Math Placement
The Math Placement process identifies the mathematics course(s) that best match your mathematical preparation with your academic goals. We want to support you in being successful in this placement process.
The process has three steps...
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Get Started
To begin, you will need a NetID.
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General Math Courses
MATH 101 is designed to increase students' understanding and appreciation of the importance and usefulness of mathematics by showing how discrete mathematics can be used in planning and decision making. Topics include voting theory, fair division, optimization, and probability. MATH 101 emphasizes cooperative group learning and active participation.
MATH 101 satisfies the mathematics requirement of the All-University Core Curriculum but does not satisfy the prerequisites for any courses that use mathematics (such as economics, physical sciences, and statistics). MATH 101 does not satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 117.
MATH 105 engages students in the exploration of mathematical ideas and modes of thought and their application in the arts and humanities. Representative topics include symmetry, levels of infinity, the fourth dimension, contortions of space, chaos and fractals. (Prior knowledge of these topics is not assumed.)
MATH 105 satisfies the mathematics requirement of the All-University Core Curriculum but does not satisfy the prerequisites for any courses that use mathematics (such as economics, physical sciences, and statistics). MATH 105 does not satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 117.
Pre-Calculus Courses
In MATH 117, concepts and skills traditionally identified with college algebra are presented in a learning environment that emphasizes active student involvement in investigating, interpreting, applying, and communicating mathematical ideas.
Topics include the idea of a mathematical model, linear functions, quadratic functions and equations, systems of equations and inequalities, piecewise-defined functions, and absolute value.
A Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator is required.
In MATH 118, concepts and skills traditionally identified with college algebra are presented in a learning environment that emphasizes active student involvement in investigating, interpreting, applying, and communicating mathematical ideas.
Topics include polynomials and polynomial equations, rational functions, radical and root functions, and fractional exponents.
A Texas Instruments TI-84 graphing calculator is required.
MATH 120 is a face-to-face course in Precalculus that examines ideas of quantity, variable, rate of change, and formula that are necessary for succeeding in and learning precalculus and calculus. Equivalent to MATH 117, 118, and 124.
MATH 124 examines functions more carefully, including inverse functions. Topics include definitions and graphs of exponential functions, definition of logarithmic functions as the inverses of the exponential functions, properties of logarithmic functions, techniques for solving exponential and logarithmic equations, and mathematical models involving logarithmic or exponential functions.
A scientific calculator is required for investigations of these topics. A Texas Instruments TI-84 is strongly recommended.
MATH 125 is the first of two courses designed to help students acquire conceptual understanding and computational proficiency with traditional topics from plane trigonometry. Content includes definitions and graphs of the six trigonometric functions, techniques for solving right and oblique triangles, the unit circle and radian measure, and periodic functions.
Students are required to use a scientific calculator in their investigations of these topics. A Texas Instruments TI-84 is recommended.
MATH 126 is the second of two courses designed to help students acquire conceptual understanding and computational proficiency with traditional topics from plane trigonometry. Content includes the inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, and solving trigonometric equations.
Students are required to use a scientific calculator in their investigations of these topics. A Texas Instruments TI-84 is recommended.
MATH 127 is a face-to-face course in Precalculus that examines ideas of quantity, variable, rate of change, and formula that are necessary for succeeding in and learning precalculus and calculus.
This course satisfies the prerequisite for MATH 155, MATH 156, MATH 157, or MATH 160.
Calculus Courses
MATH 141 is a Calculus course designed for students pursuing Business degrees or with an interest in Business. Topics covered include analytic geometry, limits, equilibrium of supply and demand, differentiation, integration, applications of the derivative, integral.
MATH 155 is a Calculus course focused on applications in Biology and the Life Sciences. Students study and quantify change in natural systems. Biological examples motivate mathematical concepts, which in turn lead students to ask new questions about biology.
MATH 155 is the first course in a two-course Calculus sequence. The second course is MATH 255.
MATH 156 is a Calculus course focused on applications in computational science. Students study sets, relations, number systems, functions, sequences and series, and concepts of differential and integral calculus.
MATH 155 is the first course in a two-course Calculus sequence. The second course is MATH 256.
MATH 157 and 159 is a one-year sequence that covers the content of MATH 160, going into greater depth in many areas, and at a more modest pace. It can be taken by students who struggle with the pace of MATH 160, or those who want a deeper understanding of Calculus topics.
MATH 157 / 159 can act as the first course in a three-course Calculus sequence. The follow-on courses are MATH 161 and MATH 261.
MATH 160 is a Calculus course designed for science and engineering majors. Topics covered include Limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration of elementary functions, and applications.
MATH 160 is the first course in a three-course Calculus sequence. The follow-on courses are MATH 161 and MATH 261.
Mathematical Algorithms Courses
MATH 151 introduces ideas of mathematical algorithms in the context of the Matlab environment. Topics covered include statements, expressions and variable assignments, scripts, control statements and logical statements. Applications include Newton's method, Simpson's rule, and recursion.
MATH 152 introduces ideas of mathematical algorithms in the context of the Maple environment. Topics covered include iteration and recursion, control and logical statements, expressions, functions, data types, binary numbers, symbolic manipulation of terms.
MATH 158 introduces ideas of mathematical algorithms in the context of the C programming language. Topics covered include compilers, expressions, variable types, control statements, pointers, and logical statements. Applications include plotting, the secant method, the trapezoid rule, and recursion.
General Math Placement Infomation
What math is required for
How do I
Common Placement Questions
In general, most entering first-year students will need to complete the Math Placement Tool. Students whose degree program allows them to satisfy their mathematics requirement with MATH 101, Math in the Social Sciences, MATH 105, Patterns of Phenomena, STAT 100: Statistical Literacy, STAT 201: General Statistics, or STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications can do so without completing the Math Placement Tool. Students wishing to take a math course other than one of these will need to complete the Math Placement Tool. This requirement is waived for students who either scored 3, 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement Calculus Exam (either AB or BC) or have transfer credit in a math course at the level of College Algebra or above.
You should review and prepare before completing the Math Placement Tool, even if you are currently taking a mathematics course. The Mathematics Department has prepared interactive review materials and practice questions for all sections of the tool.
The Math Placement Tool is a web-based tool with a timer. If you have had accommodations in the past, you will want to contact the Student Disability Center 
in the TILT Building and meet with an accommodations specialist. The specialist will review your documentation and provide a memo that helps your instructors know what accommodations are appropriate.
If you are an incoming student, you are welcome to contact the Precalculus Office (Weber 137; (970) 491-5761) and ask to speak with a director. The director will talk with you about the accommodations you have had in the past, and if you are eligible, can get you set up with extended time for the Math Placement Tool.
All students are eligible for MATH 101, Math in the Social Sciences, MATH 105, Patterns of Phenomena, STAT 100: Statistical Literacy, STAT 201: General Statistics, and STAT 204: Statistics With Business Applications.The other entry-level math courses have enforced prerequisites that require you to demonstrate a greater level of preparation on the Math Placement Tool than is required for these three courses.
Be sure to check the requirements for your degree program in the University Catalog to verify that MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201, or STAT 204 is the right course for you. Many academic programs do not accept these courses toward degree requirements. Also, they do NOT satisfy the prerequisites for any other mathematics course at the University (such as MATH 117, College Algebra I). If you are eligible for only MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201, and STAT 204, and need to take a different math class, you can use your second Math Placement Tool attempt or you can complete the ELM Tutorial to become eligible for MATH 117.
Yes. You are allowed to complete the Math Placement Tool twice. Incoming students can complete one attempt remotely (without proctoring required) prior to their term of admission.
The Math Placement Tool can be completed on a walk-in basis in the Precalculus Center (Weber 138) whenever classes are in session.
Incoming students can complete the Math Placement Tool remotely (without proctoring required) prior to their term of admission.
Placement results are available immediately after the Math Placement Tool is completed. You can re-check your placement results and see your available placement options at any time by logging in to the this web site with the [ Get Started ] button.
The Mathematics Department cannot give results over the telephone because of federal law regarding privacy of information. Questions concerning exam results should be directed to the Precalculus Center (Weber 137; (970) 491-5761).
The Math Placement Tool consists of 50 multiple choice and multiple response questions. The time limit is 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Math Placement covers pre-algebra and algebra, trigonometry, and logarithmic and exponential functions.
The Mathematics Department has prepared interactive review materials and practice questions for all topics covered by Math Placement.
Yes, you are expected to use a calculator. If you complete the Math Placement Tool in the Precalculus Center, you must use an on-screen TI-84 calculator provided on the testing computers in the Precalculus Center. You will also need a pencil or pen, and your CSU RamCard (ID card). Reference materials are not permitted.
A one-time processing fee of $15 is charged to your student account the first time you complete the Math Placement Tool. There is no charge for your second attempt, or if you take advantage of other placement activities like the ELM Tutorial or Precalculus Tutorial.
Yes - the Department of Mathematics offers Challenge Exams for these Precalculus courses:
- MATH 117 - College Algebra in Context I
- MATH 118 - College Algebra in Context II
- MATH 124 - Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
- MATH 125 - Numerical Trigonometry
- MATH 126 - Analytic Trigonometry
These exams can be taken in the Precalculus center. Students must have satisfied the prerequisites for a course in order to challenge that course, and a course may not be challenged while a student is enrolled in that course. Challenging a course may be done one time, and there is a $20 processing fee charged for each challenge exam. If you have questions about challenging a Precalculus course, please speak with the staff in the Precalculus Center (Weber 137; (970) 491-5761).
Didn't find your answer? Send an email to precalc_math@colostate.edu.
Do I Need Math Placement?
Most incoming students should review and complete the Math Placement Tool before Ram Orientation so that they can
- register for appropriate courses during orientation.
- develop a plan with their major adviser or academic support coordinator for completing the appropriate math in their first year at CSU.
This interactive flowchart will help you determine whether or not you need to complete the Math Placement Tool.
You should also check Math Requirements for Specific Majors (PDF).
Have you completed at least one Mathematics or Statistics course at a college in Colorado with a grade of C− or higher?
Are any of these courses at the 100 level or higher?
Will you have your score/transcript before your orientation date?
Does your transfer credit satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation?
Do you expect your transfer credit to satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation?
Is math critical to progress in your major beginning with your first semester? Check Math Requirements for Specific Majors (PDF).
Are any of these courses MAT 055, MAT 093, or MAT 099?
Does this course appear in RAMweb under Menu → Records → Transfer Credits? (it would appear as MATH-002)
Is MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201, or STAT 204 appropriate for your degree program at CSU?
Please note: MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201 and STAT 204 do not satisfy the prerequisites for MATH 117.
Please note: MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201 and STAT 204 do not satisfy the prerequisites for MATH 117.
Do you expect to earn any other college credit in Mathematics or Statistics through a college course or an AP/IB (or similar) exam?
Will you have your score/transcript before your orientation date?
Does your transfer credit satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation?
Do you expect your transfer credit to satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation?
Is math critical to progress in your major beginning with your first semester? Check Math Requirements for Specific Majors (PDF).
Do you expect to earn college credit in Mathematics/Statistics through a college course or an AP/IB (or similar) test?
Will you have your score/transcript before your orientation date?
Does your transfer credit satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation?
Do you expect your transfer credit to satisfy the math requirement for your major, or the prerequisites needed for your major so you can register for the correct class at Orientation? Go to the Registrar's Transfer Evaluation web page
Is math critical to progress in your major beginning with your first semester? Check Math Requirements for Specific Majors (PDF).
Does your major accept any 3 credits of AUCC Core Mathematics, including MATH 101, MATH 105, STAT 100, STAT 201 and STAT 204?
Check Math Requirements for Specific Majors (PDF).
Challenging Precalculus Courses for Credit
Challenging Courses through the Precalculus Center
The Precalculus Center offers challenge exams for MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, and MATH 126. These exams must be taken in the Precalculus Center's testing area (Weber 138). Each exam can earn credit in the corresponding course.
Each course challenge exam consists of 20 questions, and students are allowed 75 minutes to complete the exam. Scoring 16 or higher will earn credit in the challenged course.
Scratch paper and an on-screen TI-84 calculator are provided. Reference materials or a personal calculator may not be used during a course challenge exam. You only need your CSU ID card and a pencil.
Is there a fee for challenging a course?
There is a $20 fee for taking a course challenge exam, as described in the University Catalog. This fee will be billed to your student account at the time the exam is taken, regardless of whether you successfully earn course credit on the exam.
Am I eligible to challenge a precalculus course?
To be eligible to take a course challenge exam, a student...
- must be eligible to take the course being challenged (meaning all course prerequisites must be satisfied);
- must not be currently enrolled in the course being challenged; and
- must not have already challenge the course (only one attempt per course challenge exam is allowed).
Review for the Math Placement Tool
Online Review Materials
Our goal is to support you to be successful in the placement process. One way to be successful in this process is to study and review before completing the Math Placement Tool.
There may be questions that you do not know that are outside of your current mathematical preparation - that is ok! Remember, the goal is to find the course(s) that best match your mathematical preparation and your academic goals.
To access our online review materials, log in, and then click on the [ Review Materials ] button.
Math Placement Tool - On-Campus Schedule
General Information about the Math Placement Tool
The Math Placement Tool is offered on a "walk-in" basis in the Precalculus Center (Weber 138) when classes are in session. This tool consists of 50 questions covering topics in algebra, trigonometry, logarithms, and exponential functions. Students have two hours and twenty minutes to complete the tool. An on-screen TI-84 calculator is provided when completing the tool in the Precalculus Center. Reference materials may not be used.
The Math Placement Tool may be completed twice. Placement results are available immediately. Incoming students can complete the Tool one time remotely (with no proctoring required) prior to their term of admission.
Students who have already completed the Math Placement Tool and do not place into the math course required by their degree program may study and retry the Math Placement Tool or may complete the Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) Tutorial and take the ELM Exam instead. The ELM Exam can be used to place into MATH 117 only.
Do I need to complete the Math Placement Tool?
In general, most entering first-year students should complete the Math Placement Tool to register for MATH 117 or above. This requirement is waived for students who have scored 3, 4, or 5 on an AP Calculus Exam (either AB or BC), passed an appropriate IB Exam, or have transfer credit in a math course at the level of College Algebra or above. Transfer students who have not transferred any mathematics courses to Colorado State may need to begin with Math Placement.
Is there a fee for the Math Placement Tool?
A CSU processing fee of $15 is automatically charged to your student account the first time you complete the Math Placement Tool. This is a one-time fee and covers subsequent Math Placement attempts, the ELM Tutorial, and the Precalculus Tutorial. If you need to complete the ELM Tutorial and take the ELM Exam, you will not be charged again.
Can I challenge a Precalculus course for credit?
Yes - there are course challenge exams in MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, and MATH 126. These exams must be taken in the Precalculus Center (Weber 138). You may only challenge a course once, and there is a $20 fee for each course challenged. Passing a course challenge exam with a score of 16/20 or higher earns credit for that course. You may not challenge a course while enrolled in that course, or if you have not yet satisfied the prerequisites for the course being challenged.
What do I need to bring?
To complete the Math Placement Tool, ELM Exam, or a course challenge exam in the Precalculus Center, you need to bring a pencil or pen and identification that includes your photo and student ID number. Currently enrolled students are required to bring their CSU RamCard. Incoming students who do not yet have a RamCard should bring a photo ID (eg. driver's license) and stop in the Precalculus Center Office (Weber 136) before entering the testing area. The testing computers in the Precalculus Center will provide an on-screen TI-84 calculator.
For "walk-in" exams, plan to arrive at the Precalculus Center well before the closing time listed below to be certain you will have the full time allowed for the Math Placement Tool or ELM Exam.
The Precalculus Center testing area doors close 15 minutes prior to the Center's closing time, and no new placement sessions or exams may be started after doors are closed. All work must be submitted by the Center's closing time.
| Fall, 2024 - Precalculus Center, Weber 138 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, August 15 | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Math Placement Tool |
| Monday, August 19 - Friday, December 6 | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday-Thursday | Math Placement Tool |
| Spring, 2025 - Precalculus Center, Weber 138 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 21 - Friday, May 9 | 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday-Thursday | Math Placement Tool |