Texas Tech University

Mathematics Course Placement

Mathematics Placement Exam Is No Longer Required

Beginning with the 2026 Second Summer semester on July 7, 2026, the Texas Tech Department of Mathematics & Statistics no longer uses the Mathematics Placement Exam for course placement.

Students are now placed into mathematics courses based on completed coursework and standardized test scores, according to the Texas Tech University Undergraduate Catalog.

The Mathematics Placement Exam has been discontinued. Students should review the course prerequisites below and consult their academic advisor before enrolling.


Enrollment in MATH 1451 (Calculus I)

To enroll in MATH 1451 Calculus I, students must satisfy one of the following:

  • Complete MATH 1550 with a grade of C or higher.
  • Complete MATH 1320 and MATH 1321 with a grade of B or higher in both courses.
  • Earn a minimum SAT Math score of 610.
  • Earn a minimum ACT Math score of 26.

Enrollment in MATH 1550 (Precalculus)

Students must be TSI College Ready and satisfy one of the following:

  • Complete MATH 1320, 1420, 1321, 1330, 1430, 1331, or 1350 with a grade of C or higher.
  • Earn a minimum SAT Math score of 560.
  • Earn a minimum ACT Math score of 23.

If you do not have qualifying college credit or SAT or ACT scores, the recommended pathway toward Calculus I is:

  1. MATH 1320 – College Algebra
  2. MATH 1550 – Precalculus
  3. MATH 1451 – Calculus I

Mathematics Requirements by Department

The information below provides general mathematics requirements for several academic departments. Degree plans may vary by major, concentration, catalog year, or program. Students should confirm all requirements with their academic advisor and the current Texas Tech University Undergraduate Catalog.

Rawls College of Business

Typical mathematics requirements

Most Rawls College of Business majors require:

  • MATH 1330 – Introductory Mathematical Analysis I
  • MATH 1331 – Introductory Mathematical Analysis II

MATH 1330 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 610.
  • ACT Math score of at least 26.
  • A grade of A or B in an approved developmental mathematics course.
  • A grade of C or higher in an approved college-level mathematics course.

MATH 1331 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 610.
  • ACT Math score of at least 26.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1330 or MATH 1430.

Contact a Rawls College undergraduate advisor

Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering

Typical mathematics requirements

Most engineering majors require:

  • MATH 1451 – Calculus I
  • MATH 1452 – Calculus II

MATH 1451 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 660.
  • ACT Math score of at least 29.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1550 or MATH 1350.
  • Completion of MATH 1320 and MATH 1321 with a grade of B or higher in both courses.

MATH 1452 prerequisites

Completion of MATH 1451 or consent of the department.

Contact a College of Engineering advisor

Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management

Typical mathematics requirements

Most majors require:

  • MATH 1320 – College Algebra
  • MATH 1321 – Trigonometry

MATH 1320 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 610.
  • ACT Math score of at least 26.
  • A grade of A or B in an approved developmental mathematics course.
  • A grade of C or higher in an approved college-level mathematics course.

MATH 1321 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 610.
  • ACT Math score of at least 26.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1320 or MATH 1420.

Contact a Kinesiology and Sport Management advisor

Department of Biological Sciences

Typical mathematics requirements

Many Biological Sciences majors require:

  • MATH 2300 – Statistical Methods
  • MATH 1451 – Calculus I

MATH 2300 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 610.
  • ACT Math score of at least 26.
  • A grade of C or higher in an approved college-level mathematics course.

MATH 1451 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 660.
  • ACT Math score of at least 29.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1550 or MATH 1350.
  • Completion of MATH 1320 and MATH 1321 with a grade of B or higher in both courses.

Contact a Biological Sciences undergraduate advisor

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Typical mathematics requirements

Most Chemistry and Biochemistry programs require:

  • MATH 1451 – Calculus I
  • MATH 1452 – Calculus II

MATH 1451 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 660.
  • ACT Math score of at least 29.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1550 or MATH 1350.
  • Completion of MATH 1320 and MATH 1321 with a grade of B or higher in both courses.

MATH 1452 prerequisites

Completion of MATH 1451 or consent of the department.

Contact a Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduate advisor

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Typical mathematics requirements

Most Physics and Astronomy majors require:

  • MATH 1451 – Calculus I
  • MATH 1452 – Calculus II
  • MATH 2450 – Calculus III

MATH 1451 prerequisites

  • SAT Math score of at least 660.
  • ACT Math score of at least 29.
  • A grade of C or higher in MATH 1550 or MATH 1350.
  • Completion of MATH 1320 and MATH 1321 with a grade of B or higher in both courses.

MATH 1452 prerequisites

Completion of MATH 1451 or consent of the department.

MATH 2450 prerequisites

Completion of MATH 1452 or consent of the department.

Contact a Physics and Astronomy undergraduate advisor


Questions About Course Placement?

Current prerequisite requirements are maintained in the Texas Tech University Undergraduate Catalog. Students should consult the catalog and work with their academic advisor when selecting mathematics courses.

Need Assistance?

Questions regarding mathematics course placement may be directed to Yancy Nuñez by email or by telephone at (806) 742-2566.

Department of Mathematics & Statistics