All SPU students are required to complete a Ways of Knowing in Quantitative Reasoning (mathematics) course as part of the Exploratory Curriculum. Additionally, many academic majors require one or more mathematics courses. Prior to taking any mathematics course at SPU, you must demonstrate eligibility.
The purpose of established eligibility criteria is to help determine whether you are ready for college-level mathematics and to help you develop any math skills needed to successfully complete Exploratory Curriculum and academic program requirements.
SPU has divided college readiness and Exploratory Curriculum math classes into several groupings. Some departments other than the Mathematics Department may require attainment of a particular Mathematics Placement Level as a prerequisite for courses in their majors.
Eligibility to enroll in a particular course can be demonstrated through an SAT or ACT math score; an SPU Mathematics Placement Test score; an SPU Calculus Placement Test score; transfer of an approved college mathematics course; completion of a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree or its approved equivalent; or through math credit awarded for AP, Cambridge International, IB, or CLEP exam.
college readiness mathematics
The courses, MAT 0144 “College Readiness Mathematics I” and MAT 0145 “College Readiness Mathematics II,” are designed for students who do not have adequate mathematical backgrounds to succeed in college-level coursework in mathematics.
If you need to take a course with prerequisites of Mathematics Placement Level A, you will need to take MAT 0144 if you do not meet any of the other conditions listed. If you need to take courses with prerequisites of Mathematics Placement Level B, you may need to take both MAT 0144 and 0145.
Mathematics Placement policies are summarized in the tables below.
placement criteria for mathematics courses
(Not including calculus)
To enroll in a course listed in the second column below, you must meet at least one of the corresponding eligibility criteria.
| Placement Level |
Intended Math Course |
Eligibility Criteria for Enrollment |
| Level 0 |
MAT 0144 |
- If you have not met any criteria for Levels A or B, you place into Level 0.
|
| Level A |
MAT 0145;
MAT 1560 and 2561;
MAT 1521 or CSC 1521
|
- SAT Math Score: 600 or above on exam taken spring 2016 or later; or
- SAT Math Score: 580 or above on exam taken before spring 2016; or
- ACT Math Score: 25 or above; or
- SPU Math Placement Test Score: 40 or above/ or
- Washington State MPT-G Score: 145 or above; or
- College Coursework: MAT 0144 with a grade of C- or better or Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C- (1.7) or better
|
| Level B |
MAT 1300, 2360, 2700, or 1110;
BUS 2700;
PSY 2360 or SOC 2360
|
- SAT Math Score: 600 or above on exam taken spring 2016 or later; or
- SAT Math Score: 580 or above on exam taken before spring 2016; or
- ACT Math Score: 25 or above; or
- SPU Math Placement Test Score: 60 or above; or
- Washington State MPT-G Score: 150 or above; or
- College Coursework: MAT 0145 with a grade of C- or Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C- (1.7) or better
|
Mathematics Placement Level 0
A placement level of 0 (i.e., zero) indicates one of two things: The student has not yet taken the SPU Mathematics Placement Test, or the student does not meet any of the criteria for Mathematics Placement Level A and should begin by enrolling in MAT 0144.
Mathematics Placement Level A
To be eligible to enroll in MAT 0145, MAT 1521, MAT 1560, or CSC 1521, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Score 600 or above on the math portion of an SAT exam taken spring 2016 or later.
- Score 580 or above on the math portion of an SAT exam taken before spring 2016.
- Score 25 or above on the math portion of the ACT test.
- Score 40 or above on the SPU Mathematics Placement Test.
- Score 145 or above on the Washington State MPT-G.
- Complete MAT 0144 with a grade of C- or better, OR complete an approved course in intermediate algebra at another college or university with a grade of C- or better.
Mathematics Placement Level B
To be eligible to enroll in MAT 1300, MAT 2360, MAT 2700, MAT 1110, BUS 2700, EDU 2600, PSY 2360 or SOC 2360, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Score 600 or above on the math portion of an SAT exam taken spring 2016 or later.
- Score 580 or above on the math portion of an SAT exam taken before spring 2016.
- Score 25 or above on the math portion of the ACT test.
- Score 60 or above on the SPU Mathematics Placement Test.
- Score 150 or above on the Washington State MPT-G.
- Complete MAT 0145 with a grade of C- or better, OR complete an approved course in Intermediate Algebra at another college or university with a grade of C- or better.
CALCULUS Placement
To be eligible to enroll in MAT 1221 "Survey of Calculus" or MAT 1234 "Calculus 1", you must achieve a passing score on the SPU Calculus Placement Test before registering for the course.
- If you plan to take MAT 1234, you must score 13 or higher on the SPU Calculus Placement Test, or complete MAT 1110 and receive a grade of C- or better.
- If you plan to take MAT 1221, you must score 11 or higher on the SPU Calculus Placement Test, or complete MAT 1010 and receive a grade of C- or better.