Math Placement for Non-STEM

Explore the guidelines regarding placement for Math placement (General Education B4 requirement) for Non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Majors. Remember, incoming first-time, first-year students may participate in ALEKS Placement to assess their skills and be placed in the appropriate college math course for success. Learn more about ALEKS.

  • Does my major require me to take specific Math courses?
    Your Math Quantitative Reasoning (QR) General Education Category B4 requirements may differ based on your major. Explore the Course Recommendation Guide for support before exploring the options below.


Find the statement below that matches your qualifications and explore the expandable options to learn more.

I have completed the GE B4 Math Quantitative Reasoning (QR) course requirement by completing prior coursework or a qualifying exam (one of the options below):

Student has completed applicable college course(s) with a grade of C- or better that satisfies the CSU General Education B4 Math  Quantitative Reasoning (QR) requirement.

To see if your course(s) meet this requirement, visit ASSIST.org.

Student has completed an Advanced Placement (AP) test with a score of 3 or higher in at least one of the categories below:

  • AP Calculus AB or BC
  • AP Statistics
  • AP Computer Science Principles

Student has completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Test with a score of 4 or higher on Math Higher Level (HL).

Student has achieved a score a 50 or above in any of the follow categories:

  • Calculus
  • College Algebra
  • College Algebra-Trigonometry
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Trigonometry

I am ready to take a GE B4 Math Quantitative Reasoning (QR) course at CSULB if I meet one or more of the conditions below:

Pathway 1:

  • Student has achieved a weighted Math GPA 3.3 or above
    and
  • Student has achieved a weighted High School General GPA 3.0 or above


Pathway 2:

  • Student has achieved a weighted Math GPA 3.0 or above and has completed an approved 12th grade year-long math course (beyond Algebra 2) with a grade of C- or better
    or
  • Student has achieved a weighted Math GPA 3.0 or above and 5+ years of high school math or quantitative reasoning with a grade of C- or better

    and
  • Student has achieved a weighted High School General GPA 3.7 or above
    or
  • Student has achieved a weighted High School General  GPA 3.5 or above and 4+ years of applicable math or quantitative reasoning courses

Student has achieved a score matching one of the options below:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
  • Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or QR

Student has achieved a score matching one of the options below:

  • 570 or above
  • 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
  • 520-560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better

Student has achieved a score matching one of the options below:

  • 23 or above
  • 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better

I am ready to take a GE B4 Math Quantitative Reasoning (QR) course at CSULB with support if I meet one or more of the conditions below:

  • Student has achieved a weighted Math GPA 3.3 or below
    and
  • Student has achieved a weighted High School General GPA 3.0 or below

Student has achieved a score matching one of the options below:

  • 570 or below
  • 550 or below on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2

Student has achieved a score of 23 or below.