Every STEM Major requires math classes. The first required course for most STEM Majors is Math 1A, Calculus 1.

Before you take Math 1A, you need to understand your options to better ensure your success in Math 1A and in all of the math classes you need to take after Math 1A. Remember to meet with you Academic Counselor before deciding which course you will take!

Understanding your Math Placement for STEM Majors

Please refer to Assessment Services for information on your placement.

The following placement guidelines determine which first year course is available for you to take:

• Tier 4: You have passed Precalculus, Trigonometry/Math Analysis, or another equivalent math class in High School.
  • your high school GPA is at least 2.7 - You can take Math 1A OR Math 1A with Math 201
  • your high school GPA is less than 2.7 - You can take Math 1A with Math 201
• Tier 3: You have not passed Precalculus, but you have passed Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and your high school GPA is at least 2.7.
• Tier 2: You have not passed Precalculus, but you have passed Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and your high school GPA is less than 2.7.
• Tier 1: You have not Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2.

All Students have the option to enroll in Math 1A, but if you placed into Tier's 1, 2, or 3, you have other options.

STEM Math Pathway, Choices For Your First Course

Every STEM Major requires math classes. The first required course for most STEM Majors is Math 1A, Calculus 1.

• Math 1A; This course does not provide a review of Precalculus material. It is expected that students are proficient in Precalculus algebra and trigonometry. Only students who have passed Precalculus with at least a 2.7 high school GPA can enroll in Math 1A without Math 201.
• Math 1A with Math 201; This includes brief reviews of Precalculus algebra and trigonometry topics. It is expected that students are familiar with and have experience in Precalculus algebra and trigonometry.
• Math 27; is an accelerated Precalculus algebra and trigonometry course for students that have not passed Precalculus, but who have passed Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2.
• Math 25/225 and then Math 58; is a two-semester Precalculus algebra and trigonometry pathway with integrated algebra support for students who have not passed Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2.
  • Students who enroll in Math 225 with their Math 25 course are more likely to pass Math 25 and they build a stronger math foundation essential for success in all of their remaining math classes.

What is Math 201, the Calculus support course

Course description for Math 201:

Students will receive additional instructional support to enhance learning and promote conceptual understanding of Calculus 1. This course gives students an opportunity to strengthen their study skills and foundational mathematics competencies, and it allows more time with their instructor. Required for students who are concurrently enrolled in Math 1A and who have not passed Precalculus in high school or have a high school GPA less than 2.7. All Math 1A students who wish additional support are welcome and encouraged to enroll in this course.

Many students will need to enroll in the Corequisite course for Math 1A, Math 201:

• Math 201 is a two-unit corequisite course designed to increase the likelihood of success in your Math 1A class.
• Math 201 includes brief reviews of Precalculus algebra and trigonometry topics.
• It is expected that students are proficient in Precalculus algebra and trigonometry.
• Every student wishing to have additional support in Math 1A is welcome to take the support course.

What to do if you take Math 1A and not pass it the first time around

What could you do if you did not pass or withdrew from Math 1A?

• Don’t give up, talk to your teacher about what to do next time.
• You may want to consider taking Math 27 or Math 25/225 then Math 58 before taking Math 1A again.
• If you took Math 1A without support, consider taking Math 1A with Math 201
• You should to join an academic support group (MESA, Student Success Team, etc.) Your Academic Counselor will know what organizations are out there that will work for you!