Entry Level Credit Courses

Courses

MATH 1332 Contemporary Math

MATH 1342 Elementary Statistics

MATH 1324 Math for Business & Economics

MATH 1314 College Algebra

MATH 1414 College Algebra for PreCalculus

Select an entry-level credit course

A variety of factors go into selecting a course, including what is required for a degree plan or for a transfer institution to accept the course for math credit. See an advisor for these constraints first. Once you know what courses will be accepted, this guide may help you select the best fit for you.

Sometimes students choose one of the two College Algebra courses without putting much research into it because the name is more familiar from high school courses. These students are sometimes surprised to discover how challenging that course really is. Students are encouraged to do the research first and choose a course that fits their requirements and their aptitude.

MATH 1332 Contemporary Math

Goal: To broaden the students' repertoire of mathematical problem-solving techniques without much algebra. 

This course covers a variety of mathematical topics such as set theory, logic, and probability. Students learn basic college-level techniques in a variety of mathematical areas and learn what types of problems can be solved with each technique. The algebra prerequisite for the course reflects the need for the students to have an understanding of the conceptual aspects of mathematics rather than a need for them to remember the details of how to solve all the types of algebra problems encountered in high school algebra. Students with weaker algebraic manipulative skills should still be able to complete this course successfully.

MATH 1342 Elementary Statistics

Goal: To teach the student to do basic statistical analyses and to make and respond to statistical arguments.

The focus of this course is on using conceptual mathematical skills to solve a particular type of applications problems. Algebraic manipulation is not a major part of this course; however, students will be required to use formulas extensively. Enough explanation will be given that students who once learned algebra, but have forgotten many of the details, will be handle the algebraic aspects of the course easily. Emphasis on verbal skills, including reading, writing, and discussion, are much stronger in this course than in an algebra course.

MATH 1324 Math for Business & Economics

Goal: To teach the student some applications of algebra to business and economics problems and to provide a sufficient algebraic foundation for the first semester of business calculus.

The focus of this course is on the applications problems, with algebra skills from the first two years of high school algebra used as necessary. Students who are not able to demonstrate all the skills from high school Algebra II just before beginning the course will probably find this course very difficult.

MATH 1314 College Algebra

Goal: To provide the student with a strong algebraic foundation for a degree that does not require Calculus. 

The student is expected to be currently confident and skilled in all topics from the first two years of high school algebra, and the new material will build on that foundation with little or no review. Students who are not able to demonstrate all the skills from high school Algebra II just before the beginning of the course will probably find this course very difficult.

MATH 1414 College Algebra for PreCalculus

Goal: To provide the student with the algebraic foundation for calculus. 

All of the description for MATH 1314 College Algebra applies here. Students should only take this course as preparation for Precalculus. Students who are not preparing for the Calculus sequence would be better served by a different course.