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 determine which math course is right for you:

• Step 1: Does your major require calculus?

  • Determine if your major requires calculus.

    View a list of SJSU Majors Requiring Calculus (STEM)

• Step 2: View your math enrollment category

  • Follow the guide How To View Your Enrollment Category [pdf] to view your enrollment category on your MySJSU student portal.

    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.

• Step 3: Identify your math enrollment course options.

  • Using the flowcharts below, determine your math enrollment course options:

    What Are My Math/QR Course Options For Majors Not Requiring Calculus (Non-STEM)? [pdf]

    What Are My Math/QR Course Options For Majors Requiring Calculus (STEM)? [pdf] [pdf]

• Step 4: Use the Interactive Course Explorer to select the appropriate math/QR course

  • Use the Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (GE Area B4) Course Options Explorer to help you determine the appropriate math/QR course based on your enrollment category

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 us your official transcript reflecting this work as soon 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.sjsu.edu/Calcpe

For details, exemptions, and other criteria visit sjsu.edu/math/calculus

General Education Area B4 Courses

View a list of all General Education Area B4 courses below:

General Education/Area B4 Courses

Early Start Program

If your enrollment category indicates that you are required to participate in the CSU Early Start Program, you will be notified by MySJSU message with program information in the second week of May and again in the first week of June. For more details about Early Start, visit the program website at www.sjsu.edu/earlystart.