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Choosing First Math Class

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Starting in the appropriate math class for your current skill level will help you establish a solid mathematical foundation that is crucial for your success. In the first semester, our 4-year degree plans begin with Calculus.

Math placement is based on AP Calculus or IB Higher Level Math scores, Cambridge International A Level math credit, previously earned college credit for math, SAT and ACT math scores, and the Clemson Math Placement test. Your initial math placement will be based on the scores and credits we have received at the time of orientation advising and registration.

Math Sequence

  • Computer Science, B.A., Computer Information Systems, B.S.

    Computer Science B.A. (CPSC B.A.) or Computer Information Systems B.S. (CIS) students may begin in either the Business Calculus sequence or the Calculus of One Variable math sequence.

    • MATH 1020: Business Calculus I
    • MATH 2070: Business Calculus II

    or

    • MATH 1060: Calculus of One Variable I
    • MATH 1080: Calculus of One Variable II

    Students not ready for MATH 1020 will take one of the following courses: MATH 1030 or MATH 1050.

  • Computer Science, B.S.

    Computer Science B.S. (CPSC B.S.) students begin in Calculus of One Variable math sequence.

    • MATH 1060: Calculus of One Variable I
    • MATH 1080: Calculus of One Variable II
    • MATH 3110 Linear Algebra

    Students not ready for MATH 1060 will take one of the following courses: MATH 1040, MATH 1030, or MATH 1050.

  • Engineering

    Engineering students begin in Calculus of One Variable math sequence.

    • MATH 1060: Calculus of One Variable I
    • MATH 1080: Calculus of One Variable II
    • MATH 2060: Calculus of Several Variables
    • MATH 2080: Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (or MATH 3110 Linear Algebra for Industrial Engineering)
    • Additional courses may be required depending on the engineering major

    Students not ready for MATH 1060 will take one of the following courses: MATH 1040, MATH 1030, MATH 1050, or ENG 1010.

  • Geology

    Geology students begin in Calculus of One Variable math sequence.

    • MATH 1060: Calculus of One Variable I
    • MATH 1080: Calculus of One Variable II

    Students not ready for MATH 1060 will take one of the following courses: MATH 1040, MATH 1030, or MATH 1050.

Ways to Improve Math Placement

If you would like to be placed in a higher math course, you can take the Math Placement Test or enroll in a class during the summer before the start of your first year.

Take the Clemson Math Placement Test (CMPT)

Clemson Math Placement: The CMPT is an online adaptive placement exam using ALEKS that consists of approximately 25 - 35 questions. Upon completion of the CMPT, you can access the ALEKS Learning Modules to practice skills and improve your knowledge. Your CMPT score can place you into MATH 1030, 1040, or 1060.

You should consider taking the Clemson Math Placement Test (CMPT) if:

  • Your initial math placement is not in MATH 1060, MATH 1080, or MATH 2060
  • You have not received your AP Calculus scores yet. If you later find that your AP scores place you in a higher math course, you can adjust your registration before classes begin.
  • You were placed into MATH 1060, but it has been two or more years since you took a precalculus or calculus class.

Enroll in a Math or Statistics course before your first semester

Summer Classes at Clemson: If you are starting in the fall, you can see if Clemson is offering MATH 1030 or MATH 1040 in the summer, which would prepare you to take either MATH 1060 or MATH 1070 in the Fall. Students admitted to Fall may opt into the Summer term if they choose. You can change your entry term to Summer through the Admitted Student Portal.

Transfer Credits to Clemson: You also can take a college-level math course, like Precalculus, or a statistics course before enrolling at Clemson. If you receive a C grade or higher in the class at an accredited institution, you can begin MATH 1040 in your first semester.

Determining Math Placement

You can use the table below to look up your potential math placement based on your scores or math transfer credit. The table is listed from lowest to highest level math courses. Locate the test you took and find the range in which your score falls or locate your highest math transfer course. Follow the grid to find the course in which you have placed. If your scores place you in more than one math class, you are eligible to enroll in any of the courses for which you meet the requirements. You should discuss your math placement with the academic advisor collaborating with you as part of the New Student Orientation process. You may need, or want, to start in a lower course to increase strength and confidence in math.

MATH PLACEMENT ACT MATH SAT MATH AP CALCULUS IB MATHEMATICS
Analysis and Approaches		 CMPT TRANSFER CREDIT
MATH 1990 NONE NONE NONE NONE
MATH 1050 NONE NONE NONE NONE
MATH 1030 21-26 540-630 50-64 ANY MATH or STAT
MATH 1020* 26+ 620+ Pre-Cal 3-5 60+ ANY MATH or STAT
MATH 1040 27-28 640-670 Pre-Cal 3-5 65-79 ANY MATH or STAT
MATH 1060 29+ 680+ BC 3 & AB subscore 3-4 or AB 3-4 80+ NONE
MATH 1080 BC 3 & AB subscore 5 or AB 5 IB 4-7 MATH 1060
MATH 2060 BC 4-5 MATH 1080

*NOTE: Option for Computer Science, B.A. and Computer Information Systems, B.S. only.

Math Pathways

Multiple pathways can prepare you for the calculus sequence needed. Students placed into MATH 1080 or MATH 2060 are ahead in the curriculum.

Curriculum Sequence The four-year curriculum is based on students beginning in MATH 1020 (Computer Science, B.A.  or Computer Information Systems, B.S. only) or 1060. Students starting in MATH 1020, MATH 1040, MATH 1030, or MATH 1050 may need to take summer classes to stay on track to graduate and declare their major within a year.

Unfold the accordion based on your math placement to see how your other coursework is impacted by your math placement.

  • MATH 1050

    MATH 1050 is Precalculus and will provide the necessary instruction to prepare you for calculus. MATH 1050 is a 5-credit course that is pass/no pass and does not impact GPA. Students in this pathway will take their first class in their major in the second semester. Starting in this sequence may require summer work to stay on track.

    MAJOR FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER THIRD SEMESTER
    ALL MATH 1050 (5) MATH 1060 (4) MATH 1080 (4)
    COMPUTING Intro Computing I (3-4) Intro Computing II (4)
    ENGINEERING ENGR 1020 (3) ENGR 1410 (3)

    First-year engineering students placed into MATH 1050 have the option to begin their engineering coursework in the Fall semester through participation in the General Engineering Learning Community (GELC).

  • MATH 1030

    MATH 1030 is Elementary Functions and covers topics chosen to prepare students for the study of calculus. MATH 1030 is a 4-credit graded course. Students in this pathway will take their first class in their major in the second term. Starting in this sequence may require summer work to stay on track.

    MAJOR FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER THIRD SEMESTER
    ALL MATH 1030 (4) MATH 1060 (4) MATH 1080 (4)
    COMPUTING Intro Computing I (3-4) Intro Computing II (4)
    ENGINEERING ENGR 1020 (3) ENGR 1410 (3)

    First-year engineering students placed into MATH 1030 have the option to begin their engineering coursework in the Fall semester through participation in the General Engineering Learning Community (GELC).

  • MATH 1020

    MATH 1020 is the first class in the Business Calculus sequence. Students in this sequence are eligible to begin their Introduction to Computing classes in their first term.

    MAJOR FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
    CPSC-BA, CIS MATH 1020 (3) MATH 2070 (3)
    CPSC-BA, CIS Intro Computing I (3-4) Intro Computing II (4)
  • MATH 1040

    MATH 1040 is the first course in a yearlong sequence of Calculus I. Upon receiving a passing grade in MATH 1040, you will take MATH 1070 in your second semester. If you earn a C or higher in MATH 1070, you will be ready to take MATH 1080 Calculus of One Variable II in the summer or in your third semester. Students in this sequence are eligible to begin their first major class in their first term. Starting in this sequence may require summer work to stay on track.

    MAJOR FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER THIRD SEMESTER
    ALL MATH 1040 (4) MATH 1070 (4) MATH 1080 (4)
    COMPUTING Intro Computing I (3-4) Intro Computing II (4)
    ENGINEERING ENGR 1020 (3) ENGR 1410 (3)
  • MATH 1060

    MATH 1060 is traditionally the first class in the Calculus sequence. Students in this sequence are eligible to begin their general engineering classes in their first term.

    MAJOR FIRST SEMESTER SECOND SEMESTER
    ALL MATH 1060 (4) MATH 1080 (4)
    COMPUTING Intro Computing I (3-4) Intro Computing II (4)
    ENGINEERING ENGR 1020 (3) ENGR 1410 (3)
Students working as a group, brainstorming on the table

General Engineering Learning Community

GELC is a program that brings together first-year engineering students within a community setting. This curriculum path enables students placed in MATH 1030 or MATH 1050 to begin their engineering coursework in the Fall semester of their first year but extends the first-year curriculum to three terms: Fall/Spring/Summer or Fall/Spring/Fall. This extra time allows students to take an alternative sequence during the first year, enabling extra time to build confidence in academic abilities and absorb complex math and engineering concepts.

Learn More About GELC
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