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.
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 http://www.collegeboard.org (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, (417) 836-5112 to schedule an appointment. Adult and evening students may also contact the Office of Adult Student Services, (417) 836-6929 or (800) 492-7900.
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 online through My Missouri State system.
Placement Using ACT Math Sub score
| Score |
Placement |
| ACT Math ≥ 28 | MTH 340, 287, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 27 | MTH 340, 287, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 26 | MTH 287, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 25 | MTH 138, 135, 130, 103,102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 23 | MTH 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 22 |
MTH 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 20 | MTH 103, 102, 101 |
| ACT Math ≤ 19 | MTH 101 |
Placement Using SAT Math Sub score
| Score |
Placement |
| SAT Math ≥ 640 | MTH 340, 287, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 620 | MTH 340, 287, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 600 | MTH 287, 181, 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 580 | MTH 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 540 |
MTH 135, 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 520 | MTH 130, 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 480 |
MTH 103, 102, 101 |
| SAT Math ≤ 460 |
MTH 101 |