Mathematics Pathways
Why take Mathematics in college?
Math is everywhere. People who don’t use math survive, but people who can use math to solve real-world problems thrive. Using mathematical reasoning helps people to make wise choices in real life, including understanding financial aid, how to budget and spend money, and how to tip appropriately. Math is needed for nearly all careers and professions, but it is the key to being able to enter certain high demand, high-paying professions such as those in science, technology, and engineering. Mathematics will be most rewarding for you if you take the math courses appropriate to you major and career goals.
What Mathematics course should I take?
We can’t tell you all the math courses you might need to take in your college career. Our goal is to get you started on a math pathway that is best for your intended major. So, we’re going to help you find the appropriate entry-level mathematics course, the first math course you will take in your college career, the one that will start you on the right pathway.
There are 7 entry-level mathematics courses to choose from:
MATH 1001 Quantitative Reasoning
MATH 1101 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
MATH 1401 Elementary Statistics (at some institutions)
MATH 1111 College Algebra
MATH 1112 College Trigonometry
MATH 1113 Precalculus
Calculus (no common number for this one)
Getting into the courses:
All students are expected to have completed four mathematics courses in high school. (Dual Enrollment students must complete three high school mathematics courses, including Algebra II, before taking collegiate mathematics courses.)
Any student may start in MATH 1001, MATH 1101, or MATH 1401. Some students will be required to take a “Corequisite Support” course alongside these courses.
You must meet certain requirements to be able to take MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, or Calculus. Some students will be required to take a “Corequisite Support” course alongside MATH 1111.
If you need MATH 1111, MATH 1112, MATH 1113, or Calculus for your major, but don’t place into it right away, start with a course that will enable you to meet requirements for the math you need. Here’s the sequencing information. Start with the “highest” course you can qualify for and go from there.
MATH 1001 or 1101 | may be a prerequisite for | MATH 1111 | may be a prerequisite for | MATH 1112 or 1113 | may be a prerequisite for | Calculus |
Look for your intended major in the chart below to see the best course for you to start in.
Start Smart – Choose the Right MATH Pathway!
| Math Course | MATH 1001 Quantitative Reasoning OR MATH 1101 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling (OR MATH 1401 Elementary Statistics1) | MATH 1111 College Algebra | MATH 1112 College Trigonometry OR MATH 1113 Pre-calculus | Calculus | |
| Which majors start here? | Anthropology Business Administration2 Communication Criminal Justice1 Dental Hygiene Educator Preparation Birth-to-Five Early Childhood Middle Grades (except Math and Science) P-12 Programs (except Health and Physical Education) Secondary (except Math and Science) English Film/Media Studies Foreign Languages General Studies1 Health Information Management3 | History1 International Studies1 Journalism/ Mass Communication1 Music Nursing Occupational Therapy Philosophy1 Political Science1 Psychology1 Public Relations1 Recreation Respiratory Therapy Social Work1 Sociology Speech Theatre Visual Arts | Business Administration2 Exercise and Health Science Exercise Science Geography (B.A.) Health and Physical Education (P-12) Health Information Management3 Information Science Information Technology Logistics4 Radiological Sciences | Agricultural Science Architecture Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer Science Educator Preparation Mathematics (Middle Grades or Secondary) Science (Middle Grades or Secondary) Engineering Technology Environmental Science Forestry Geography (B.S.) Geology Mathematics Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physics | Engineering ALL Georgia Tech students |
1 Students in these majors may take MATH 1001, MATH 1101, or MATH 1401 2 Business Administration recommendations are institution-specific. See the chart below for Business Administration recommendations for each institution. 3 Some Health Information Management programs require MATH 1111 College Algebra. Students should check institutional catalogs. 4 Some Logistics programs require MATH 1111 College Algebra. Students should check institutional catalogs. | |||||
Recommended First Math Course for Business Majors | |||
MATH 1101 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling or MATH 1111 College Algebra | MATH 1111 College Algebra | MATH 1113 Precalculus | MATH 1551* Differential Calculus and MATH 1552* Integral Calculus *The transfer course number may vary |
Clayton State University College of Coastal Georgia Dalton State College East Georgia State College Georgia Southwestern State University Middle Georgia State University | Albany State University Atlanta Metropolitan State College Augusta University Columbus State University Fort Valley State University Georgia College & State University Georgia Gwinnett College Georgia Highlands College Georgia Southern University South Georgia State College Savannah State University University of North Georgia University of West Georgia Valdosta State University | University of Georgia | Georgia Institute of Technology |