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Mathematics and Writing Requirements

Mathematics and Writing Requirements Page Navigation

Four Steps to Graduation

To assure that your mathematics and writing skills are adequate for success in college and in the career you eventually pursue, the following is required of all undergraduates. If you have questions, please inquire in Academic Advising Programs, SSC 220, or the Testing Office/Prometric Computer-Based Testing Center, SSC 420.

Step 1. Take the ELM and the EPT

Unless you are exempt, you are required to take the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test and the English Placement Test (EPT) before your first semester at CSU, Chico.

IMPORTANT: If you do not take the tests before your first semester, you will not be allowed to take any courses at the University.

If you think you are exempt, please check The Guide to Mathematics and Writing Requirements, below, or consult Academic Advising Programs.

If you do not pass the ELM, you are required to enroll in a preparatory math course during your first semester. If you do not pass the EPT, you are required to enroll in preparatory English coursework either your first or second semester. You must successfully complete all preparatory course requirements by the end of your second semester in order to be eligible to enroll at CSU, Chico in subsequent semesters.

Early Start Program

The Office of Admissions Early Start is an enrollment requirement for first-time freshmen at CSU, Chico and other CSU campuses. The CSU wants to help first-time freshmen get an “Early Start” in their preparation for college level work. New freshmen deemed not ready for college-level writing and/or math, will need to start the preparatory process no later than the summer before their first term.

If it is determined that you need remediation in either writing or math or both, you must take steps to address this requirement. You will be notified throughout the process of application, admission, and registration about this requirement. Once you have applied, you can find your most current exemption status via your CSU, Chico Portal.

Visit the Office of Admissions Early Start website for more information about the Early Start Program.

Step 2. Enroll in a mathematics course

Important: Your ELM score will determine the math course for which you are eligible.

If you scored 50 or above on the ELM, you passed the ELM and can enroll in a General Education Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course. When you pass GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) with a C- or higher, you will have met the math requirement for graduation. Check The Guide to Mathematics and Writing Requirements, below, for exemptions, or consult Academic Advising Programs.

If you scored below 50 on the ELM, you must enroll in a preparatory math course during your first semester at CSU, Chico. The course in which you are placed will be determined by your ELM score. You must complete all required preparatory math coursework through Intermediate Algebra by the end of your second semester.

Important Information

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
MATH 011 Intensive Beginning Algebra   4.0 FA  
Prerequisites: ELM score of 32 or lower.
This non-baccalaureate course employs non-traditional teaching methods and learning strategies that have been specially designed to enhance student success in the course. Introduction to the basic properties of real numbers, variables, equations, algebraic expressions, functions and their graphs. Includes evaluation of expressions and formulas; translation from words to symbols; solutions of linear equations and inequalities; absolute value; powers and roots; solving two linear equations in two unknowns; real world applications. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for enrollment in Intermediate Algebra (MATH 012 or MATH 051). ABC/no credit grading only. 4 hours lecture. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (005490)
MATH 012 Intensive Intermediate Algebra   4.0 SP  
Prerequisites: Credit in MATH 011, faculty permission.
This non-baccalaureate course employs non-traditional teaching methods and learning strategies that have been specially designed to enhance student success in the course. Review of linear equations, inequalities, exponents, and polynomials, functions, rational expressions, rational exponents, and radicals, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations and logarithms. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for enrollment in a General Education level mathematics course. ABC/no credit grading only. 4 hours lecture. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (005492)
MATH 031 Beginning Algebra   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ELM score of 34-40.
Introduction to the basic properties of real numbers, variables, equations, algebraic expressions, functions and their graphs. This includes evaluation of expressions and formulas; translation from words to symbols; solutions of linear equations and inequalities; absolute value; powers and roots; solving two linear equations in two unknowns; real world applications. During the fourth week of class, an MDTP exam will be given. Students who pass will automatically be transferred to MATH 032, which meets at the same time; students who do not pass will remain enrolled in MATH 031. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for enrollment in Intermediate Algebra. ABC/no credit grading only. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours discussion. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (005493)
MATH 032 Accelerated Intermediate Algebra   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Successful completion of MDTP exam given in MATH 031.
This course is open only to students enrolled in MATH 031 (or in MATH 011 with instructor permission) who pass an MDTP exam during the fourth week of classes. If a student passes the exam, his or her enrollment will automatically be changed to MATH 032. The content of this course is identical with that of MATH 051. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for enrollment in a General Education level mathematics course and satisfies the ELM requirement. ABC/no credit grading only. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours discussion. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (005496)
MATH 051 Intermediate Algebra   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Credit in MATH 011 or credit in MATH 031; or ELM score 42-48.
Review of linear equations, inequalities, exponents, and polynomials. Functions, rational expressions, rational exponents, and radicals, quadratic equations, systems of linear equations, and logarithms. Satisfactory completion of this course fulfills the prerequisite for enrollment in a General Education level mathematics course and satisfies the ELM requirement. ABC/no credit grading only. 1 hour lecture, 2 hours discussion. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (005498)

These are non-baccalaureate courses and are therefore not figured into your GPA or units completed. They do, however, count for financial aid credit.

How to Meet The Math Requirement

All Students must take the ELM (unless exempt) before enrolling at CSU, Chico

  1. Take ELM
    • If you scored 50 or higher:
      1. Enroll in and pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a C- or higher
    • If you scored 42-48:
      1. Enroll in and Pass MATH 051: Intermediate Algebra (C- or higher) during your first semester
      2. Enroll in and pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a C- or higher
    • If you scored 34-40:
      1. Enroll in MATH 031: Beginning Algebra during your first semester.
        Take in-class assessment test (MDTP) during fourth week.
        • if you Pass Test:
          1. Advance automatically to and pass (C- or higher) MATH 032: Accelerated Intermediate Algebra
          2. Enroll in and pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a C- or higher
        • if you Fail Test:
          1. Remain in and Pass (C- or higher) MATH 031
          2. Enroll in and Pass MATH 051: Intermediate Algebra (C- or higher) during your second semester
          3. Enroll in and pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a C- or higher
    • If you scored 32-lower:
      1. Enroll in and Pass MATH 011: Intensive Beginning Algebra (C- or higher) during your first semester
      2. Enroll in and Pass MATH 012: Intensive Intermediate Algebra (C- or higher) during your second semester
      3. Enroll in and pass a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a C- or higher

Step 3. Enroll in a Written Communication course

You are required to take a GE Written Communication (A2) course for three units. Check The Guide to Mathematics and Writing Requirements, below, for exemptions, or consult the Academic Advising Programs.

Important: If your EPT score is 146 or below, you are required to enroll in ENGL 130 during your first or second semester, and you are also required to enroll in ENGL 030: Writing Workshop, a one-unit preparatory course, where you will receive supplemental help with your writing skills.

Important Information

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ENGL 030 Writing Workshop   1.0 FS  
Prerequisites: EPT Score: 146 or lower.
 Corequisite: ENGL 130.
The Writing Workshop is a series of small-group activities focused on understanding and strengthening writing processes. Workshop topics include literacy practices, writing tools, and portfolio preparation. 2 hours activity. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. This course is designated remedial and does not count as credit toward the bachelor's degree, although the units may be applied to financial aid minimum requirements. (003384)

ENGL 030: Writing Workshop is required concurrently with ENGL 130 for students who score 146 and below on the EPT (English Placement Test). It is graded Credit/No Credit and may be repeated as needed. It is non-baccalaureate and is therefore not figured in your GPA or units completed. It does, however, count for financial aid credit.

Step 4. Take and pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) course in your major

All students must demonstrate competency in writing skills as a requirement for graduation. Information on currently available ways to meet this graduation requirement may be obtained from Academic Advising Programs.

You are required to take and pass the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) course in your major with a grade of C- or higher in order to graduate, so it is important to talk with your advisor every semester and plan your schedule carefully.

You will not be allowed to enroll in the GWAR course in your major until you have met the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. Faculty teaching GWAR courses will not allow you to sit in, audit, or enroll later in the semester.

Some departments change their GWAR course from time to time, and your GWAR requirement is determined by the semester in which you take the course, not by catalog rights. If you are not sure what the GWAR course in your major is or when it is offered, see your major advisor immediately.



The Guide to Mathematics and Writing Requirements


The Guide to Mathematics and Writing Requirements Chart
  Mathematics Writing (in sequence from left to right)
Requirement ELM: Entry Level Mathematics test.** GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course with a grade of C- or higher. EPT: English Placement Test.** GE Written Communication (A2) with a grade of C- or higher. GWAR: GWAR course in the major with a grade of C- or higher.
Who All undergraduates unless exempt (see below). All undergraduates unless exempt (see below). All undergraduates unless exempt (see below). All undergraduates unless exempt (see below). All upper-division undergraduates (must have completed GE Written Communication (A2) with a grade of C or higher).
What Placement test for non-exempt students' enrollment in all GE math and prerequisite math courses. GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course. Placement test for non-exempt students' enrollment in composition courses. Lower-division writing course: writing techniques. Upper-division course: practical applications of writing in major.
When Take ELM before first semester of enrollment. Enroll in a GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course if you passed the ELM.

If you did not pass the ELM, enroll immediately in the algebra course designated on your score report. See Academic Advising Programs for help .		 Take EPT before first semester of enrollment. First opportunity after EPT. In most majors, junior or senior year after passing GE Written Communication (A2) with a grade of C- or higher.
Where Any CSU campus; register in campus Test Office at least 15 days in advance. Any college or university; an equivalent transfer course will meet this requirement. Any/Every CSU campus; register in campus Test Office at least 15 days in advance. Any college or university; an equivalent transfer course will meet this requirement. CSU, Chico
Why Places into GE math course or appropriate prerequisite algebra course. Minimum verification of math literacy. Placement into ENGL 130 and appropriate Writing Workshop (ENGL 030) if indicated by EPT score. Preparation for academic writing. Verification of writing proficiency appropriate for major.
Compliance Registration Hold will prevent you from attending the University if you have no ELM score or verified exemption before your first semester. No graduation without passing grade (C- or higher) in GE Quantitative Reasoning (A4) course. Registration Hold will prevent you from attending the University if you have no EPT score or verified exemption before your first semester. No admittance to upper-division writing requirement (GWAR course) and no graduation if no passing grade (C- or higher) in GE Written Communication (A2). Must pass GWAR course in each major with C- or higher to graduate. The satisfactory grade certifies writing proficiency and satisfies the graduation writing assessment requirement (GWAR).
Exemptions -Transfer of college GE math course (C- or higher),
-AP Calculus (AB BC): 3
-AP Statistics: 3
-ACT Math: 23
-SAT I Math: 570
-SAT II Math Levels I, IC, II, IIC: 550
-Students age 60+
-unconditional exemption on the Early Assessment taken in conjunction with the 11th grade CA Standards test or Algebra II.
-conditional exemption on the Early Assessment (described above) PLUS a CSU-approved high school course/activity before CSU enrollment.		 -Transfer of college GE math course (C- or higher)
-CLEP Calculus: 50
-CLEP College Algebra: 50
-CLEP College Algebra/Trigonometry: 50
-CLEP Trigonometry: 50
-International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics HL: 4
-AP Math (any exam): 3		 -Transfer of college written communication course (C- or higher)
-ACT English: 22
-AP Comp. & Lit. or Lang.: 3
-SAT I Verbal or Critical Reading: 500
-SAT EBRW: 550
-Students age 60+
-Placement in the exempt category on the Early Assessment taken in conjunction with the 11th grade California Standards test.		 -Transfer of college written communication course (C- or higher)
-AP Comp. & Lit. or Lang.: 3 or higher
 -None

**Students receive test results by mail or can access them online with their ELM/EPT PIN. ELM Test Preparation You can access the ELM Problem Book at http://www.calstate.edu/ar/ELMProblemBook01_02.pdf. You can also access the CSU Mathematics and English Success at: http://www.csumathsuccess.org/mshome and http://www.csuenglishsuccess.org/eshome

Catalog Cycle:17