Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Course Options
All students must complete a General Education (GE) Area B4 Mathematical Concepts course during their first year at SJSU. You are strongly advised to complete your GE Area B4 math/QR requirement during your first semester. Placement in your GE Area B4 math/QR course is dependent on two factors: your major and your enrollment category.
Follow these steps to see which course is right for you:
- Determine if your major requires calculus:
- Identify your math enrollment category using the appropriate flowchart below:
- To help choose the appropriate math/QR course based on your enrollment category and major, use our interactive tool below:
To view your enrollment category on your student portal, follow the guide below:
How To View Your Enrollment Category [pdf]
Note: Your enrollment category may change as we continue to receive final high school transcripts, test scores, (AP, IB, CLEP) and college transfer coursework. To ensure your documents have been received and posted follow the steps outlined in How to View Exam and Transfer Credit Posted. It is recommended that you bring an unofficial copy of your test scores with you to orientation.
Precalculus Profiency Assessment (PPA)
If your major requires calculus you will be required to take the Precalculus Proficiency Assessment (PPA), prior to orientation. Do not take the PPA if you have ANY of the following:
- AP Calculus AB or BC exam with a score of 3 or higher. (Request to have your official score report sent to SJSU as soon as it is available.)
- Community College Precalculus or Calculus course with a grade of C- or better. (Send your official transcript to SJSU as soon as it is available.)
- Official CLEP Calculus or Precalculus score with a 50 or higher (Request to have your official score report sent to SJSU as soon as it is available.)
To register for the PPA, please visit Testing Office
For details, exemptions, and other criteria visit Department of Mathematics and Statistics
General Education Area B4 Courses
For a list of all General Education Area B4 courses see the list below:
General Education/Area B4 Courses
Early Start Program
If you are in enrollment category M-III or M-IV, you may be able to participate in a summer enrichment program called Early Start. Through Early Start, some students in supported math enrollment categories (M-III and M-IV) have the opportunity to complete the first math course in their major, the summer before their freshman year.
If you are eligible to participate in Early Start, you will receive a message from the Early Start Program in early April. For more information, visit the Early Start Program website or email earlystart@sjsu.edu.
