Students without transferred college mathematics credit or AP credit that meets the Exploratory Curriculum mathematics requirement will place into one or more of the following mathematics courses:  MAT 0144, 0145, 1110, 1221, 1234, 1360, 1521, 1560, or 2700. 

Appropriate placement depends upon the student’s intended major as well as eligibility criteria.   Eligibility can be demonstrated through an SAT or ACT math score, the Washington state General Math Placement Test (MPT-G), or transfer of a college course. For more information about taking the MPT-G, see our Math Placement testing page. 

Note: Starting in March 2011, SPU switched from using the Intermediate Math Placement Test (MPT-I) to the General Math Placement Test (MPT-G).  However, SPU will also continue to accept scores on the MPT-I for placement, particularly if students have already taken the MPT-I.  However, students are now encouraged to take the MPT-G.

Mathematics Placement Level A

To be eligible to enroll in MAT 0145, MAT 1521, CSC 1521, or MAT 1560, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Score 580 or above on the math portion of the SAT exam.
2. Score 25 or above on the math portion of the ACT test.
3. Score 145 or above* on the MPT-G or MPT-I (the Washington State Math Placement Test, General or Intermediate version)
4. Complete MAT 0144 with a grade of C- or better, OR complete an approved course in intermediate algebra at another college or university with a grade of C- or better.
5. Students admitted to SPU in 2009-10 or earlier may complete the Mathematics Competency Requirement.

Students who do not meet any of the criteria for Mathematics Placement Level A should begin by taking MAT 0144.

Mathematics Placement Level B

To be eligible to enroll in MAT 1360, MAT 2700, MAT 1110, or SOC/PSY 2360, a student must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Score 580 or above on the math portion of the SAT exam.
2. Score 25 or above on the math portion of the ACT test.
3. Score 150 or above* on the MPT-G or the MPT-I (the Washington State Math Placement Test, General or Intermediate version).
4. Complete MAT 0145 with a grade of C- or better, OR complete an approved course in Intermediate Algebra at another college or university with a grade of C- or better.
5. Students admitted to SPU in 2009-2010 or earlier may complete the Mathematics Competency Requirement.

* The scoring system for the MPT changed from raw scores to scaled scores as of October 1, 2010.  Students who took the test prior to October 1, 2010 need to score 15 or higher to meet Mathematics Placement Level A or 20 or higher to meet Mathematics Placement Level B.

Mathematics Placement Level C

To be eligible to enroll in MAT 1221 or MAT 1234, a student must achieve a passing score on the SPU's online Calculus Placement test prior to registering for the course or complete MAT 1110 with a grade of C- or better.

College Readiness Mathematics
The courses MAT 0144 and MAT 0145, College Readiness Mathematics I & II, are designed for students who do not have adequate mathematical backgrounds to succeed in college level coursework in mathematics.

Students needing to take a course with Mathematics Placement Level A as a prerequisite will need to take MAT 0144 if they do not meet any of the other conditions listed. Students needing to take courses with prerequisites of Mathematics Placement Level B may need to take both MAT 0144 and 0145.

The three mathematics placement levels are summarized in the table below. To be eligible to enroll in a course listed at a particular placement level in the table, a student must meet at least one of the criteria in the corresponding row.

* A grade of C- or better is required in prerequisite coursework. Courses may be transferred. 

** Students planning to take MAT 1221 or 1234 must achieve a passing score on the online Calculus Placement Test prior to registering for the course.