Step 1: Take Course Placement Tests

We want you to start your first semester on the right foot and making sure you're enrolled in the correct courses is a good starting point. To ensure you're placed in the right courses for your major, please review the following placement test and course guideline information.

Mathematics

The Mathematical Sciences Department has information regarding the following:

• Math Placement Guidelines
• Advanced Placement
• First-Year Math Courses
• Basic Skills Test

If you have questions regarding placement or policies, please contact Ann Humes, Director of First-Year Mathematics, at 906-487-2938.

Chemistry

The Chemistry Department has the best information regarding where you should be placed, as well as frequently asked questions. For college-level chemistry, you'll need at least one year of high school chemistry, proficiency in algebra, and good problem solving skills. If you feel you were placed in the wrong chemistry course during scheduling, you may adjust your schedule during Orientation registration.

If you have questions regarding placement or policies, please contact Lois Blau, Coordinator of the Chemistry Learning Center, at 906-487-2297.

Computer Science

There are two levels of computer science courses for first-year students, depending on their previous experience with programming.

• CS1121 is the usual first course in Computer Science. This course is for students with no prior computer programming experience. If you choose to take CS1121, you do not need to take the Computer Science Placement Test.
• CS1131 is the accelerated introduction to Computer Science and requires at least some previous programming experience. If you are unsure of your experience level, you should take the Computer Science Placement Test.

If you have questions regarding placement or policies, please contact the Department of Computer Science at CS-quest@mtu.edu or 906-487-2209.

Modern Language

Michigan Tech offers minors and international minors as well as certificates and advanced certificates in modern language studies. If you plan to continue studying French, German, or Spanish, you'll need to take the online Modern Language Placement Test to ensure you are placed at the appropriate level of study. We highly recommend you take this test online prior to your arrival on campus, available between April 15 and July 15. 

This test will also be offered on campus during Orientation week. Registration is required by August 10, 2012.

Language Option for World Cultures

Students may choose to take two semesters of a modern language plus the World Cultures activities course, UN1003, to fulfill the World Cultures general education requirement. If you have previous language experience and wish to complete the requirement through further language study at Michigan Tech, you should take the online Modern Language Placement Test. Please note that placement credits do not count toward the World Cultures requirement.

Please contact Diane Shoos, Director of Modern Languages, at 906-487-2540.

Engineering

During the first year, all engineering students participate in a common first-year engineering experience. In these engineering classes, you will learn to integrate and apply topics and theories learned in your math and science courses. You'll study the different engineering disciplines through participation in projects, assignments, and explorations. In addition, you will study engineering ethics, computer programming, the engineering design process, and technical communications through analyses and applications.

During Orientation, all engineering majors will take the Spatial Visualization Test, which measures your ability to visualize a three-dimensional object from different perspectives. If you do not pass, you will be automatically enrolled in ENG1002, Introduction to Spatial Visualization. Spatial visualization is a required skill that enhances engineering student success in many courses.

Please contact Jean Kampe, Chair of the Department of Engineering Fundamentals, at 906-487-3046.