Recommended Entry-Level Courses and Scores

Placement in an appropriate initial math course is crucial to your success at Michigan Tech. Our goal is to place you into the course that will provide the best opportunity to complete your degree in four years. Depending on where you place based on your recommended first math course, you may or may not need to take ALEKS. If you ultimately place below your recommended first math course, we strongly recommend you take ALEKS to challenge your placement.

Your current aptitude matters! Starting in a math course that is too low may increase your time to graduation. But starting in a course that is too advanced could mean frustration, difficulty understanding important concepts, or re-taking courses and increasing your time to graduation.

Use the drop-down menu below to see your recommended first math course based on your intended major, and learn what you need to place into that course:

Choose your major:

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in accounting in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in anthropology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in applied ecology and environmental sciences in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in applied geophysics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in applied physics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in audio production and technology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with biology focus in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biochemistry and molecular biology with chemistry focus in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in bioinformatics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biological sciences in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biomedical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in chemical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in cheminformatics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in chemistry in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in civil engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in communication, culture, and media in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in computer engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in computer network and system administration in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in computer science in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in construction management in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in computer science in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biological sciences in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in electrical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in electrical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in electrical engineering technology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in electrical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in English in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in environmental engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in exercise science in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in finance in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in forestry in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your business and economics degree in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in computer science in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your engineering degree in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to stay on track for the major you decide to pursue.

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in geological engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in geology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in surveying engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in history in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in biological sciences in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in humanities in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in liberal arts in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in management in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in management information systems in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in marketing in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in materials science and engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mathematics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mathematics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mechanical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mechanical engineering technology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in materials science and engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA2720-Statistical Methods gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in medical laboratory science in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mining engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in management in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in pharmaceutical chemistry in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in physics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in physics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in psychology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in mechanical engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in scientific and technical communication in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in scientific and technical communication in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA2720-Statistical Methods gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in social sciences in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in software engineering in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in sound design in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in sports and fitness management in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1160-Calculus with Technology I or MA1161-Calculus Plus with Technology I gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in statistics in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy or Starting in MA1032-Precalculus gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in sustainability science and society in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in wildlife ecology and management in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in theatre and electronic media performance in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1020-Quantative Literacy gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in theatre and entertainment technology in eight semesters (four years).

Starting in MA1135-Calculus for Life Sciences gives you the best opportunity to complete your degree in wildlife ecology and management in eight semesters (four years).

Score Needed to Place in Your First Michigan Tech Math Course
Michigan Tech Course* ACT Math Score SAT Math Score AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC IB Mathematics (HL) ALEKS
MA1020 Quantitative Literacy 10-20 260 or higher N/A N/A N/A 0 or higher (recommended minimum of 46)
MA1030 College Algebra 18-21 500-530 N/A N/A N/A 46-60
MA2720 Statistical Methods 22 and above 540 and above N/A N/A N/A 61 and above
MA1032 Precalculus 22-25 540-600 N/A N/A N/A 61-75
MA1135 Calculus for Life Sciences 26-28 610-670 2 Based on AB subscore N/A 76-85
MA1161 Calculus Plus with Technology I 26-28 610-670 2 Based on AB subscore N/A 76-85
MA1160 Calculus with Technology I 29 680 and above Score of 3 allows placement in MA2160, but a grade of C or better must be earned to receive credit for MA1160 Based on AB subscore N/A 86-100
MA2160 Calculus with Technology II N/A N/A 4 or 5 Based on AB subscore N/A N/A
MA3160 Multivariable Calculus with Technology N/A N/A N/A

4 or 5; Score of 3 allows placement in MA 3160, but a grade of C or better must be earned to receive credit for MA 1160 and MA 2160; Credit/placement for a score of 2 or lower will be based on AB subscore

5 N/A
 * Transfer credit awarded for equivalent courses with a grade of C or higher