Mathematics Pathways
Why take Mathematics in college?
Math is everywhere. People who don鈥檛 use math survive, but people who can use math to solve real-world problems thrive. Using mathematical reasoning helps people to make wise choices in real life, including understanding financial aid, how to budget and spend money, and how to tip appropriately. Math is needed for nearly all careers and professions, but it is the key to being able to enter certain high demand, high-paying professions such as those in science, technology, and engineering. Mathematics will be most rewarding for you if you take the math courses appropriate to you major and career goals.
What Mathematics course should I take?
We can鈥檛 tell you all the math courses you might need to take in your college career. Our goal is to get you started on a math pathway that is best for your intended major. So, we鈥檙e going to help you find the appropriate entry-level mathematics course, the first math course you will take in your college career, the one that will start you on the right pathway.
There are 7 entry-level mathematics courses to choose from:
MATH 1001 Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 1101 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
MATH 1401 Elementary Statistics (at some institutions)
MATH 1111 College Algebra
MATH 1112 College Trigonometry
MATH 1113 Precalculus
Calculus (no common number for this one)
Getting into the courses:
All students are expected to have completed four mathematics courses in high school. (Dual Enrollment students must complete three high school mathematics courses, including Algebra II, before taking collegiate mathematics courses.)
Any student may start in MATH 1001, MATH 1101, or MATH 1401. Some students will be required to take a 鈥淐orequisite Support鈥 course alongside these courses.
You must meet certain requirements to be able to take MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, or Calculus. Some students will be required to take a 鈥淐orequisite Support鈥 course alongside MATH 1111.
If you need MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, or Calculus for your major, but don鈥檛 place into it right away, start with a course that will enable you to meet requirements for the math you need. Here鈥檚 the sequencing information. Start with the 鈥渉ighest鈥 course you can qualify for and go from there.
Look for your intended major in the chart below to see the best course for you to start in.