Math Core Requirement
The University of San Diego requires that all undergraduate students complete a Math requirement as part of the Core Curriculum. Mathematics classes that fulfill the Math Core requirement include:
- Investigations in Modern Mathematics (Math 110/112)
- College Algebra (Math 115)
- Advanced courses such as Calculus (Math 133 or 150)
A student may also fulfill the Math Core requirement by passing Logic (Phil 102).
Math Placement Exam
About the Math Placement Exam
All students who wish to take a math course at USD must take the mathematics placement exam. Logic (Phil 102) does not require the math placement exam as it is not a mathematics course.
We use the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment as our math placement exam.
Placement exams can be taken up to five times during any 12-month period.
Taking the Math Placement Exam
Before taking the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment, we strongly recommend reading our Math Placement Exam Frequently Asked Questions page, which covers important information about the exam.
Our frequently asked questions page also covers technical support, or you can go directly to ALEKS Technical Support.
Please note: It takes 24 hours for the system at USD to update your score. Please keep this in mind when registering for classes.
How Math Course Placement is Decided
Using ALEKS scores in conjunction with the previous academic record, we place each student in the appropriate mathematics course.
Additionally, certain AP Calculus and Calculus IB scores may be used for math placement.
Take a look at the tabs below to see potential placements based on ALEKS, AP Calculus and Calculus IB scores.
Questions about the Math Placement Exam? Send an email to mathplacement@sandiego.edu.
- Qualifying ALEKS Scores
- AP Calculus (AB/BC)
- Calculus IB
| Scores: | Level of Math Qualified for (Lower levels may be taken): |
|---|---|
| 0-45 | Algebraic Reasoning (Math 100) |
| 46-60 | Investigations in Mathematics, College Algebra (Math 110, 115) |
| 61-100 | Business Calculus, Calculus I (Math 133, 150) |