Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission


  • International Student Information
  • Credit By Examination
  • Advanced Placement Program
  • Previous Advanced Placement Examinations
  • International Baccalaureate Program
  • Cambridge International Examinations
  • Course Credit Examination Program
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB
  • Previous CLEP Examinations

Application for admission on a form provided by the Office of Undergraduate Admission may be filed at any time, but should be filed well in advance of the semester for which admission is desired. The online application is located at valpo.edu/apply. Applications for admission to undergraduate programs are sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. For admission to a graduate program, consult the GRADUATE CATALOG.

General Requirements

Valparaiso University admits those students who demonstrate potential for success in rigorous academic work. The credentials of each applicant are individually evaluated, with consideration given to academic record, standardized test scores, character, and evidence of motivation for college studies. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant.

A student who wishes to be considered for admission into the freshman class must have the following items on file: 1) a completed undergraduate application; and 2) an official high school transcript. Valparaiso University has adopted a test-optional policy through the entering class of fall 2020. Official scores on the SAT or the ACT are not required but may be submitted for consideration, if desired.

Most Valparaiso University applicants will have taken and successfully completed the most challenging program of studies available in their high schools. The number of high school units expected is listed below. One (1) unit is equal to one (1) year of satisfactory work (C or better) in an accredited secondary school. Entrance requirements differ slightly for some colleges and academic programs.

For students intending to choose a major in the College of Arts and Sciences, high school preparation is expected to include:

English 4
Algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra 3
Laboratory Science 2
History 2
World Language 2
Additional science, history, social sciences, language, English, and mathematics courses 3

For students intending to major in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, high school preparation is expected to include:

English 4
Algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra 3
Laboratory Science including biology and chemistry 3
History 2
Additional science, history, social sciences, language, English and mathematics courses 3

For students intending to major in the College of Business, high school preparation is expected to include:

English 4
Algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra 3
Laboratory Science 2
History 2
World Language 2
Additional science, history, social sciences, language, English, and mathematics courses 3

For students intending to major in the College of Engineering, high school preparation is expected to include:

English 4
Algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, and precalculus 4
Laboratory Science including chemistry/physics 3
History 2
Additional science, history, social sciences, language, English, and mathematics courses 3

Homeschooled Requirements: Students who are homeschooled are encouraged to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission for specific requirements.

Transfer Requirements

A student who wishes to be considered for admission as a transfer student must submit the following items:

  1. a completed transfer admission application;
  2. official copies of ALL college transcripts, and if a student has successfully completed (C or better) less than 24 semester hours of college credit, a high school transcript;
  3. a transfer applicant, currently on academic probation, cannot be considered for admission until in good academic standing with the current school.

To be considered for admission, a minimum 2.500 (C+) cumulative grade point average in college coursework is required for most programs. However, some programs require a minimum 3.000 (B) grade point average.

Special Requirements for Christ College, the Honors College

An academically talented student who is admitted to the University may be invited to apply for admission to Christ College by the Christ College dean. Qualifications include superior academic performance, demonstrated leadership ability, and interest in pursuing stimulating interdisciplinary study. Students enrolled in Christ College are concurrently enrolled in one of the University’s four other colleges.

Special Student Status

Students admitted to take classes for credit, but not admitted to degree-seeking status, are special, non-matriculated students. High school students concurrently enrolled at Valparaiso University, students who are taking classes for certification, personal enrichment, or as a precondition to admission as degree-seeking, and international intensive English language students are generally admitted as “special, non-matriculated students.”

Students admitted through the Office of Continuing Education are admitted as special, non-matriculated students. For a change from this status to classified, degree-seeking student status, an application for admission through the Office of (Undergraduate) Admission is required.

This status is not available to a student dismissed from the University.

Enrollment Deposit

A link to the online enrollment deposit form will be sent to each newly admitted student. The enrollment deposit form and payment ($400 for domestic and international students) should be submitted as soon as the student has decided to enroll at Valparaiso University. Deposits will be refunded if written notice of cancellation is received by the Office of Undergraduate Admission by March 1 for the summer terms, May 1 for the fall semester, or November 1 for the spring semester.

International Student Information

International Requirements

Valparaiso University welcomes applications from qualified international students. At present, over forty-five nations are represented in the University’s international student population.

In order to be considered for admission to Valparaiso University, an international student will need to submit the following items to the Office of Undergraduate Admission by June 15 for fall semester and Nov. 1 for spring semester.

  1. Application -Applicants may complete the online application.
  2. Official Transcripts - Applicants must submit original or certified copies of transcripts from all secondary schools (high schools), colleges, or universities attended. All transcripts must be sent directly from the school to Valparaiso University’s Office of Admission in a separate, sealed envelope. If relevant, include a school-leaving certificate. Valparaiso University will make the initial admission decision based off digital copies of transcripts.
  3. SAT or ACT Test Scores-Official test results are recommended for admission and must arrive directly from the testing agency. Please note Valparaiso University’s SAT code-1874, ACT code-1256.
  4. Proof of English Proficiency-All applicants must meet a minimum level of proficiency in the English language and submit proof of the proficiency to the Office of Admission. Minimum proficiency may be met by one of the following exams:
    • TOEFL-score of 538 paper, 205 computer, 75 internet
    • SAT-verbal score of 500
    • ACT-English score of 24
    • IELTS-score of 6.0
    • ITEP-score of 3.8
    • PTE-score of 56
    • GCE or GCSE English exam-grade of A or B
    • IB Higher Level English exam-score of 5-7 or grade of A or B.
    • Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Full-Time Enrollment

All international students who are studying on F-1 visas are required by the Department of Homeland Security to successfully complete at least 12 credit hours per semester; otherwise, the continuation of study on the F-1 visa is jeopardized and the visa may be revoked. All decisions to withdraw from a course or to transfer to another school should first be discussed with the international student advisor.

International Transfer Students

To receive transfer credit for university courses completed outside the United States, international applicants should submit detailed descriptions of their previous coursework. Valparaiso University may require that such coursework be evaluated by a professional evaluation service at the applicant’s expense. Suggested evaluation services include World Education Services (WES, www.wes.org) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE, www.ece.org).

Regardless of other degree requirements, candidates for all bachelor’s degrees must meet the following requirements in residence at Valparaiso University:

  1. At least one-half the number of credit hours required for any major, minor, or interdisciplinary program (a minimum of 15 credit hours in the area of world languages)
  2. At least three credits in theology
  3. At least thirty of the last forty credits presented for the degree

Financial Aid

A limited number of international merit scholarships are available. Amounts vary.

Employment

A limited number of on campus jobs are available for international students each year, but these jobs are usually for no more than 5 or 6 hours per week. The Immigration and Naturalization Service does not allow off-campus employment during the first academic year in the United States, but after that it is possible in special cases to obtain approval to work off-campus. International students should not plan on paying for educational costs in this way.

Health Insurance

All full-time students are automatically covered for emergency medical treatment up to $500.00. In addition, Valparaiso University requires that all international students enroll in a special insurance policy (limit $250,000.00) in case there are major medical expenses.

For further information regarding admission of international students, please write to: Associate Director for International Admission, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383- 6493, U.S.A. or email Undergrad.Admission@valpo.edu.

Credit By Examination

Entering first-year students may become eligible for credit by examination in five ways: 1) through the Advanced Placement Program administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, 2) through the College Level Examination Program administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, 3) through the International Baccalaureate Program administered by International Baccalaureate North America, 4) through the Cambridge International A Levels administered by the Cambridge International Examinations, and 5) through the course credit program administered by individual departments. Credit earned from the above mentioned exams may not be used to fulfill Valparaiso University’s General Education requirement of CORE 110  or CORE 115 .

Advanced Placement Program

Students who submit results of Advanced Placement examinations are eligible to receive credit in accordance with the following table. AP examinations must be taken before enrollment as a full-time student at Valparaiso University. For more information, contact the Admissions Office.

Examination Required Score  
Art Studio: 2D Design CVA 290 3 Cr. 3  
Art Studio: 3D Design CVA 290 3 Cr. 3  
Art History CVA 101 3 Cr. 3  
Art Studio: Drawing CVA 121 3 Cr. 3  
Biology BIO 171, 172 8 Cr. 4  
Chemistry CHEM 121 4 Cr. 3  
(Students intending to continue on to CHEM 122 are encouraged to repeat CHEM 121 if they receive a score of 3 on the AP Chemistry exam.)  
Chemistry CHEM 121, 122 8 Cr. 4  
Chinese Language and Culture CHIN 102 4 Cr. 4  
Chinese Language and Culture CHIN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Computer Science A CS 115 3 Cr. 4  
Computer Science A CS 157 3 Cr. 5  
Computer Science Principles CS 156 3 Cr. 4  
Economics - Micro ECON 221 3 Cr. 4  
Economics - Macro ECON 222 3 Cr. 4  
English, Language and Composition ENGL 100 3 Cr. 4  
English, Literature and Composition ENGL 200 3 Cr. 4  
Environmental Science GEO 260 3 Cr. 4  
French Language FREN 102 4 Cr. 4  
French Language FREN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
German Language GER 102 4 Cr. 4  
German Language GER 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Geography, Human GEO 101 3 Cr. 4  
Government and Politics, American POLS 120 3 Cr. 4  
Government and Politics, Comparative POLS 130 3 Cr. 4  
History, American HIST 120, 121 6 Cr. 4  
History, European HIST 100 3 Cr. 4  
History, World HIST 110 3 Cr. 4  
Italian Language WLC UND 4 Cr. 4  
Italian Language WLC UND 8 Cr. 5  
Japanese Language JAPN 102 4 Cr. 4  
Japanese Language JAPN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Latin Language LAT 102 4 Cr. 4  
Latin Language LAT 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Math, Calculus AB MATH 131 4 Cr. 4  
Math, Calculus AB MATH 131, 132 8 Cr. 5  
Math, Calculus BC MATH 131 4 Cr. 3  
Math, Calculus BC MATH 131, 132 8 Cr. 4  
Music Theory MUS 163, MUS 109 5 Cr. 4  
Physics 1 PHYS 111, 111L 4 Cr. 3  
(Students intending to continue on to PHYS 112 are encouraged to repeat PHYS 111 if they receive a score of 3 on the AP Physics 1 exam.)  
Physics 2 PHYS 111, 111L, 112, 112L 8 Cr. 4  
Physics C, Mechanics PHYS 141 3 Cr. 4  
Physics C, Electricity and Magnetism PHYS 142 3 Cr. 4  
(Students with a score of 4 or higher on either of the AP Physics C exams may also receive credit for PHYS 141L or 142L, depending on their AP lab experience. See the Physics department chair for more information.)  
Psychology PSY 110 3 Cr. 4  
Seminar GS 390 3 Cr. 4  
Spanish Language SPAN 102 4 Cr. 4  
Spanish Language SPAN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Spanish Literature SPAN 102 4 Cr. 4  
Spanish Literature SPAN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Statistics STAT 140 or BUS 205 3 Cr. 4  

Previous Advanced Placement Examinations

The following AP examinations are no longer offered and are listed for reference for students who may have taken the older examinations.

Examination Required Score  
Art Studio: General CVA 290 3 Cr. 3  
Computer Science AB CS 115 3 Cr. 3  
Computer Science AB CS 157 3 Cr. 4  
French Literature FREN 102 4 Cr. 4  
French Literature FREN 102, 203 8 Cr. 5  
Latin Literature LAT 102 4 Cr. 4  
Latin Literature LAT 102, 203 4 Cr. 5  
Physics B PHYS 111, 111L 4 Cr. 3  
(Students intending to continue on to PHYS 112 are encouraged to repeat PHYS 111 if they receive a score of 3 on the AP Physics B exam.)  
Physics B PHYS 111, 111L, 112, 112L 8 Cr. 4  

International Baccalaureate Program

First-year students who submit results of International Baccalaureate Higher Level examinations (Standard Level examinations are not accepted) with scores of 5, 6 or 7 receive credit for the following subjects:

Examination Credit Earned  
Individuals and Societies      
  Economics Social Science   3 Cr.  
  English A Language and Literature ENGL 100 3 Cr.  
  English A Literature ENGL 200 3 Cr.  
  Geography GEO 101 3 Cr.  
  History Americas HIST 120, 121 6 Cr.  
  History Europe HIST 100, 110 6 Cr.  
  Language B French, German, Spanish 102 4 Cr.  
  Philosophy PHIL 125 3 Cr.  
  Psychology PSY 110 3 Cr.  
  Social Anthropology SOC 290 3 Cr.  
Sciences      
  Biology BIO 171 4 Cr.  
  Chemistry CHEM 121 4 Cr.  
  Computer Science CS 115 3 Cr.  
  Physics PHYS 111, 111L 4 Cr.  
Mathematics      
  Further Mathematics Mathematics Quantitative   4 Cr.  
  Further Mathematics & Mathematics HL (Students must take both exams to earn the credit) MATH 111, 115, 125, 131, 132, 264, 270 16 Cr.  
  Mathematics HL Mathematics   4 Cr.  
The Arts      
  Music MUS 101 3 Cr.  
  Theatre Arts THTR 101 3 Cr.  
  Visual Arts CVA 290 3 Cr.  
Language Acquisition      
  Classical Greek GRK 102 4 Cr.  
  Latin LAT 102 4 Cr.  

Cambridge International Examinations

First-year students who submit results of Cambridge International Examinations A-Levels (AS Levels will not be accepted) will receive credit for the following subjects:

Examination Credit Earned  
Minimum grade of B required      
  Biology BIO 171 and BIO 172 8 Cr.  
Minimum grade of C required      
  Accounting ACC 290 3 Cr.  
  Business Studies BUS UND 3 Cr.  
  Chemistry CHEM 121 and CHEM 122 8 Cr.  
  Computer Science CS 157 and CS 158 6 Cr.  
  Economics ECON 221 and ECON 222 6 Cr.  
  English Language ENGL 100 3 Cr.  
  English Literature ENGL 200 3 Cr.  
  French FREN 203 and FREN 204 8 Cr.  
  Geography GEO 101 and GEO UND 6 Cr.  
  German GER 203 and GER 204 8 Cr.  
  History HIST 110 3 Cr.  
  Mathematics Exam MATH 111, MATH 115, and MATH 131 6 Cr.  
  Mathematics & Further Math Exams MATH 111, MATH 115, MATH 131, MATH 132, MATH 264, and MATH 270 16 Cr.  
  Media Studies CVA UND 3 Cr.  
  Physics PHYS 111, PHYS 141L, PHYS 112, and PHYS 112L 8 Cr.  
  Psychology PSY 110 3 Cr.  
  Sociology SOC 110 3 Cr.  
  Spanish SPAN 203 and SPAN 204 8 Cr.  

Course Credit Examination Program

During the orientation period that precedes each semester, placement tests are offered to incoming students (freshmen and transfers) in the areas listed below. These tests provide an opportunity for students to attain advanced placement, receive credit, or meet certain General Education Requirements at Valparaiso University. Advanced placement and/or credit are awarded in world languages, mathematics, and chemistry as explained in the listings for those departments.

In all of the cases, the credit awarded is entered on the student transcript, which is maintained by the Office of the Registrar. This credit can be applied toward required or elective courses.

Credit earned by examination may achieve advanced standing, meet General Education Requirements, and accelerate progress into advanced areas of study in an intended major or interdisciplinary program. Credit by examination may reduce the time required to earn an undergraduate degree.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the CEEB

The CLEP program provides an opportunity to gain college credit for those individuals who, through experience, independent study or enriched high school courses, have attained college-level knowledge in a particular field. It is not recommended that these examinations be taken only on the basis of normal high school courses. Information and test center locations can be obtained from College Entrance Examination Board, Box 1822, Princeton, NJ 08541.

Valparaiso University awards credit for CLEP General Examinations in English, Humanities, Social Science-History, and Natural Science, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The General Examinations must be taken before matriculation at Valparaiso University.
  2. Credit for a CLEP General Examination may not be applied to a major nor to any specific course requirement except as listed below in items 4, 5, and 6.
  3. Credit for a CLEP General Examination is valid only if no other credit by examination is awarded in courses applicable in the same area of general education.
  4. A score of 50 or above on the Humanities General Examination entitles a student to three (3) credits in the area of Fine Arts or Fine Arts-Literature.
  5. A score of 50 or above on the Social Science-History General Examination entitles the student to three (3) credits in the area of Social Sciences.
  6. A score of 50 or above on the Natural Science General Examination entitles a student to three (3) credits in the area of Natural Science.

Valparaiso University awards credit for CLEP Subject Area Examinations as indicated below. Credit for Subject Area examinations is awarded only if the examination is taken before the student enrolls in the specific college-level subject for which credit by examination is sought.

Examination Required Score  
American History I HIST 120 3 Cr. 50  
American History II HIST 121 3 Cr. 50  
American Literature ENGL 311, 312 6 Cr. 50  
American Government POLS 120 3 Cr. 50  
Analysis and Interpretation of Literature ENGL 200 3 Cr. 50  
Calculus with Elementary Functions MATH 131 4 Cr. 50  
College Composition ENGL 100 3 Cr. 50  
College Composition Modular ENGL 100 3 Cr. 50  
French Language, Level I FREN 102 4 Cr. 45  
French Language, Level II FREN 102, 203 8 Cr. 50  
German Language, Level I GER 102 4 Cr. 45  
German Language, Level II GER 102, 203 8 Cr. 50  
Spanish Language, Level I SPAN 102 4 Cr. 45  
Spanish Language, Level II SPAN 102, 203 8 Cr. 50  
College Mathematics MATH 120 3 Cr. 50  
English Literature ENGL 200 3 Cr. 50  
Financial Accounting ACC 205 3 Cr. 50  
Freshman College Composition ENGL 100 3 Cr. 50  
General Biology BIO 171, 172 8 Cr. 50  
General Chemistry CHEM 121 4 Cr. 45  
(Students intending to continue on to CHEM 122 are encouraged to repeat CHEM 121 if they receive a score of 45 on the CLEP Chemistry exam.)  
General Chemistry CHEM 121, 122 8 Cr. 50  
Human Growth and Development PSY 330 3 Cr. 50  
Information Systems and Computer Applications IDS 410 3 Cr. 50  
Introductory Educational Psychology ED 220 3 Cr. 50  
Introductory Business Law BLAW 204 3 Cr. 50  
Introductory Psychology PSY 110 3 Cr. 50  
Introductory Sociology SOC 110 3 Cr. 50  
Precalculus MATH 111, 115 2 Cr. 50  
Principles of Macroeconomics ECON 222 3 Cr. 50  
Principles of Management MGT 304 3 Cr. 50  
Principles of Marketing MKT 304 3 Cr. 50  
Principles of Microeconomics ECON 221 3 Cr. 50  
Western Civilization I HIST 100 3 Cr. 50  
Western Civilization II HIST 110 3 Cr. 50  

Previous CLEP Examinations

The following CLEP examinations are no longer offered and are listed for reference for students who may have taken the older examinations.

Examination Required Score  
Freshman College Composition ENGL 100 3 Cr. 50  

A score of 50 or above on the English General Examination entitles a student to three (3) credits for ENGL 100 .

Advanced Standing-Transfer Students

The University welcomes transfer students from junior colleges, community colleges, and other accredited institutions of higher education. Students planning to transfer to Valparaiso University must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions at least three weeks before the official start day of the term for which they are applying and must present evidence of honorable dismissal from the institution last attended. Transfer students will not be admitted to Valparaiso University until official transcript(s) and other required credentials are on file in the Office of Admissions. After their records are evaluated, applicants will be notified regarding the courses which are found acceptable for transfer. Courses with grades of C- or above are accepted as transfer credit. Grades are not transferable; only credit transfers. For students in the College of Business, see College of Business . For registered nurses in the degree completion program of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, see College of Nursing and Health Professions .

Credits earned more than fifteen years before application for admission are accepted toward graduation on a provisional basis, subject to validation by the first thirty semester hours completed in residence at Valparaiso University with a 2.000 (C) average.

Advanced standing is the record of courses and credits accepted by Valparaiso University from another institution. The maximum number of advanced standing credits that may be applied toward a Valparaiso University degree is 94 credits (Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, or Nursing and Health Professions) or 102 credits (College of Engineering). The remaining advanced standing credits will be applied as elective credit only. See Academic Policies  for residence requirements and restrictions related to majors and minors. Credit for workshops, institutes, or travel study ordinarily will be granted only for work taken at Valparaiso University. In cases of exception to this restriction, transfer credit for institutes or workshops usually will not exceed one credit per calendar week of instruction. Transfer credit for travel study programs usually will not exceed two credits per calendar week.

General Education

Students will receive a copy of a Transfer Credit Equivalency Report that lists the transfer credits accepted by Valparaiso University and the matching Valpo course equivalent. The Dean of the student’s college will review the Transfer Credit Equivalency Report and prepare a Statement of Equivalency in regard to the General Education requirements for the respective degree. Transfer students with more than 75 credits of advanced standing need to complete one course (three credits) of theology at Valparaiso University. One course in theology must be taken in residence at Valparaiso University.

CORE 110  or CORE 115  credit may only be granted by transfer credit for courses taken prior to the student enrolling at Valparaiso University, and will only apply toward transfer students; freshmen will not be awarded CORE 110  or CORE 115  credit. Any credit transferred to Valparaiso University after the student has begun their career at Valparaiso University will not be considered as applicable toward fulfilling CORE 110  or CORE 115 .

Major Requirements

Statements of equivalence for academic majors, interdisciplinary programs, or professional block schedules are prepared by the colleges or departments concerned.

Preliminary Mathematics Placement Information

Upon entry to Valparaiso University, all students who do yet not have college credit for mathematics are given a preliminary placement into appropriate mathematics classes through an evaluation process that includes any or all of ACT or SAT math scores, high school GPA, and math classes taken along with grades earned during senior year. If a student determines the preliminary placement level is suitable, there is no need to continue and take the math placement assessment. If a student wishes to improve the preliminary placement, then he or she should take the math placement assessment. The descriptions of the specific placement levels and the means for the preliminary determination follow.

Placement Level 3

Students at this level are eligible for everything listed for Placement Group 2, as well as MATH 131 - Calculus I . This is as high as our placement system goes; placement in mathematics to anything higher than Calculus I requires previous college credit for the appropriate pre-requisite classes (for example, students who have received AP credit for Calculus I may start in Calculus II). Any student in this placement group should NOT take the math placement assessment.

Qualified students may also take a Calculus Placement Exam. A student who is placed into Calculus II will receive 4 credits for Calculus I and 4 credits for Calculus II by passing MATH 132 - Calculus II  with a grade of C or higher.

The minimum standards for preliminary placement at this level are:

  • PL 3: ACT MATH 30 - 36 (SAT MATH 690 - 800)
  • PL 3: ACT MATH 25 - 29 (SAT MATH 590 - 680), and high school GPA of 3.500 or higher, and having taken a course in Precalculus, Trigonometry, or Calculus during senior year.

Placement Level 2

Students at this level are eligible for everything listed for Placement Level 1, as well as MATH 115 - Trigonometry and Functions , MATH 124 - Finite Mathematics , and MATH 125 - Calculus & Functions Part I . Any student in this placement group should NOT take the math placement assessment unless direct entry into MATH 131 - Calculus I  is desired.

The minimum standards for preliminary placement at this level are:

  • PL 2: ACT MATH 25 - 29 (SAT MATH 590 - 680), and high school GPA of 3.500 or higher, but NOT having taken a course in Precalculus, Trigonometry, or Calculus during senior year.

Placement Level 1

Students at this level are eligible to enroll in many quantitative analysis and natural sciences courses, including BIO 171 , CHEM 121 , and PSY 201 . In mathematics specifically, students are eligible to enroll in MATH 111 - College Algebra , MATH 120 - Mathematics in Modern Society , MATH 125 - Calculus & Functions Part I , and STAT 140 - General Statistics . Your choice of whether to take a mathematics/statistics class or a quantitative analysis course in another department should be made in consultation with your academic advisor. A student in this placement group should NOT take the math placement assessment unless direct entry into a course requiring a higher placement level is desired.

The minimum standards for preliminary placement at this level are:

  • PL 1: ACT MATH 25 - 29 (SAT MATH 590 - 280) and high school GPA below 3.500
  • PL 1: ACT MATH 20 - 24 (SAT MATH 490 - 580) and high school GPA of 3.500 or higher

Placement Level 0

Students in this group take MATH 110 - Intermediate Algebra  or MATH 125 - Calculus & Functions Part I  before proceeding to further college mathematics and statistics classes. Also, many quantitative analysis and natural sciences courses require completion of MATH 110  or placement higher than MATH 110  in order to enroll. Any student in this placement group is encouraged to take the math placement assessment.

The minimum standards for preliminary placement at this level are:

  • PL 0: ACT MATH 20 - 24 (SAT MATH 490 - 580) and high school GPA below 3.500
  • PL 0: ACT MATH 19 (SAT MATH 480) or below

Placement Level NP (No Placement)

Students for whom we do not have sufficient information to determine a placement level. Any student in this placement group is must provide the necessary information or take the math placement assessment.

Notes:

  • It is very possible your preliminary placement is lower than you think it should be; sometimes we have incomplete information. In that event, you can act to supply the missing information, or take the math placement assessment.
  • Any prior college credit for mathematics or statistics courses (including credit achieved through AP exams and transfer credits) overrides everything in this preliminary placement system.
  • All placement activity takes place before a student enters the course stream. Once a student begins in the course stream, progression from course to course relies solely on the standard course pre-requisites. For example, someone who places into MATH 115 - Trigonometry and Functions  cannot get an F in that class but then proceed to Calculus I anyway by (re)taking the math placement assessment.

To take the math placement assessment, visit valpo.edu/mathematics-statistics/academics/ap-credit-and-math-placement. Note that more than one attempt at the placement assessment is possible, so a first try does not necessarily give a final placement result.