Mathematics and Statistics Placement
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is committed to student success in the courses delivered through our department. Mastery of the prerequisite information is a key component of student success in mathematics and statistics courses. Therefore, in order to foster a positive learning opportunity and maximize the likelihood of student success in mathematics and statistics courses, we require that students have the appropriate placement to enroll in each mathematics or statistics course at Northern Arizona University. The purpose of math placement is to determine, based on students’ knowledge of prerequisite mathematics skills, which mathematics or statistics course is most appropriate for them.
Placement Procedure for NAU Mathematics and Statistics Courses
Beginning in Fall 2010, NAU will use the NAU ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) Mathematics Placement Test for placement into mathematics and statistics courses. The NAU ALEKS Mathematics Placement Test is designed to accurately measure students’ mathematics knowledge, and will indicate a specific math placement for each student.
Information for Students Admitted to NAU for Fall 2010 or Later
Students admitted to NAU for Fall 2010 or later must take the NAU ALEKS Mathematics Placement Test, unless they have
- earned credit for a college-level mathematics or statistics course via CLEP exam, AP exam, IB exam, or
- earned credit for a college-level mathematics or statistics course (equivalent to MAT101X or higher) via dual enrollment or via transfer from another college or university.
Information for Students Enrolled at NAU Prior to Fall 2010
Students enrolled at NAU prior to Fall 2010 must take the NAU ALEKS Mathematics Placement Test unless they have
- previous mathematics placement based on ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER exams (available through LOUIE in Test Results undre "PLACE/ MATH"). See the Mathematics Placement Table for specific math placement information. However, beginning in Fall 2013, ACT, SAT and ACCUPLACER exams will no longer be accepted for determining mathematics placement. All students without credit for a college-level mathematics or statistics course as of Fall 2013 must take the NAU ALEKS Mathematics Placement Test to establish their mathematics placement.
- earned credit for a college-level mathematics or statistics course via CLEP exam, AP exam, IB exam, or
- earned credit for a college-level mathematics or statistics course (equivalent to MAT101X or higher) via dual enrollment or via transfer from another college or university.
Students enrolled at NAU prior to Fall 2010 may choose to take the NAU ALEKS Mathematics Placement Test to challenge their existing mathematics placement.
