Prerequisites

All mathematics (M) and statistics (STAT) courses have prerequisites that must be satisfied. Courses taken in high school do not satisfy prerequisites. When you register for a mathematics or statistics class, the university may temporarily accept your enrollment. However, to remain enrolled you must satisfy the prerequisite with an Initial Math Placement, or appropriate ACT, SAT, or a combination of GPA and ACT scores, GPA and SAT scores, or with college credit for the appropriate prerequisite course. A summary of the ACT, SAT and GPA combination scores required for the department's entry level courses is maintained at the following link:

Please note:  If you have taken a math placement exam at another University, including another MUS school, it is non-transferable to MSU.

Substitute Course Credit Policies

Advanced Placement Examinations

With a score of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement Examinations you may receive credit for equivalent MSU courses. A 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam will earn four credits of M 171 - Calculus I. A 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam will earn four credits of M 171- Calculus I and four credits of M 172 - Calculus II for a total of eight credits. A score of 1 or 2 on the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam with an AB subscore of 3 or higher will earn four credits of M 171-Calculus I. A 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Statistics exam will earn three credits of STAT 216 - Introduction to Statistics. AP credit will apply toward university Core curriculum requirements.

Substitute Course Credit Policies

With a suitable score on certain Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program you may receive credit for equivalent MSU courses. A 50 or higher on the College Algebra exam will earn three credits of M 121 - College Algebra.  A 50 or higher on the Precalculus exam will earn four credits of M 151 - Precalculus. A 50 or higher on the Calculus with Elementary Functions exam will earn four credits of M 171 - Calculus I. CLEP credit will not apply toward university Core curriculum requirements. 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

With a score of 4 or higher on International Baccalaureate Diploma Highest Level Courses you may receive credit for equivalent MSU courses. A 4 or higher on the IB Mathematics Highest Level will earn four credits of M 171- Calculus I and four credits of M 172 - Calculus II for a total of eight credits. IB credit will apply toward university Core curriculum requirements.

Challenge Examinations

Challenge examinations are permitted in several courses so that credit may be earned by students who have completed the work of a college course on their own initiative and time. Challenge of courses cannot be used to fulfill university Core curriculum requirements. The details are found in the