Core Math Flowchart and Advising
Students can use a variety of test scores or courses for placement into math and other courses at WWU. Common placement includes the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment, completed courses at WWU, college level transferable courses, Advanced Placement (AP) scores, etc. Advisors can assist with understanding the appropriate course to take based on placement and student’s academic goals.
Mathematics Department Placement Advice for Courses Below Calculus at Western
Mathematics Department Placement Advice for Calculus at Western
Core Math Sequences for Intended Academic Interest Area
- All students should seek advising related to their appropriate math placement based on major of interest and General University Requirements (GURs).
- Students are recommended to register for the highest level of math they qualify for based on ALEKS Math Placement Assessment scores, or other transfer credit/placement information, or previous math coursework at Western.
- Select an academic interest area below to see a possible sequence for math coursework based on a students’ academic interest area.
Students pursuing a major in math/science are recommended to take math their first quarter at WWU. Students are recommended to register for the highest level of math they qualify for based on ALEKS Math Placement Assessment scores or transfer credit/placement information or previous math coursework at Western. The sequence of math courses to follow is:
Math 099 Introductory Algebra (5 credits)
No degree credit
Math 112 Functions and Algebraic Methods (5 credits)
Math 114 Precalculus I (5 credits)
Math 115 Precalculus II (5 credits) and requires Math 114 with a grade of C- or higher at WWU
OR
Math 118 Accelerated Precalculus (5 credits)
Note: Math 118 Accelerated Precalculus (5 credits) will substitute for Math 114 and 115 and will serve as placement into Math 124.
Math 124 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 credits)
Math 125 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5 credits)
OR
Math 138 Accelerated Calculus (5 credits) is an option for students with a suitable AP score and is an acceptable prerequisite to Math 224
Math 224 Multivariable Calculus (5 credits)
Students pursuing a major in the College of Business and Economics should start math early. Students are recommended to register for the highest level of math they qualify for based on ALEKS Math Placement Assessment scores or transfer credit/placement information or previous math coursework at Western. The sequence of math courses to follow is:
Math 099 Introductory Algebra (5 credits)
No degree credit
Math 112 Functions and Algebraic Methods (5 credits)
Math 156 Algebra With Applications to Business and Economics (4 credits)
OR
Math 114 Precalculus I (5 credits)
Math 157 Calculus With Applications to Business and Economics (4 credits)
Note: Math 124, 134 or AP Calculus score of 3-5 will substitute for Math 157
Students are recommended to register for the highest level of math they qualify for based on ALEKS Math Placement Assessment scores or transfer credit/placement information or previous math coursework at Western.
Math 134 Calculus I Honors (5 credits)
MPA and instructor permission required.
Math 135 Calculus II Honors (5 credits)
Math 224 Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I (5 credits)
Students pursuing a major that does not include math or other coursework that requires a math prerequisite course or suitable Math Placement Assessment (MPA) score will complete math for Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning GUR purposes. Students are recommended to enroll in the highest level of math they are eligible for based on ALEKS MPA score or transfer credit. Students are strongly advised to meet with an advisor to determine their best course of action for fulfilling their QSR. Below is a sample sequence:
Math 099 Introductory Algebra (5 credits) No degree credit
Math 107 Math Reasoning and Its Applications (4 credits)
OR
Math 108 Math Applications & Reasoning (4 credits)
OR
Math 112 Functions and Algebraic Methods (5 credits)
Next or future quarter: One additional course from: ANTH 335, CSCI 103, CSCI 172, DSCI 207, ENVS 201, ENVS 221, FIN 216, MGMT 201, MATH 107, MATH 108, MATH 112, MATH 160, MATH 240, PHIL 201, SOC 304.
Elementary Education students need to meet the prerequisite for an Elementary Education math sequence. Students may meet the prerequisite with Math 111 or 112 or an ALEKS Math Placement Assessment score or transfer credit. Students are recommended to register for the highest level of math they qualify for based on ALEKS Math Placement Assessment scores or transfer credit/placement information or previous math coursework at Western.
Math 099 Introductory Algebra (5 credits) No degree credit
Choose either Math 111 Algebra for Elementary Teachers (5 credits)
OR
Math 112 Functions and Algebraic Methods (5 credits)
Choose and begin one of two sequences: Math 371 Teaching P-3 Mathematics I (4 credits)
OR
Math 381 Teaching K-8 Mathematics I (4 credits)
Continue with next course in sequence: Math 372 Teaching P-3 Mathematics II (4 credits)
OR
Math 382 Teaching K-8 Mathematics II (4 credits)
Continue with next course in sequence: Math 373 Teaching P-3 Mathematics III (4 credits) or Math 383 Teaching K-8 Mathematics III (4 credits)