Texas Tech University

Math Placement Exam (MPE) Exemptions

Math Placement Exam exemption is based on the following criteria!

The Math Placement Exam (MPE) is primarily offered by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics as a service to other departments and colleges at Texas Tech University. Math majors typically have limited need for this exam. For non-Math majors seeking advice on whether you need to take the MPE and the specific math courses required for your degree plan, you should consult your respective departmental advisors. The table below helps provide some information to steer you in the right direction.

Use the table information to determine your possible exemption status:

The following tables provide comprehensive information regarding the advisory department you are affiliated with, the mandatory mathematics courses within your specific academic degree plan, and the available methods for qualifying for exemption from the MPE.

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Advisory contacts, required math courses, and exemption criteria for the Math Placement Exam.
Department advisor contact Departments and required math courses MPE exemption criteria
Rawls College of Business Undergraduate Advisors

Most majors require MATH 1330 and MATH 1331. Select your major:

MATH 1330 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis I):

  • Code 3+ on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 610
  • ACTM score ≥ 26
  • Grade A or B in MATH or TSI 0302
  • Grade A/B/C in a college-level math course

MATH 1331 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis II):

  • Code 4+ on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 610
  • ACTM score ≥ 26
  • Grade A/B/C in MATH 1330 or MATH 1430
College of Engineering Advisors

Most majors require MATH 1451 and MATH 1452. Select your major:

MATH 1451 (Calculus I):

  • Code 7 on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 660
  • ACTM score ≥ 29
  • Grade A/B/C in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on MPE] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350

MATH 1452 (Calculus II): MATH 1451 or consent of department

Department of Kinesiology & Sports Management Undergraduate Advisors (External)

Most majors require MATH 1320 and MATH 1321.

MATH 1320 (College Algebra):

  • Code 3+ on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 610
  • ACTM score ≥ 26
  • Grade A/B in MATH or TSI 0302
  • Grade A/B/C in a college-level math course

MATH 1321 (Trigonometry):

  • Code 4+ on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 610
  • ACTM score ≥ 26
  • Grade A/B/C in MATH 1320 or MATH 1420
Department of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Advising

Most majors require MATH 2300 and MATH 1451. Select your major:

MATH 2300 (Statistical Methods):

  • Code 4+ on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 610
  • ACTM score ≥ 26
  • Grade A/B/C in a college-level math course

MATH 1451 (Calculus I):

  • Code 7 on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 660
  • ACTM score ≥ 29
  • Grade A/B/C in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on MPE] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350
Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Advising

Most majors require MATH 1451 and MATH 1452. Select your program:

MATH 1451 (Calculus I):

  • Code 7 on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 660
  • ACTM score ≥ 29
  • Grade A/B/C in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on MPE] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350
Department of Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Advisors

Most majors require MATH 1451, MATH 1452, and MATH 2450.

MATH 1451 (Calculus I):

  • Code 7 on MPE
  • SATM score ≥ 660
  • ACTM score ≥ 29
  • Grade A/B/C in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on MPE] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350

MATH 1452 (Calculus II): MATH 1451 or consent of department

MATH 2450: MATH 1452 or consent of department

Understanding in detail with an example and sample question:

  • Example question: "My name is XXX. I am planning to major in Biology. During orientation, I want to enroll in MATH 1451 (Calculus I). My admitted student checklist says students with an SAT math score above 670 are not required to take the Math Placement Exam. Can you confirm?"
    • Answer: Yes. You are not required to take the Math Placement Exam if you meet at least one of these criteria:
      • Code 7 on the Math Placement Exam, or
      • SATM score ≥ 660, or
      • ACTM score ≥ 29, or
      • Grade of C or better in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on the Math Placement Exam] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350.

Courses for which the Math Placement Exam may be used as a prerequisite

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Course prerequisites by Math Placement Exam code and test scores.
Course Code on MPE SATM ACTM Other
MATH 1331 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis II) Code 4+ ≥ 610 ≥ 26 Grade C or better in MATH 1330 or MATH 1430
MATH 1350 (Analytical Geometry) Code 6+ ≥ 660 ≥ 29 MATH 1321
MATH 1451 (Calculus I) Code 7 ≥ 660 ≥ 29 Grade C or better in [MATH 1321 and Code 5 on MPE] or MATH 1550 or MATH 1350
MATH 2345 (Introduction to Statistics with Applications to Business) Code 4+ ≥ 610 ≥ 26 Grade C or better in MATH 1330 or MATH 1430

For the courses not listed above, see the Department Handbook required scores (PDF).

Courses and the Math Placement Exam

Students may register for the following courses if they are TSI-compliant. That is if they are deemed college-ready by the TSI office. (Students who are not TSI-compliant will be notified by the TSI office.)

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Recommended placement codes for selected math courses.
Math course Recommended placement code
MATH 1300 (Contemporary Mathematics) Code 3
MATH 1320 (College Algebra) Code 3
MATH 1321 (Trigonometry) Code 4
MATH 1330 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis I) Code 3
MATH 1550 (Pre-Calculus) Code 3
MATH 2300 (Statistical Methods) Code 4

Department of Mathematics & Statistics