Courses and Learning Outcomes
Students complete the Math core by taking a Pacific MATH department course numbered 165 or higher, SOC 301 (Social Statistics), or BA 250 (Business Analytics). MATH 122 and 125 do not meet the Math core.
A course completing the Math requirement may not be double dipped to complete the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.
Math courses taken at other institutions, if not directly equivalent to a °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ math course, will fulfill the mathematics core requirement only if they meet the outcomes below as determined by the Chair of the Math Department.
Upon completion of this requirement students will be able to:
- engage in abstract mathematical thinking.
- understand analytical and formal deductive reasoning.
- demonstrate the symbolic, graphical and numerical skills, which are the basis of mathematical literacy.
Math Placement
Each new first-year student is given a math placement based on prior college courses, or AP or IB test scores. Students are encouraged to take the math placement if they don’t have AP/IB or college credit for math.
For transfer students, their math placement is determined by previous college credit in math or through the math placement process.
Once you have a math placement, you can use the to see which math courses you can take to complete the math core requirement. You may take any course at your placement level or below.
Do you think your placement is too low? You can take the math placement challenge test. Contact the Advising Center for details.
What Math class should you take?
Statistics
Statistics classes are required for several majors and as a prerequisite for many of our Health Professions graduate programs. We offer three different statistics options: MATH 207, SOC 301, and BA 250. Which option you need or if you have a choice will vary depending on your major and graduate school plans. Connect with an or in the advising center for support in selecting your math course.
MATH 221 and 223: Math for Elementary School Teachers
If you are thinking about Elementary Education you’ll want to plan on taking these courses.
MATH 165 and MATH 212
These math classes are popular ways to meet the Math Core requirement if you don’t have a specific math class to take for your major/graduate school prerequisites. MATH 165 is typically offered in Spring Semester, MATH 212 is offered fall and spring.
College Algebra/Pre-Calculus
Thinking about a major in the Natural Sciences? Math is critical to start right away, especially if you’ve placed at these levels. You must place at level II or higher or complete MATH 122 before you can take Chemistry. Please note: these classes do not meet our Core math requirement.
Calculus Sequence
If you need to take Calculus courses and how high you go into Calculus will vary depending on your math or science major (It is important to check science major sections in the Advising Handbook and the for specific math requirements in your major. For example, Kinesiology and Public Health majors do not need MATH 226 or higher but Chemistry majors need courses through MATH 227).
Note: If you need any of the sequence between MATH 122- 228, it is strongly recommended you start these courses right away and not take any terms off in between. You must get a C or higher in order to continue to the next math level.