Office of Testing Services
Math Assessment Information
Accuplacer Math Placement Tests:
The MSU Denver Math department uses the Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics test (QAS) and the Accuplacer Advanced Algebra and Functions test (AAF) to place students in college level math courses. Math courses have different placement requirements, please see the chart below for details.
Do I need to take a Math placement test?
MSU Denver uses SAT or ACT math sub-scores or Accuplacer Math Placement tests for registering in first year Math courses. Students with ACT or SAT scores that are too low to place in a course should take an Accuplacer Math placement test. The two available tests are called the Accuplacer Advanced Algebra and Functions exam (AAF) and the Quantitative Analysis and Statistics exam (QAS). The links below will help you determine which tests, if any, are needed for your major.
Math placement tests vary by course, and course requirements vary by major. If you are undecided about a major at this time you may consider waiting to take a Math placement test, or you may simply complete both available Math placement tests to determine eligibility regardless of the major you choose.
MSU Denver "Cut Score Matrix" showing math placement exams required for different courses: Placement Scores Chart
Frequently Asked Questions about Math courses: FAQ
Math course requirements by major: Math Courses by Major
Accuplacer placement test scores required for each Math course: Score Requirements
How to find your ACT or SAT scores in the Student Hub: Find your scores
Still not sure? Use your @msudenver.edu mailbox to contact an advisor with questions: exploratoryadvising@msudenver.edu
Testing at home for Math placement:
Testing Services is offering Math virtual proctoring placement tests (take at home) via this request form: Request Math Distance Test
Accuplacer Math placement tests are available to be taken at home using a high-speed internet connection and a webcam. Test administrations must be monitored using a webcam by a remote proctoring service.
Tutoring Center help for Math Placement Tests:
Additional study resources are available at the Student Academic Success Tutoring Center located in Student Success Building room 230. Please click HERE for information on FREE Tutoring and help with Accuplacer test preparation including practice questions.
Math Department help for Math Placement Tests:
Click HERE to see information on MSU Denver Math Department preparation sessions. (Updated schedule pending, please check back for details).
Official Accuplacer Study Guide:
Click HERE to download the free Accuplacer study guide.
PDF of the MSU Denver Cut Score Matrix:
Math Score Placement Matrix |
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Courses |
Accuplacer Score (Next Generation) |
Accuplacer Score |
SAT Score (2016 or later Math Score) |
SAT Score (pre-2016 Math Score) |
ACT Math Score |
High School GPA |
MTH1081 Mathematics for Liberal Arts w/ 1082 Lab |
No test score needed |
No test score needed |
No test score needed |
No test score needed |
No test score needed |
No test score needed |
MTH1080 Mathematics for Liberal Arts |
240 (QAS) |
72-120 (EA) |
500 |
460 |
19 |
2.5 |
MTH1210 Introduction to Statistics |
240 (QAS) |
72-120 (EA) OR |
500 |
460 |
19 |
3.0 |
MTH1610 Integrated Mathematics I |
240 (QAS) |
72-120 (EA) OR |
500 |
460 |
19 |
2.5 |
MTH1311 Finite Mathematics w/ 1312 Lab |
220 (AAF) |
85 - 99 (EA) |
500 |
460 |
19 |
N/A |
MTH1115 College Albegra Through Modeling w/ 1116 Lab |
220 (AAF) |
85 - 99 (EA) |
500 |
460 |
19 |
N/A |
MTH1310 Finite Mathematics |
235 (AAF) |
100-120 (EA) |
580 |
560 |
24 |
N/A |
MTH1112 College Algebra Through Modeling |
235 (AAF) |
100-120 (EA) |
580 |
560 |
24 |
N/A |
MTH1108 College Algebra Stretch (2 Semesters) |
210 (AAF) |
45 (EA) |
500 |
460 |
19 |
N/A |
MTH1111 College Algebra w/ 1101 Lab |
230 (AAF) |
90-120 (EA) AND |
530 |
500 |
22 |
N/A |
MTH1110 College Algebra |
245 (AAF) |
45 (CLM) |
610 |
590 |
27 |
N/A |
MTH1120 College Trigonometry |
280 (AAF) |
65 (CLM) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
MTH1400 Precalculus |
280 (AAF) |
65 (CLM) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
MTH1410 Calculus |
290 (AAF) + Chair Permission |
80 (CLM) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
MATH Key: QAS=Next Gen. Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics, AAF=Next Gen. Advanced Algebra & Functions, AR= Arithmetic (classic), EA=Elementary Algebra (classic), CLM=College Level Math (classic) |