Course Placement
To ensure students have a solid academic foundation, students can use the following placement assessment opportunities to help identify the most appropriate courses for enrollment in the English and Math disciplines.
University of Maine at Augusta offers two writing courses for first-year college students. ENG 100 is a credit-bearing elective writing course, and ENG 101 is the general education writing course required for all students at UMA.
ENG 100: Introduction to College Reading and Writing builds on students’ prior writing and reading experiences. The course gives students practice in exploring and making effective writing choices for different audiences and situations; building and using reading strategies; and understanding different aspects of the writing process, such as brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and giving and using feedback. ENG 100 offers students substantial guidance and support in writing and reading at the beginning of their college careers.
ENG 101: College Writing prepares students for the advanced, research-based writing they will do in their majors. The course introduces students to key rhetorical principles in writing and gives extensive practice in using the writing process to sustain large, research-based writing projects. Students will also practice techniques for conducting academic research as well as using research to develop their argumentative writing.
To determine which course is best for you at this time, complete the following Self-Placement Survey:
Students may use the standardized assessments as guidance on math course selection, or students can also complete the following math placement assessment tool:
Math Accuplacer Testing Course descriptions for the various UMA math courses can be found below. Students should consult with an advisor on the math requirements for their major, and use the course details to select the most appropriate course.
MAT 009 Foundations of Mathematics – The course emphasizes arithmetic computations and informal geometry. Some of the topics included are elementary number theory, operations with fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, percents, signed numbers, data interpretation, an introduction and preparation for algebra. Credits for this course do not fulfill degree requirements.
What should I know to take MAT 009?
- Whole number operations without a calculator
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Number relations
- In other words, I know which numbers are greater or less than other numbers and what that means.
- For example, $87 is less than $91
- In other words, I know which numbers are greater or less than other numbers and what that means.
MAT 015 Transition to College Math – This course is designed for students in non-quantitative majors. Topics include real number calculations, solving linear equations, the creation and interpretation of graphs, descriptive statistics and the normal distribution.
What should I know to take MAT 15?
- Decimal and fraction operations without a calculator
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- The relationship between decimals, fractions, and percentages
- Foundational Descriptive statistics
- Means
- Median
- Mode
- Foundational algebra
- Understands the concepts of variables
- Can evaluate an algebraic expression given the value of the variable
- Can solve one-step algebraic equations
- x – 4 = 8
- 3x = -39
MAT 030 Algebra I – Topics include a review of fundamentals, real numbers, algebraic expressions, first degree equations in one variable, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, graphing, square roots, quadratic equations, and exponents. Problem solving and informal geometry will be integrated throughout the course. Credits for this course do not fulfill degree requirements. Prerequisite: A grade of C, not C- or higher in MAT 9 or an appropriate score on the math UMA placement test.
What should I know to take MAT 30?
- Decimal and fraction operations without a calculator
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- The relationship between decimals, fractions, and percentages
- Foundational Descriptive statistics
- Means
- Median
- Mode
- Foundational algebra
- Understands the concepts of variables
- Can evaluate an algebraic expression given the value of the variable
- Can solve one-step algebraic equations
- x – 4 = 8
- 3x = -39
MAT 100 Mathematics and Its Applications – An introduction to mathematics designed to provide students with essential quantitative tools and concepts necessary for further studies in liberal arts and disciplines. Topics include critical thinking skills and real life algebra, word problems, graphs, probability, statistics, and techniques of data collection and analysis. Prerequisite: A grade of C, not C- or higher in MAT 030, or appropriate scores on the UMA Placement Test.
What do I need to know to take MAT 100?
- How to solve linear equations in one variable
- Evaluate expression containing exponents and/or radicals
- Formulas
- Use substitution to evaluate formulas
- Solve for a variable in the formula
- How to solve and graph linear equations in two variables
- Find the slopes of linear equations
- Write the equation of lines for a graph
- Create graphical and tabular displays of data
- Summarize data numerically
- Understand descriptive statistics
- Measures of central tendency
- Mean
- Median
- Mode
- Midrange
- Measures of central tendency
MAT 111 Algebra II – This course includes advanced work in the topics of MAT 030. Additional topics include functional notation, systems of equations in two or more variables, matrices and determinants, and radical equations. Prerequisite: MAT 030 with a minimum grade of C, not C- or higher or appropriate score on the UMA Placement Test.
What do I need to know to take MAT 111?
- How to solve linear equations in one variable
- Functions
- Understand the definition of a function
- Understand the domain and range of functions
- Evaluate a function
- Perform operations of functions
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- How to solve and graph linear equations and functions in two variables
- How to solve and graph linear inequalities in two variables
- How to solve a system of two equations in two unknowns
- Graphically
- Substitution
- Elimination or addition
- How to solve a system of two inequalities in two unknowns
- Exponents
- Polynomials
- Factoring trinomials
- How to solve and graph quadratic equations and functions
MAT 112 College Algebra – A survey of the algebra needed for the study of advanced mathematics and related areas. Some of the topics included are the real number system, algebraic operations, linear and quadratic equations, graphing of equations and inequalities, functions and relations, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations, matrices and determinants, sequences and series, basic concepts of trigonometry and complex numbers. Prerequisite: MAT 111 with a minimum grade of ‘C’, not C- or higher, or appropriate scores on UMA Placement Test.
MAT 113 Mathematics for Business and Economics I – This course is designed to provide mathematical concepts and relevant application required by undergraduate students in business administration and related areas. Topics include applications of algebra, linear systems, matrix algebra, and linear programming.
MAT 114 Mathematics for Business and Economics II – This course represents an introduction to elementary mathematical analysis. Topics include application of classical graphs used in business and economics stressing revenue, cost, profit and marginal analysis. Statistical topics may include linear regression, time series analysis and quality control. EXCEL, or other appropriate software will be used and integrated throughout the course.
MAT 115 Elementary Statistics I – Emphasis on the basic concepts and applications. Collection, analysis, and presentation of data are extensively discussed. Elementary probability is covered. Decision making with large and small samples and prediction based on correlation and regression are also included.
What do I need to know to take MAT 115?
- How to solve linear equations in on variable
- Evaluate expressions containing exponents and/or radicals
- Formulas
- Use substitution to evaluate formulas
- Solve for a variable in the formula
- How to solve and graph linear equations in two variables
- Find the slopes of linear equations
- Write the equation of lines for a graph
- Create graphical and tabular displays of data
- Summarize data numerically
- Understand descriptive statistics
- Measures of central tendency
- Mean
- Median
- Mode
- Midrange
- Measures of dispersion
- range
- Standard Deviations (the concept, not the calculation)
- Measures of central tendency
- The Normal Curve
MAT 116 Plane Geometry – A beginning course in plane Euclidean geometry. Geometric figures, proofs and logical thinking will be stressed.
MAT 124 Pre-Calculus – A study of the polynomial, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions: equations, inequalities, the Cartesian coordinate system and analytic geometry. The interplay of algebra and geometry along with the unifying role of the function is emphasized. Prerequisite: MAT 112.
MAT 125 Calculus I – An introduction to calculus for all students. Differential calculus of the algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. In addition, the definite integral and the fundamental theorem of calculus are studied. Graphing calculators are recommended due to the exploratory, geometric, and intuitive approach which emphasizes an understanding of the basic concepts of function, limit, derivative, and integral. Prerequisite: MAT 124.
MAT 126 Calculus II – Completes the study of single-variable calculus. Topics include inverse
trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, methods of integration, improper
integrals, indeterminate forms, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and
infinite series. Prerequisite: MAT 125 with a minimum grade of “C”.
MAT 130 Math for Elementary Teachers I – This is the first course in a two course sequence. The purpose of this course is to provide pre-service teachers with a strong understanding of the mathematics they will be teaching in a K-8 setting. Topics emphasized in this course are problem solving, numbers and operations, and number theory. Prerequisites: ENG 101 and a grade of C or better in MAT 030.
MAT 131 Math for Elementary Teachers II – This is the second course in a two course sequence. The purpose of this course is to provide pre-service teachers with a strong understanding of the mathematics they will be teaching in a K–8 setting. Topics emphasized in this course are problem solving, probability and statistics, geometry, and measurement. Prerequisite: ENG 101 and a grade of C or better in MAT 130.
The following grid lists the prerequisites for the various math courses based on recent (within 5 years) high school math grades. Students with AP scores can view the course equivalencies here.
| Course: | Prerequisite: |
|---|---|
| MAT 15 | A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels), or higher [1]. |
| MAT 30 | A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels). |
| MAT 100 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels). |
| MAT 111 | A grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP[2]) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors). |
| MAT 112 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors). |
| MAT 113 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra II (Gen/CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Algebra II (Honors). |
| MAT 115 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in Algebra II (all levels). |
| MAT 116 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels). |
| MAT 124 | A passing grade in HS Precalculus (all levels). |
| MAT 125 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Precalculus (CP) or a grade of B- or higher in HS Precalculus (Honors) or a passing grade in HS Calculus (not AP). |
| MAT 130 | A grade of A- or higher in HS Algebra I (all levels) or a grade of C (not C-) or higher in HS Algebra II (all levels). |
[2] CP is college prep.
UMA uses the following standardized test scores for course placement recommendations. Score recommendations are made based on recent (within the past three years) score results.
Students can also elect to complete any of the English and Math placement opportunities through UMA to assist in selecting the most appropriate course.
| SAT | |
|---|---|
| SAT Reading & Writing |
< 500 = recommend ENG 100 ≥ 500 = recommend ENG 101 |
| SAT Math |
<480 = recommend students complete the UMA accuplacer test in math ≥ 480 but < 500 = recommend MAT 100 ≥ 500 but < 540 = recommend any course with a MAT 30 prerequisite ≥ 540 = recommend any course with a MAT 111 prerequisite |
| ACT | |
|---|---|
| ACT English & Reading |
< 36 on English and/or Reading = recommend ENG 100 ≥ 36 on both English & Reading = recommend ENG 101 |
| ACT Math |
< 17 = recommend students complete the UMA accuplacer test in math = 17 = recommend MAT 100 ≥ 18 but < 22 = recommend any course with a MAT 30 prerequisite ≥ 22 = recommend any course with a MAT 111 prerequisite |
| ACCUPLACER | |
|---|---|
| UMA course recommendation: | |
| ENG 100 |
≤ 255 on Writing and/or ≤ 251 on Reading |
| ENG 101 |
≥ 252 on Reading and ≥ 256 on Writing |
| MAT 009 |
≥ 217 but ≤ 245 on Arithmetic or < 233 on QAS |
| MAT 015/030 |
> 245 on Arithmetic and ≤ 245 on QAS |
| MAT 100/115 |
> 245 on Arithmetic and > 245 but ≤ 257 on QAS |
| MAT 111 |
> 257 on QAS and ≤ 242 on AAF |
| MAT 112 | > 242 but ≤ 265 on AAF |
These assessment tools are used to help guide students into appropriate course placement. They do not waive degree requirements. Students may pursue avenues to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment and transfer to meet degree requirements.
Helpful Contacts:
Augusta Advising Center: umaal@maine.edu | 207.621.3408 or 1.800.868.7000
Bangor Advising Center: 207.262.7800
UMA Centers: Brunswick, East Millinocket, Ellsworth, Houlton, Lewiston, Rockland, Rumford, Saco