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General Education 

Math Placement at Missouri State University

An appropriate placement is required prior to taking any of the entry level mathematics courses beyond MTH 101 as noted in the course prerequisite. Students can use their ACT or SAT math sub score or the results from the Department of Mathematics Placement Test to determine their appropriate math placement level. In the event that the placement determined by the ACT or SAT sub score and the departmental test are different, the student may choose either one after consulting with an advisor.
If you do not have transfer credit for MTH 103 or higher, then your placement in mathematics at Missouri State will be based on your math score from the ACT or SAT. If you do not have either transfer credit or ACT or SAT math scores, then you must either take the math placement exam orbegin your math sequence at Missouri State with MTH 101 (Intermediate Algebra I). If you have MTH elective credit in transfer (MTH 000) that needs to be re-evaluated to help determine your placement more appropriately, please e-mail the Department of Mathematics at Mathematics@MissouriState.edu . Also, if you have successfully completed an introductory (non-transferable) algebra course at a college, you may receive permission to begin with MTH 103 (Intermediate Algebra).
  
You may also choose to take the placement exam if you are not satisfied with your placement based on your ACT or SAT math sub score. It is recommended to complete the placement exam prior to registration if possible.   You may do so by participating in the scheduled testing sessions during SOAR or call the Mathematics Department at (417)836-5112 to schedule an appointment.  

Having your ACT or SAT scores sent

If you will need your ACT or SAT scores for placement purposes, be sure to request that they be sent to us if you have not already done so. Consult www.act.org (ACT) or www.collegeboard.com (SAT) for more information. If your scores are on your high school transcript, you may also have your official transcript sent to us.

Arranging to take the math placement test

If you need (or choose) to take the math placement test, you may do so by participating in the scheduled testing sessions during SOAR or call the Mathematics Department (Cheek 10M) at (417)836-5112 to schedule an appointment. Adult and evening students may also contact the Office of Adult Student Services and the Evening College, Carrington 422, 417-836-6929.
 
You should arrange to have your ACT or SAT scores sent or take the math placement test before you register for your first semester at Missouri State University. You are required to complete your mathematics general education requirement (as well as other basic skills requirements) before being admitted to our degree program.  

About the mathematics placement test

The one-hour placement test administered by the Mathematics Department will consist of fifty questions in three components: basic algebra, advanced algebra, and trigonometry. Students will have an option to attempt only the basic algebra portion during the first thirty minutes and turn in the test if they so desire. They are, however, strongly encouraged to attempt the whole test. There is no charge for the mathematics placement test, and there is no need to sign up in advance. However, the placement test can only be taken once. Please contact the Mathematics Department for further information. Students can view their ACT, SAT, and/or placement test scores on the web My Information system within the Advisement Folder option.

Placement Using ACT Math Sub score
 

Score                             Placement         
ACT Math ≥ 27                MTH 340, 287, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130           

ACT Math ≥ 26                MTH 181, 138, 135, 130          

ACT Math ≥ 24                MTH 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101          

ACT Math ≥ 22                MTH 135, 130, 103, 102, 101          

ACT Math ≥ 20                MTH 103, 101          

ACT Math ≤ 19                MTH 101

Placement Using SAT Math Sub score
 

Score                              Placement

SAT Math ≥ 620               MTH 340, 287, 285, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130

SAT Math ≥ 600               MTH 285, 181, 138, 135, 130 

SAT Math ≥ 560               MTH 138, 135, 130, 103

SAT Math ≥ 520               MTH 135, 130, 103

SAT Math ≥ 480               MTH 103, 101 

SAT Math ≤ 480               MTH 101 

  

Placement Using Department Placement Test
          

         Code                 Eligible Courses         

           A                         MTH 340, 287, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130

          B                        MTH 181, 138, 135, 130

          F                        MTH 135, 130, 103, 102, 101

          G                       MTH 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101

          H                       MTH 135, 103, 102, 101,

           I                        MTH, 103, 101

          K                        MTH 101                             
         

NOTE: Placement scores of “F” and “H” have the same list of eligible courses. The “H” code means the student completed only the first 25 questions of the exam. The “F” code means the student attempted to complete the entire exam.