About the MDT
The Department of Mathematics offers the Mathematics Diagnostic Test (MDT) to provide opportunities to STEM students to be placed in the highest possible level in their calculus sequence, and it is also utilized to determine the appropriate course level for non-STEM students who change their major to STEM. The MDT is used to ascertain eligibility for enrollment at a higher level, starting from MATH 105 all the way to MATH 150A and 255A. It is a free proctored test that must be taken at CSUN within two months preceding enrollment in the courses.
The MDT utilizes ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL), an online platform. After the completion of the initial assessment, students will have guided practice problems, and one practice diagnostic test. A maximum of three attempts of proctored tests can be taken, and the highest obtained score on these attempts will be used to determine placement. The diagnostic test consists of 30 problems, and students have 3 hours to complete the test.
The summary of qualifying scores can be found in Table 1 below.
Students must register online for the MDT via the Department of Mathematics website. The first attempt of the proctored test will be offered to students, upon request, no earlier than one week after their registration.
How to take the MDT
The Mathematics Department is offering an alternative placement test primarily to students who want to switch from a non-STEM major to a STEM major. STEM students may request this alternative placement test in order to qualify for a higher level of mathematics course, and such requests will be given careful consideration by the department.
How to Register for MDT
Students must register online for the MDT via the Department of Mathematics website. The first attempt of the proctored test will be offered to students, upon request, no earlier than one week after their registration.
Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB/BC Credit
Students earn credit for MATH 150A with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam.
Students earn credit for both MATH 150A and MATH 150B with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB exam and a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam. Both exams must be completed; an AB subscore from a BC exam attempt is not sufficient to grant credit in both courses.
Table 1. Course Prerequisites
| Course | Course Only | Course and Lab/Supplemental Instruction | Course and Lab/Supplemental Instruction and Additional Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Calculus I | MATH 102
Prerequisite: Category I Placement | MATH 102 and MATH 102L
Prerequisite: Category II Placement | MATH 102, MATH 102L and MATH 091B
Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement |
| Mathematical Methods for Business | MATH 103
Prerequisite: Category I Placement | MATH 103 and MATH 103L
Prerequisite: Category II Placement | MATH 103, MATH 103L and MATH 091B
Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement |
| Pre-Calculus II | MATH 105
Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 102 | MATH 105 and MATH 105L
Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 102 | n/a |
| Mathematical Foundations for Non-Calculus Physics | MATH 106
Prerequisite: Category I or II Placement | MATH 106 and UNIV 060NN
Prerequisite: Category III or IV Placement | n/a |
| Calculus I | MATH 150A
Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105 | MATH 150A and MATH 150AL
Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105 | n/a |
| Calculus II | MATH 150B
Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 150A | MATH 150B and MATH 150BL
Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 150A | n/a |
| Calculus for the Life Sciences I | MATH 255A
Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 105 | MATH 255A and MATH 255AL
Prerequisite: “C-” in MATH 105 | n/a |
| Calculus for the Life Sciences II | MATH 255B
Prerequisite: “B-” in MATH 255A | MATH 255B and MATH 255BL
“C-” in MATH 255A | n/a |
