Multiple Measures for Enrollment in GE B4 (Math-STEM)

All first-time students are required to complete 39 lower division and 9 upper division semester units (or quarter unit equivalent) of General Education (GE) coursework to complete a bachelor’s degree. GE Area B4 (math/quantitative reasoning) is one of the GE requirements students take in their first year of college. The diagram below displays the criteria used for students to enroll in their first-year GE math/quantitative reasoning course.

 

Multiple Measures

Assessment Tests  
(CAASP-EAP, ACT, SAT, AP,  
IB, and CLEP)

High school grades  
and coursework

 

Please Note:

  • The CSU no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses.
  • If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures for students to enroll in the appropriate mathematics or English (written communication) courses.  
  • For more information on admission criteria, please visit the First-Year Student Guidance and the First-Year Student Frequently Asked Questions pages.

GE Math/QR: Pre-STEM/STEM and  Other Math-Intensive Majors

*CSU campuses will use high school and college coursework to evaluate a student's enrollment in GE math/QR courses when assessment test scores are not available.

Explore the criteria the CSU utilizes for students to enroll in their first-year GE math course.

Students who have met one of the following requirements have fulfilled the GE B4 math/quantitative reasoning (QR) requirement and will enroll in the next math course appropriate for their major.

Advanced Placement (AP) Test Score:

  • 3 or above: AP Calculus AB or BC
  • 3 or above: AP Statistics
  • 3 or above: AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test Score:

  • 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Score:

  • 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

  • Completed college course with a grade of C- or better that satisfies the CSU GE Area B4 math/QR requirement

Students who have met one of the following requirements will enroll in a GE B4 math/quantitative reasoning (QR) course.

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam Score:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) AND completed 12th grade-approved yearlong advanced math course with a grade of C- or better
  • Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or QR

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above AND completed 12th grade-approved yearlong advanced math course with a grade of C- or better
  • Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above AND five or more years of high school math or QR with a grade of C- or better
  • Weighted GPA 3.7 or above

Optional Assessment Scores If Available: 

Note:  ACT and SAT Scores are not required but will be considered for math placement if the student submits test scores. 

SAT Math Test Score:

  • 570 or above
  • 520 – 560 and completed 12th grade-approved yearlong advanced math course with a grade of C- or better

ACT Math Test Score:

  • 23 or above
  • 20-22 and completed 12th grade-approved yearlong advanced math course with a grade of C- or better

Students that meet any or none of the criteria below will enroll in GE B4 math/QR Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.

High School GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Optional Assessment Scores If Available:

Note: ACT and SAT Scores are not required but will be considered for math placement if the student submits test scores.

SAT Math Test Score:

  • 510 – 540 and 4 or more years of high school math

ACT Math Test Score:

  • 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school math

OR, if none of the above criteria is met, students will also enroll in GE B4 Supportive Pathways Program.