MATH PLACEMENT CHART
How to read this chart: Begin with the Algebra score – if it is below 395, the Basic score determines
placement into Math 10 or Math 20. If Algebra is 626 or above, look at the Trig score.
Basic
150-325
Algebra
150-395
Trigonometry

Course Placement
Math 10
(Mandatory review course)

Math 20
(Mandatory review course)
396-585

Math 104, 106, 108, 109, 203, or 246
586-625
(met university

Math 111 or 112
150-585
Math 111 or 113
586-850
Math 114
326-850
competency through
placement test)
626-850
(met B.S. competency
through placement test)
MANDATORY REVIEW POLICY: New freshmen whose Algebra score is below 395 MUST
successfully complete Review Mathematics (Math 10 or Math 20) prior to completing 30 credits
or future registration will be blocked. This is a UW System policy and applies to all new
freshmen, regardless of major.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Math 10 Developmental Mathematics (4 crs). This course develops basic arithmetic and introductory
algebraic skills, and is intended for students who need a review of these skills prior to entering Math 20.
The course carries only transcript credit, which does not count toward graduation.
Math 20 Intermediate Algebra (4 crs). A course designed for students who need to strengthen their
algebraic skills prior to enrollment in Math 109, Math 104, 108 or Math 203 or 246 The course covers
the real number system, linear equations and inequalities, operations on polynomials and rational
expressions, factoring, solutions of quadratic equations, Cartesian coordinates, functions, and related
applications. Prerequisite: Math 10 or one year of college-preparatory algebra and suitable scores on
the placement test. The course carries only transcript credit, which does not count toward graduation.
Math 104 Finite Mathematics with Applications (4 crs). This course will cover applications from
Economics, Social and Biological Sciences. The topics include sets, functions, counting principles,
probability, solution of linear systems by graphical and algebraic methods, matrices, linear programming,
problem formulation, and solving with graphs and trees. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Math 20 or
suitable scores on the placement test and two years of high school algebra. May not be taken for credit
after or concurrently with Math 114, 212, 314, or 346.
Math 106 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking (4 crs) is an accessible introduction to some
interesting mathematical topics requiring analytical reasoning and critical thinking. Approximately eight
learning modules will be selected from sixteen. Some of the topics included are number theory, geometric
symmetry and patterns, fractals and chaos theory, coding theory, exponential growth models, chance,
graph theory, game theory and history of mathematics. Prerequisite: Math 20, or two years of collegepreparatory algebra and suitable scores on the placement test.
Math 108 Earth Algebra (4 crs). This course models real data drawn from biology, the environment,
finance, and other physical systems. Topics include the development of linear, polynomial, exponential
and logarithmic functions, and the rate of change in an applied setting. Prerequisite: “C” or better in
Math 20, or two years of college-preparatory algebra and suitable scores on the mathematics placement
test.
Math 109 Algebra for Calculus (4 crs). A college algebra course designed to provide the algebraic
skills needed for Math 111 or Math 112. Topics covered include: Algebraic concepts, techniques, and
applications including polynomial and rational expressions, linear and quadratic equations, complex
numbers, inequalities, absolute value, functions and graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions,
systems of equations and inequalities, and zeros of polynomials. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Math 20
or two years of college-preparatory algebra and suitable scores on the placement test. NOT FOR G.E.
Math 111 A Short Course in Calculus (4 crs). A course emphasizing applications of calculus and
designed primarily for students in business and social sciences. It covers functions, limits, continuity,
derivatives, integrals, and applications. Prerequisite: Math 109; a B in Math 108; or three years of
above average work in college-preparatory high school mathematics and suitable scores on the
mathematics placement test.
Math 112 Precalculus Mathematics (4 crs). A course designed for students who plan eventually to take
Math 114 but who need additional background first especially in the area of trigonometry. Prerequisite:
Math 108 or 109 or three years of above-average achievement in college-preparatory mathematics and
suitable scores on the mathematics placement test. NOT FOR G.E.
Math 113 Trigonometry (2 crs). will cover graphs, properties, and geometric significance of
trigonometric functions of a real variable. Other topics include trigonometric equations and identities,
inverse trigonometric functions and applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 109, or a grade of B or above in MATH 108; or three years of above-average work
in college-prep MATH and suitable scores on the placement test. NOT FOR G.E.
Math 114 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I (4 crs). This is the first of three calculus courses
designed primarily for students majoring or minoring in mathematics, chemistry, computer science, or
physics, as well as students in pre-engineering or pre-medicine. Prerequisite: Four years of aboveaverage work in college preparatory mathematics (including trigonometry) and suitable scores on the
mathematics placement test.
Math 203 Mathematics for Elementary/Middle School Teachers I (3 crs). An integrated study of
mathematics content, methods, and curricula open only to students in elementary/middle education or
special education. Topics include problem solving, reasoning, whole numbers and numeration with an
emphasis on cognitively guided instruction, elementary number theory, integers. Prerequisite: “C” or
better in Math 20 or two years of college-preparatory algebra and suitable scores on the mathematics
placement test.
Math 246 Elementary Statistics (4 crs). Basic statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics,
probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression, correlation, Chi-Square, and
Analysis of Variance. Prerequisite: “C” or better in Math 20, or two years of college-preparatory algebra
and a suitable mathematics placement test score.
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION IN MATHEMATICS
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMINATIONS
 Students who receive a 3 on the Calculus AB examination receive credit for
Math 111.
 Students who receive a 4 or higher on the Calculus AB receive credit for Math 114.
 Students who receive a 3 or higher on the Calculus BC examination receive credit for
Math 114 and 214.
 Students who receive a 2 or higher on the Calculus BC examination receive credit for
Math 114.
 Students who receive a 3 or higher on the Statistics examination receive credit for
Math 246.
Placing students in math courses prior to receipt of AP scores
 While placement scores can be used as one indication, the student is the best judge of
whether he or she passed the examination and whether the student feels ready to go on in
Calculus.
 Students who took the AP calculus examination and place into Math 109 or even
Math 112 may want to talk with the Math department.
 Once we receive the AP scores we will notify students who need to change their math
courses.
CLEP EXAMINATIONS
Students who did not take AP exams and placed into Math 112 or Math 114 might want to
consider taking a CLEP examination. As is the case with foreign language, it is both a way to
obtain additional credits (which can help with their registration time for second semester) and a
way to document their math ability if they don’t plan to go on in Math.
We accept the following CLEP examinations:
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Important notes:
 The test must be taken before the student enrolls in the equivalent course or in a higher
level course for which it is a prerequisite.
 CLEP exams can be taken at universities nationwide. The scores are then sent to UWEau Claire.
 For information about CLEP testing at UW-Eau Claire, contact Academic Testing,
836-5522. The cost is $92.00 ($77 payable to ETS and $15 payable to UW-Eau Claire.)
 For information about CLEP testing elsewhere, go to
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html
QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS WHO PLACE INTO MATH 104, 106, 108, 109, 203, 246
1. Are you interested in going on in Math at the college level?
 Then you should take Math 109.
2. Are you interested in Special Education or Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence
(Elementary Education)?
 Then you must take Math 203 once you are declared.
3. Are you interested in a Business major?
 You should take Math 109, leading to Math 111.
4. Are you interested in Nursing?
 Nursing requires Math 246, but you will take it later. If you want to take a math course
that keeps your options open, Math 246 is the one.
5. Are you interested in Athletic Training, Kinesiology-Human Performance or Physical
Education?
 Then you will take Math 246 (not usually in your first semester)
6. Are you interested in Social Work?
 You will take Math 246, usually during your second semester.
7. Are you interested in a science, computer science, math, or engineering?
 Then you should take Math 109 leading to Math 113 (and beyond).
8. For students whose major falls within the College of Arts and Sciences: Are you interested in
completing the foreign culture or study abroad option rather than the foreign language option
and would therefore consider the Bachelor of Science? Then you should take Math 109 and
then either Math 111 or 113 and 114.
________________________________________________________________________
If none of the above situations apply to you, then you can consider the following courses:
Math 104 (Finite Mathematics)
Math 106 (Introduction to Mathematical Thinking)
Math 108 (Earth Algebra)—NOTE: If you change your mind and want to go on in math, you
can do so from this course. Students who take Math 108 can take Math 112 or, if they get a B
or higher, they can take Math 111.