Mathematics Requirements

All students are required to satisfy proficiency in mathematics as well as complete a math course for Core Curriculum. Though you may opt not to enroll in a math course your first semester, you are asked to read the following thoroughly as it includes information valuable for your entire four years at CSB/SJU.

The Mathematics Proficiency Requirement

Proficiency in mathematics and placement in mathematics courses will depend on your performance in your high school mathematics courses and MATH ACT entrance test scores. If you are not granted proficiency at the time of registration, you may be placed in a 1 credit module of math with the intent of strengthening your math skills, depending on your math scores, grades, and noted area of interest. You will have opportunities when you come to campus in the fall to prepare for and take a proficiency exam at the Mathematics Skills Center. Once you have passed the proficiency requirement, you will be eligible to enroll in mathematics courses. A practice exam can be found at the Skills Center Web site

The Core Mathematics Requirement

The Mathematics Department offers a variety of mathematics courses which fulfill the Core Mathematics Requirement. All 100-level mathematics courses assume students have successfully completed at least three years of college preparatory mathematics, including two years of algebra. Our calculus courses assume four years of college preparatory mathematics.

If you need some review of mathematics in order to prepare to pass the math proficiency requirement, or to prepare for a Core math class, or brush up on math skills in preparation for other courses, the following Academic Skills Course is available: (Note: This course is for preparation only; it does not satisfy a proficiency or Core requirement.)

ACSC 111 Preparation for College Math, Level 1 (1 credit)

A review of basic mathematics, including arithmetic skills, beginning algebra, and geometry. Emphasis will be placed on awareness and acquisition of problem-solving techniques. This course is designed for students who need to review to prepare for the math proficiency exam, but is also appropriate for others who would like to brush up on their math preparation for upcoming classes.

Note for Pre-Med Students

Medical schools have traditionally required one to two semesters of Calculus. Recently, some medical schools have started to replace this requirement with a semester of statistics. Calculus is still needed for some science majors. If you are considering medical school, please plan to consult with the pre-medicine adviser, or to review the pre-med homepage.

Calculus

Because calculus is required for many majors and it is generally needed early on, taking calculus in your first semester is an important option for you to consider. If you are not sure whether your math skills are strong enough for you to succeed in calculus, you can find out by taking our Calculus Readiness Exam at the Mathematics Skills Center or at the Skills Center Web site.

If you do need to improve your math skills before you take calculus, you can get help at the Mathematics Skills Center or take our Precalculus course. (Note: this Precalculus class does not fulfill the Core Mathematics Requirement.)

If you took Calculus I in high school but did not receive AP credit for it, you can still register for Calculus II if your Calculus I background is strong enough. You are encouraged to discuss this possibility with a member of the mathematics department. If you do begin with Calculus II and you earn a grade of C or better in the course, the mathematics department will grant you credit at that time for Calculus I.