Math Placement
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 exam to determine their appropriate math placement level. In the event that the placement determined by the ACT or SAT sub score and the departmental exam 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 or begin 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 email the Department of Mathematics. 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 will be notified before your SOAR session of how to take the mathematics placement exam online.
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 exam
If you need (or choose) to take the math placement exam, you may do so by participating in the scheduled examing sessions during SOAR or register for the exam at the MSU Testing Center.
You should arrange to have your ACT or SAT scores sent or take the math placement exam before you register for your first semester at Missouri State University.
About the mathematics placement exam
The one-hour placement exam 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 exam if they so desire. They are, however, strongly encouraged to attempt the whole exam. There is no charge for the mathematics placement exam, and there is no need to sign up in advance. However, the placement exam can only be taken once. Please contact the Mathematics Department for further information. Students can view their ACT, SAT, and/or placement exam scores online through My Missouri State system.
Placement Using ACT Math Sub score
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
| ACT Math ≥ 28 | MTH 340, 314, 287, 261, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 27 | MTH 340, 287, 215, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 26 | MTH 287, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 25 | MTH 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 22 | MTH 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≥ 20 | MTH 103, 101 |
| ACT Math ≤ 19 | MTH 101 |
Placement Using SAT Math Sub score
| Score | Placement |
|---|---|
| SAT Math ≥ 660 | MTH 340, 314, 287, 261, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 640 | MTH 340, 287, 215, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 620 | MTH 287, 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 600 | MTH 138, 137, 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 570 | MTH 136, 134, 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 550 | MTH 130, 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≥ 510 | MTH 103, 101 |
| SAT Math ≤ 500 | MTH 101 |