All first-year students will be required to take the Math Department's algebra placement exam, even if they have SAT, ACT or AP scores. New students who are coming to Seattle University with college-level coursework that may count toward SU math requirements, please contact your Academic Advisor to discuss whether you should complete the Algebra Placement Exam. If you plan to pursue a degree in Business, Nursing, or a STEM-related field and are bringing Running Start credits to SU, you are required to complete the Algebra Exam.
There are two math placement exams, a 30-question algebra test and a 9-question trigonometry test. The trig test only needs to be taken by students wanting our classes with trig co-requisites, MATH 1230, Calculus for Life Sciences, or MATH 1334, Calculus I. The placement tests are online tests that can be taken at your convenience. But please note that first-year students must have the algebra test completed by July 1st. The algebra test may only be taken once, the trig test may be taken twice. Both exams have a time limit (the algebra test is 60 minutes, the trig test 30 minutes), but are not proctored. Limited additional time may be added with the approval of Disability Services.
Most first-year students will be automatically registered to take these tests. But if you find that's not the case, please send your SU email address to our Math Dept. assistant at teegardj@seattleu.edu.
You can find out more about the math placement exams in our Frequently Asked Questions document: FAQ page found here!
| Course | ACT Score | SAT Score | Minimum S.U. Placement Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 1000 | 18-22 | 490-550 | Algebra score 4 |
| MATH 1010 | 23-27 | 560-650 | Algebra score 15 |
| MATH 1021 | 23-27 | 560-650 | Algebra score 15 |
| MATH 1022 | 27-36 | 640-800 | Algebra score 23 |
| MATH 1130 | 27-36 | 640-800 | Algebra score 23 |
| MATH 1210 | 27-36 | 640-800 | Algebra score 23 |
| MATH 1230 | 27-36 & Trig test score of 4* | 640-800 & Trig test score of 4* | Algebra score of 23 & either MATH 1022 taken concurrently or Trig. score of 4 |
| MATH 1331 | 27-36 | 640-800 | Algebra score 23 |
| MATH 1334 | 28-36 & Trig. test score of 6* | 660-800 & Trig. test score of 6* | Algebra score of 25 & either MATH 1022 taken concurrently or Trig. score of 6 |
*The corequisite for MATH 1230 & 1334 is MATH 1022 or the indicated score on the Trig placement exam
A student who has taken the AP Calculus Exam (AB or BC), and has a score of 3 or better will receive 5 credits for one or more calculus courses. Guidelines are given below. Contact the Office of the Registrar or the Mathematics Dept. for more information.
| Score | Credit Granted: |
|---|---|
| 3 | MATH 1130/Calculus for Business or MATH 1230/Calculus for Life Sciences |
| 4 | MATH 1334/Calculus I |
| 5 | MATH 1334/Calculus I & MATH 1335/Calculus II |
| Score | Credit Granted: |
|---|---|
| 3 | MATH 1334/Calculus I |
| 4 | MATH 1334/Calculus I, MATH 1335/Calculus II |
| 5 | MATH 1334/Calculus I, MATH 1335/Calculus II & possibly MATH 1336/Calculus III* |
* Credit for MATH 1336 may be granted after consultation with the Mathematics Department Chair.
In exceptional circumstances, a student can elect to be evaluated through a departmental examination for a requirement waiver or credit for one or more courses. If a waiver is granted, the Mathematics Department will file a Petition for Exception to Policy. To be granted credit, a student must follow Seattle University Credit by Exam Policy. There is a $475 fee associated to this process. The following departmental examinations are offered:
A student who has A-Level qualification or International Baccalaureate credit in calculus may receive credit for one or more calculus courses. Please see the policy links below for details or contact the Mathematics Department for more information.
International Baccalaureate Policy
To begin, find the track below that best describes your interests and major.
NOTE: This major-specific information is not meant to substitute for the recommendations of an advisor. It reflects the Math Department's understanding as of January 2017, but please consult with an advisor in your major field regarding the most current requirements.
First year students without AP calculus credit or previous college mathematics credits will place into one or more of the following mathematics courses:
First year students without AP calculus credit or previous college mathematics credits will place into one or more of the following mathematics courses. Note: Economics majors interested in having a strong quantitative background should prepare to take the full Calculus sequence.
If your major is in the College of Arts and Sciences, then you will likely only need to take UCOR 1200 unless you choose to take higher mathematics. UCOR 1200 does not have a prerequisite other than undergraduate admission to Seattle University. UCOR 1200 does not qualify you to take additional math classes. UCOR 1200 is regularly offered with the following thematic variations:
First year students interested in Nursing must take MATH 1010 or higher. Transfer students interested in Nursing must complete their math requirement before entering SU. Please contact the College of Nursing for more details. The following courses may be of interest:
First year students without Advanced Placement calculus credit or previous college mathematics credits will place into one or more of the following mathematics courses:
The following downloadable chart provides a guide to the appropriate sequencing of Seattle University math classes. Each of the four sections roughly approximates an undergraduate college year. Prerequisites are noted where applicable, as well as when these classes are usually taught. Students with questions about specific classes and requirements should consult their advisors.