors.
MATH 105 is Applied College Algebra and MATH 103/104 is Applied College Algebra Fundamentals, but they have a different number of credit hours. MATH 105 is 3 credit hours, and MATH 103/104 is a total of 5 credit hours (3 for MATH 103 and 2 for the associated MATH 104 Lab?) Each course has its own prerequisite, so you must follow the process outlined in the question above to decide which one is appropriate for you or if you should take the Freshman Placement Exam.