Curriculum Pages:

Algebra Proficiency and Mathematics Placement

A general discussion of placement at the College can be found at the placement page.

Algebra Proficiency

All students must establish algebra proficiency before enrolling in any other mathematics course (and hence satisfying any mathematics Foundations requirements). Algebra proficiency may be established by: passing MA 115 Fundamentals of Algebra, presenting sufficient ACT or SAT scores, or passing the algebra proficiency exam given during orientation week. All new students should complete this requirement during the first year at the College, and preferably during the first term.

For additional information on the algebra proficiency exam, and for additional exam dates, contact Louanne Jacobs, ljacobs@bsc.edu.

Course Placement

The mathematics faculty reviews each student's application materials and determines the appropriate level of mathematics courses for that student. This information is provided to the student's advisor prior to orientation. While students may place out of certain mathematics courses, credit for those courses can only be earned through AP or IB credit.

As part of the Skills Foundations requirement, each student must take one mathematics course in statistics, modeling, or calculus. Students interested in mathematics or a mathematics-related field should begin in calculus or statistics. Students not interested in more advanced study in mathematics should enroll in statistics or a modeling course.

Please note that MA 124 Precalculus Mathematics does not satisfy the Skills Foundations mathematics requirement, but is a preparation for calculus. Depending on their prior experience, students may place out of MA 124.

For further information on mathematics placement and mathematics courses, visit the mathematics information page, or contact the mathematics department chair, Doug Riley, driley@bsc.edu.