Developmental and General Education Mathematics Courses at UMW

As part of your general education (gen ed) requirements, you’ll be taking at least one 100-level Math or STAT course. There are several ways you can qualify to enter these courses including high school courses and scores on the ACT, SAT, and several other standardized tests. Please review the chart and/or flowchart below for placement information in your choice of format.

Math Placement Table

To enter M095: Intermediate Algebra or a Non-Algebra Intensive Gen Ed (M105 or M127), you need at least one of the following:

  • ACT Math of 18+
  • SAT Math of 480+
  • 2 years high school math with B- or better in algebra and geometry
  • 3 years high school math with C- or better in algebra II or higher, OR
  • Pass M090: Intro Algebra with:
    • B- or better to use math pathway to non-algebra-intensive gen ed
    • C- or better continue to M095

To enter an Algebra Intensive Gen Ed (all except M105 or M127), you need at least one of the following: 

  • ACT Math of 22+
  • SAT Math of 550+
  • 3 years high school math with B- or better in algebra II or higher
  • High national test scores: AP 3+, IB 4+, CLEP 50+ (on certain math tests), OR
  • Pass M095: Intermediate Algebra with:
    • C- or better continue to algebra-intensive-gen ed
Flowchart showing math course placement pathways at UM Western. Students may begin in Introductory Algebra (M090) or Intermediate Algebra (M095) based on test scores or prior coursework. From M095, students proceed to algebra-based general education courses such as College Algebra or Statistics. From M090, students may continue to M095 or take non-algebra-based general education courses with a sufficient grade.

Math Placement Flowchart

A dotted blue prerequisite allows entry into M 095.

A dashed green prerequisite allows entry into any general education course.

The solid yellow arrow allows entry into only non-algebra-based general education courses. These courses do not count towards satisfying prerequisites for classes that require the algebra from M095

*Grades for high school courses refer to the 2nd semester grades of a course.

Questions? Contact Dr. Dev Seacrest at [email protected] or any member of the math department.

If you feel your mathematical skills are weak or you haven’t taken math in several years, you may wish to start in a lower math class than you qualify for. Please contact your advisor and/or Dr. Dev Seacrest at [email protected] to discuss placement options. Having a strong mathematical foundation is very important!

The math department strongly recommends that you take math classes early in your academic career. We also advise that you avoid large gaps between math classes. It helps to continue your mathematics courses while the material is fresh in your mind.

You should only enroll in a linked course, where you take two math classes in a row with the same professor and same students, if you expect to take both courses.

Take M 105: Contemporary Mathematics or M 127: Topics in Mathematics only if you do not need a M 095 or a specific math gen ed. M 105 and M 127 do not qualify as pre-requisites for any 100-level Math or Statistics course, any course requiring M 095, or any science course that does not explicitly state that they are acceptable. M 105 and M 127 are less algebra-intensive than many other 100-level offerings.

The department offers three versions of M 127, each with its own focus and professor:

  • M 127 Topics in Mathematics: Analyzing Math Games is taught by Dr. Dev Seacrest. In this M 127 class, you will work together to develop strategies for a variety of mathematical games, and you will even create your own mathematical games which you will analyze and teach to the class.
  • M 127 Topics in Mathematics: Modeling and Optimization is taught by Dr. Tyler Seacrest. This class uses math to solve application problems, from the realistic (how much will my car payments be?) to the outrageous (how long would it take to eat the moon if it were made of cheese?).
  • M 127 Topics in Mathematics: Geometry and Design is taught by Dr. Eric Wright. In this class, you will learn the geometry that was used to design furniture or small construction projects before the age of computers. You’ll then apply that to plan your own small project.

STAT 121 Probability is more challenging than some of the other gen ed math courses; it is recommended only if you need it for your major or have a strong interest.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Dev Seacrest at [email protected] or any of the other math faculty.

M 090: Introductory Algebra

M 090: Introductory Algebra is designed for students who are looking to gain a strong foundation in algebra. This class is particularly appropriate if you don’t feel confident in your algebra skills.

Entering M 090
There are no pre-requisites to enter M 090.

Courses after M 090

  • A C- or better in M 090 allows you to enter M 095: Intermediate Algebra.
  • A B- or better in M 090 allows you to enter M 095: Intermediate Algebra or to bypass M 095 and enter M 105: Contemporary Mathematics or M 127: Topics in Mathematics directly.
  • M 105 and M 127 are intended for students who do not need M 095 or any specific math gen ed.
  • M 105 and M 127 do not qualify as pre-requisites for any 100-level Math or Statistics course, for any course requiring M 095, or for any science course that does not explicitly state that they are acceptable.
  • M 105 and M 127 are less algebra-intensive than many other 100-level offerings.

Note: M 090: Introductory Algebra helps prepare you for a gen ed math class; it does not satisfy the gen ed requirement on its own

M 095: Intermediate Algebra

M 095: Intermediate Algebra is designed for students who have a stronger foundation in algebra but aren’t quite ready for a gen ed math class.

Entering M 095
To enter, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A C- or better in M 090
  • An 18 or higher on the math section of the ACT
  • A 480 or higher on the math section of the SAT
  • Completion of at least three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses), with a C- or better in the highest-level math class you wish to be considered for placement
  • Completion of at least two years of math, including Algebra I and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses), with a B- or better in both classes you wish to be considered

Courses after M 095

  • A C- or better in M 095 allows you to enter most 100-level math and stat courses.
  • If you earn a D+ or below in M 095 and have not yet passed M 090, the math department recommends that you take and pass M 090 before enrolling in M 095 again. M 090 will give you a stronger foundation and help you succeed in M 095 (or M 105 or M 127, if you go that route).

Note: M 095: Intermediate Algebra helps prepare you for a gen ed math class; it does not satisfy the gen ed requirement on its own.

M 105: Contemporary Mathematics and M 127: Topics in Mathematics

These two courses are designed for students who are looking for a gen ed that is not algebra-intensive.

Entering M 105 or M127
To enter M 105 or M 127, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A B- or better in M 090
  • A C- or better in M 095
  • A C- or better in any 100-level UM Western Math or STAT Class
  • A 18 or higher on the math section of the ACT
  • A 480 or higher on the math section of the SAT
  • A 3 or above on the AP exam in Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics
  • A 4 or above on the IB Calculus exam
  • A 50 or above on the CLEP subject examinations in selected topics (College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, or Trigonometry)
  • Completion of at least three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses), with a C- or better in the highest-level math class you wish to be considered for placement
  • Completion of at least two years of math, including Algebra I and Geometry (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses), with a B- or better in both classes you wish to be considered

Most Other 100-Level Math and STAT Courses

Most other 100-level Math and STAT courses are designed for students who have a strong foundation in algebra. Some, such as Calculus, have additional prerequisites.

Entering most 100-level Math or STAT Courses
To enter most 100-level Math or STAT courses, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A C- or better in M 095
  • A C- or better in any 100-level UM Western Math or STAT Class other than M 105 or M 127
  • A 22 or higher on the math section of the ACT
  • A 550 or higher on the math section of the SAT
  • A 3 or above on the AP exam in Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics
  • A 4 or above on the IB Calculus exam
  • A 50 or above on the CLEP subject examinations in selected topics (College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, or Trigonometry)
  • Completion of a rigorous high school core including
    • four years of mathematics in high school (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry & a course beyond Algebra II) and three years of laboratory science, in addition to English, social studies, and electives as described in the Regents’ College Preparatory program, with grades of C or better in all courses; or
    • three years of mathematics including a course beyond Algebra II and four years of laboratory science, in addition to English, social studies, and electives as described in the Regents’ College Preparatory program, with grades of C or better in all courses.
  • Completion of at least three years of math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II (or the sequential content equivalent of these courses), with a B- or better in the highest-level math class you wish to be considered for placement.

Courses after 100-level Math or STAT Courses

  • A C- or better in a 100-level Math or STAT course satisfies your math gen ed requirement.