Math Placement

Math placement at the University of Montana (UM) depends on two criteria: a student’s declared major and placement level.  Many incoming freshmen (and transfer students still needing to meet their math requirement) will need to take a math placement exam before registering for a math course at UM.

UM utilizes Maplesoft math placement exams and offers three version of the exam: Arithmetic (M01), Algebra (M02), and Calculus (M03).  Students should take the appropriate exam based on their declared or intended major.  See information below for details.

*Students should speak with their academic advisor(s) for guidance on selecting the appropriate math placement exam for their program(s) of study.

The diagram below provides an overview of math placement and course sequencing at UM.

Math placement and sequencing diagram

If you are majoring in one of the following programs, please click the button below for more information on your math placement criteria.  Please read ALL of the information after clicking the button:  

Mountain Campus Majors


Missoula College Majors


UM uses ACT and SAT scores to determine students’ placement into math courses for the above majors.  If students don’t meet the minimum ACT or SAT scores required to place into college-level courses (courses 100-level or higher), they must take the appropriate Maplesoft math placement exam. 

The minimum ACT mathematics section score required to place into college level math courses for the above majors is 22.  The minimum SAT mathematics section score is 520 for students who took the SAT prior to March, 2016.  For students who took the SAT after March, 2016, the minimum SAT mathematics section score is 550. The minimum SAT math test score is 27.5. For students in the above majors who bring in any of these minimum scores or higher, the Maplesoft math placement exam requirement is waived. 

The Maplesoft math placement exam requirement will also be waived for students in the above majors if one of the following conditions is met:

  • By earning a score of 3 or above on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam
  • By earning a score of 4 or above on the IB Mathematics HL exam
  • By earning a score of 50 or above on the CLEP subject examinations in College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Calculus
  • By successfully completing a college-level math course while enrolled in either a high school dual enrollment program, a high school pilot program, or while enrolled at another college or university prior to a student’s transfer to UM.  

If you are majoring in one of the following programs, please click the button below for more information on your math placement criteria.  Please read ALL of the information after clicking the button:  

Mountain Campus Majors

Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Computer Science - Mathematical Sciences
Early Childhood Education: P-3
Economics
Ecosystem Science & Restoration
Elementary Education
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
Forestry
Geosciences
Integrative Physiology
Mathematical Science - Computer Science
Mathematics
Medical Laboratory Science
Microbiology
Neuroscience
Physics
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Medical Sciences
Pre-Nursing - University of Montana
Pre-Pharmacy
Resource Conservation
Wildlife Biology

Missoula College Majors

Computational Biochemistry
Computer Aided Design
Construction Management
Pre-Applied Science
Pre-Nursing - MC
Pre-Professional-Physical Therapy 

 

Students in the above majors will need to take the appropriate Maplesoft math placement exam unless one of the following conditions is met:

  • By earning a score of 3 or above on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam
  • By earning a score of 4 or above on the IB Mathematics HL exam
  • By earning a score of 50 or above on the CLEP subject examinations in College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus or Calculus
  • By successfully completing a college-level math course while enrolled in either a high school dual enrollment program, a high school pilot program, or while enrolled at another college or university prior to a student’s transfer to UM. 

*Check with an academic advisor in your major department to confirm the appropriate math course(s) for you.  The Maplesoft math placement exam may be required in some situations even if one or more of the above conditions are met.

I'm ready to take my Math Placement Exam.

EdReady Montana

EdReady Montana is a personalized, self-paced, FREE online program that helps students master the mathematics skills they need to succeed in college-level math courses.  EdReady modules were designed by selecting skills necessary for success in each math course. 

By completing EdReady, students are placed directly into the appropriate college-level math class of their major.  This saves students from having to take a semester or more of developmental coursework that does not count toward degree requirements.  In addition, this prevents students from needing to take a math placement exam and allows students to focus on the precise skills they will need to succeed in their math courses at UM. 

 To learn more about EdReady Montana and to sign up, visit www.umt.edu/edready.