Every undergraduate degree at CSU requires at least three credits of mathematics for graduation. The admission requirement in mathematics is designed to ensure that transfer applicants are on track to satisfy this graduation requirement. Second bachelor’s or post-bachelor applicants are exempt from the admission requirement in mathematics.
Ways to meet the math requirement
The admission requirement may be satisfied through any one of the following means:
College mathematics credits
Completing a transferable mathematics course (such as college algebra or math for the liberal arts or any Colorado community or junior college course with a gtPathways MA-1 designation, including Intro to Statistics) with a grade of “C-” or higher.
Foundational college mathematics course
Completing a pre-college level course such as intermediate algebra, a math literacy lab completed concurrently with a college-level course, or an equivalent (generally numbered below 100-level) with a grade of “C-” or higher.
High school mathematics credits
Completing Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II with grades of “C-” or higher while in high school.
Exam scores
Submitting official scores of 3 or better on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam, 4 or better on the IB Math exam (Further Math, Math Studies, or Mathematics), or 50 or better on CLEP College Math or math subject exams (i.e., College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus).
Transfer Admission Guarantee
Meeting the Transfer Admission Guarantee through completion of an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science from a state of Colorado community or junior college
Math Placement Tool
Applicants who will not meet the admission requirement in mathematics with course work or official test scores as outlined above can use the Colorado State University Math Placement Tool to demonstrate readiness for college-level math.
Completing the Math Placement Tool
After you submit your application to CSU, you can access the Math Placement Tool.
- Make sure you activate your NetID.
- Follow the directions to prepare for and take the Math Placement Tool using your NetID.
When can you complete the Math Placement Tool?
You can complete the tool anytime from a remote location after you have applied for admission and created your NetID. If you will not meet the admission requirement in mathematics with course work, you are strongly encouraged to complete the tool and notify Admissions before the application deadline.
The Math Placement Tool and related Entry Level Math Tutorial (ELM) websites are closed for maintenance between semesters.
What Math Placement Tool result is necessary to meet CSU’s requirement?
Your results will be available immediately after you complete the online tool and will indicate whether you have met the admission requirement in mathematics. If you demonstrate readiness for College Algebra or above (Math 117, 118, 124, etc.), you will have cleared the admission requirement in mathematics.
If your results indicate that you are only cleared to register for Math for Social Sciences (Math 101) or Statistical Literacy (STAT 100), you also must complete units 1-3 of the self-paced, online Entry-Level Math Tutorial (ELM) to satisfy the admission requirement in mathematics.
Applicants to CSU are advised to take the unproctored Math Placement Tool to meet the admission requirement in mathematics unless they expect to receive advanced standing or test out credit for college-level math proficiency.