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Math Expectations

Every student must demonstrate a certain level of mathematics proficiency to graduate from Stony Brook. For many majors in STEM disciplines, a firm grasp of mathematics is required in order to enroll in requisite courses in the sciences and make degree progress.

If you have not completed a pre-calculus course at your previous institution with a grade of C or better, you will need to complete Stony Brook’s Math Placement Assessment prior to orientation. Depending on your intended major and your placement score, it may be advisable for you to enroll in a summer course to ensure timely progress towards your intended area of study.

 

Step 1: Understand the Math Requirements for Your Intended Major

These majors require either a semester of Calculus, or require courses which have a pre- or corequisite of Calculus:

  • Clinical Laboratory Sciences, BS
  • Coastal Environmental Studies, BS
  • Ecosystems & Human Impact, BA
  • Environmental Design, Policy, & Planning, BA
  • Environmental Studies, BA

 

These programs require two or more semesters of Calculus, Applied Calculus, or more advanced mathematics courses:

  • Applied Mathematics & Statistics, BS
  • Astronomy/Planetary Sciences, BS
  • Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, BS
  • Biochemistry, BS
  • Biology, BA & BS
  • Biomedical Engineering, BE
  • Chemical & Molecular Engineering, BE
  • Chemistry, BS & BA
  • Civil Engineering, BE
  • Computer Engineering, BE
  • Computer Science, BS
  • Earth & Space Sciences, BA
  • Electrical Engineering, BE
  • Engineering Chemistry, BS
  • Engineering Science, BE
  • Geology, BS
  • Information Systems, BS
  • Marine Sciences, BS
  • Marine Vertebrate Biology, BS
  • Mathematics, BS
  • Mechanical Engineering, BE
  • Physics, BS
  • Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, Pre-Vet, Pre-PT
  • Psychology, BS
  • Technological Systems Management, BS

 

Step 2: Schedule Your Math Placement Assessment

After receiving your Orientation date, you will be able to schedule your Math Placement Assessment within your Advising Planning Form in the SOLAR System. The Math Placement Assessment covers topics ranging from algebra, pre-calculus, and single-variable calculus. The assessment is organized sequentially, meaning each section builds upon skills exhibited in previous sections. Students must pass one section to advance to the next. Since students have a wide range of preparation, later sections of the assessment might cover material they may not know. Students are not expected to complete parts on subjects they have not learned. The point of the assessment is to determine what material you know, so we can help students enroll in the appropriate class.

Math Placement Scores and Corresponding Math Courses (for students needing calculus)

Math Placement Score

Corresponding Math Course at Stony Brook

1 or 2

MAP 103: Mathematics Proficiency

3

MAT 122: Overview of Calculus with Applications or MAT 123: Introduction to Calculus

4

MAT 125: Calculus A

5

MAT 131: Calculus I or MAT 141: Honors Calculus I

6

MAT 126: Calculus B

7

MAT 132: Calculus II or MAT 142: Honors Calculus II

8

MAT 127: Calculus C, MAT 132: Calculus II, or MAT 142: Honors Calculus II

9

Beyond 100-level calculus

 

Step 3: Consider Registering for a Summer/Winter Session Course

After taking your Math Placement Assessment, you may wish to enroll in a summer or winter session class to make progress in mathematics. Please visit our Summer Session or Winter Sessions webpages for course listings and enrollment instructions.