To satisfy the requirements of category 1B of the All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC), students must earn three credits in Quantitative Reasoning. These credits may be earned by:

  1. Presenting AP calculus scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics exam -or- IB mathematics scores of a 4 or higher on either the standard or higher level exam (see Office of the Registrar for details on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate equivalencies);
  2. Taking an approved CSU All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) 1B Course (MATH or STAT);
  3. Presenting suitable transfer credits from another accredited institution;
  4. Successfully challenging Pre-Calculus courses (Challenge Exams are available for MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, and MATH 126).

Any student admitted to CSU may take MATH 101, MATH 105STAT 100STAT 201, or STAT 204. Students who wish to take a Quantitative Reasoning course other than one of these must satisfy one of the following requirements in addition to any course prerequisites:

  • Demonstrate sufficient proficiency using the Math Placement Tool;
  • Present an AP calculus score of 3, 4, or 5 on the Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam;
  • Present an IB Analysis and Approaches score of 4, 5, or 6;
  • Present suitable transfer credits from another accredited institution.

Math Placement 

Students can become eligible to register for Quantitative Reasoning beyond MATH 101, MATH 105STAT 100,  STAT 201STAT 204, or FIN 200 by completing the Math Placement Process.  This process begins with the Math Placement Tool, which covers pre-college algebra, college algebra, logarithmic and exponential functions, and trigonometry.

A student who displays proficiency on the Math Placement Tool may place out of one or more of the pre-calculus courses—MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, and MATH 126. Placement out of a course on the Math Placement Tool will satisfy prerequisites for other classes. Completing the Math Placement Tool does not earn course credit. Only earned credits count toward the three-credit AUCC Quantitative Reasoning requirement, i.e. placement out of a course will not satisfy the CSU Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

A student (except a first semester transfer or a first semester readmitted student) who has earned 60 or more CSU and transfer credits and who has not completed the Quantitative Reasoning requirements of category 1B of the All-University Core Curriculum must enroll in a course that will fulfill this requirement in order to have a hold lifted from their registration. A transfer or readmitted student will be allowed the initial term of full-time enrollment before this restriction is imposed. (Faculty Council approved minutes May 1, 2018)

Appeals Process

Students wishing to appeal this registration restriction must complete the Intermediate Writing/Quantitative Reasoning (MATH/COMP) Appeal form, including a detailed rationale as to why they were unable to complete the course within the first 60 credits. Students must also outline their plan for completion of the requirement. If registered for an equivalent course at another institution, students should include proof of registration. Appeals must be received by the student’s academic advisor and department head for their signatures and indication of support/lack of support of the appeal. The signed appeal must then be submitted through the Office of the Registrar, First Floor, Centennial Hall, to the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs who holds authority for final approval or disapproval.