Undergraduate Catalog

Mathematics Competency Requirement

Competency in baccalaureate-level Mathematics enables students to successfully engage in the mathematical thinking encountered in undergraduate studies and in daily living. Central to this competency is the ability to solve problems, to use mathematical modeling, and to evaluate mathematical calculations and reasoning. Students are expected to express and interpret mathematical information in written and oral forms and to use technology (calculators, computers, etc.) appropriately. Mathematics competency courses will teach students to:

  • Use basic Mathematics in problem solving and modeling strategies as needed for college coursework and for living in today’s and tomorrow’s world;
  • Clearly express mathematical ideas and calculations in writing; and
  • Make valid inferences from mathematical formulas, graphs, tables, and data.

All students enrolled at Western Illinois University must demonstrate their ability to use general baccalaureate-level skills in mathematics by one of the following means:

  • Receive University credit for MATH 100 (Core Competency in Mathematics) or MATH 110 (Introductory College Algebra);
  • Receive a satisfactory score on an assessment examination instrument designated by the Department of Mathematics and Philosophy; or
  • Receive University credit for a Mathematics course which lists MATH 100 or MATH 110 as a prerequisite.

Entering students’ Mathematics skills are assessed upon initial registration. All freshmen who place into MATH 100 or MATH 110 are required to pass (with a grade of C or better) MATH 100 or MATH 110 before the start of the second semester of their second year. Transfer students who are placed into MATH 100 or MATH 110 are required to pass (with a grade of C or better) either course during their first year at WIU.