No matter what your major is at CCSU, mathematics and writing will be a part of your coursework.  You will also need to satisfy the foreign language requirement. The following information is provided to help you understand these requirements and how your placement in required courses is determined. You should be familiar with this information prior to completion of the First Year Student Interest Survey.

CSU Board of Trustees Proficiency Requirement at CCSU

Elementary Algebra (MATH 099) and Remedial English (ENG 099) are designed to provide students needing reinforcement with the proficiency in English and Mathematics necessary to undertake college-level courses.  If you are required to take one of these courses, it must be successfully completed within your first 24 credits taken at CCSU or you will not be allowed to register for courses at CCSU or any other CSU institution.  You may complete this requirement at CCSU, at a special reduced rate, during the summer prior to your first year.  (See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.)

English Requirement

All entering students are required to take Freshman Composition (ENG 110), which is an introductory course in expository writing, unless exempt due to previous coursework.  A score of 450 on either the Writing or the Critical Reading portion of the SAT (or 21 on the ACT) is needed to enroll in Freshman Composition.  If your SAT Writing and Critical Reading score is below 450 (or 21 on the ACT), you will be required to complete Remedial English (ENG 099), which focuses on improvement of basic writing skills, prior to taking ENG 110. Student writing is assessed during the first week of class. Course adjustments may be made if, based on the writing assessment, it is determined that a student is enrolled in the wrong writing course.

Foreign Language Requirement

The foreign language requirement can be satisfied in any one of the following ways:

1.   Three sequential years of one foreign language at the high school level.

2.  Elementary proficiency as demonstrated by successfully completing a 2^nd semester-level CCSU foreign language course (112 or 118).  Students with no previous background in a language must take the 1^st and 2^nd semesters (111 and 112, or 118); students who place out of 111 due to previous background in the language may satisfy the requirement by taking 112 only. 

3.  Passing the CLEP, a standardized examination that demonstrates knowledge of a foreign language equivalent to completion of a 2^nd semester course or higher.

4.  Successful completion of a foreign language course at a level higher than the 2^nd semester level.

5.  Demonstration of native proficiency in a language other than English (requires evaluation of skill level by an appropriate faculty member and/or official documentation, and approval by the Chair of the Department of Modern Languages).

A placement exam in foreign language is required if you wish to continue studying the same language you studied in high school and/or if you have not met the University language requirement. Spanish placement exams are offered by The Learning Center. Check the Modern Language Department website at www.modlang.ccsu.edu or call (860) 832-2875 for further details regarding placement testing other than Spanish.                             

Mathematics Requirement

All CCSU students are required to complete at least two courses beyond Intermediate Algebra (MATH 101).  There are different mathematics course requirements for each major. You will learn more about this during your Advising and Orientation Program. Your SAT Math score is used to determine your eligibility for your first math course. If you believe you are prepared for a higher level math course than your SAT Math score indicates, you may choose to take the Math Placement Exam. (See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.)

The chart that follows indicates the courses you are eligible to take based on your SAT Math score and your high school math background. Mathematics course descriptions are found on-line at www.math.ccsu.edu. If your SAT Math score is above 550, you are exempt from taking both MATH 099 and MATH 101.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take a Mathematics Placement Exam?

Consider taking a placement exam, if you think, after reading the course descriptions, you are prepared to succeed in a higher-level course than the one you are eligible to take. Mathematics course descriptions are found online at www.math.ccsu.edu. If you are taking Algebra II or higher in your senior year, you might consider taking the mathematics placement exam. 

How do I go about taking a Spanish or Mathematics Placement Exam?

Placement Exams are offered by The Learning Center on Saturdays in May and June. Call (860) 832-1900 to sign up for a placement exam

What if I want to take courses in a language other than Spanish?

Check the Modern Language Department website at www.modlang.ccsu.edu or call (860) 832-2875 for further details regarding placement testing other than Spanish.

Can I complete my proficiency requirement before starting classes in the fall?

Yes. In fact, it is a good idea to do so.  You may register for MATH 099 or ENG 099 offered during the Summer at a special discounted rate of $450.00 plus registration fee of $55.00.  You will receive registration information in the mail.  Start your Fall with your proficiency requirement completed!

 

How will I know which math class to take in the fall?

An academic advisor will enroll you in the appropriate math course, based on the major you indicate on your First Year Interest Survey.  You will learn more about your curriculum when you come to your Advising and Orientation Program this summer.

My Math SAT is 460-490, should I choose the MATH 101 Combination course?

The MATH 101 Combination course combines both MATH 099 and 101. It meets 5 hours each week and covers an extensive amount of material.  You should choose the MATH 101 Combination course if you are highly motivated and are willing to put in the extra effort. The benefit of successfully completing the Combination course is that you will satisfy the MATH 101 prerequisite, in a single semester, needed for other college level courses.