Basic Skills: Mathematics and English Requirements
All students entering CSUSB who have not completed GE mathematics or English 101 are held to the basic skills requirement which states "By no later then the beginning of their second term, students not having satisfied the current general education basic skills mathematics and English requirments must register for a math and/or English course that will demonstrate the progress is being made toward meeting that requirement."
To register for basic skills mathematics or English courses, you must first complete the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) and/or English Placement Test (EPT) unless your scores on the SAT and ACT were high enough to exempt you. You can preview both these important tests by reviewing two documents. The first is called Focus on Mathematics, and the second is called Focus on English. Both will give you sample questions for each section of each test. Clicking on either title will take you to a PDF version of the document.
Additionally, the CSUSB bookstore sells an ELM prep book called ELM: The Best Test Prep for Entry Level Math for about $20. Please call the bookstore at 909-537-5966 to get the current price and to check on availability.
REMEMBER, until you have completed General Education mathematics and Freshman Composition, you must register each quarter for courses in one or both areas leading to the fulfillment of this requirement.
You test scores will determine which mathematics and English courses you must take in order to fulfill the Basic Skills requirment. Do not get discouraged if you score at a developmental level.
Math scores and Placements
50 or greater:
Math 110, 115, 120, 192 or
41 to 49:
Math 090
30 to 40:
Math 080
19 to 29:
Math 75b
Below 18:
Math 75A
ALL PREREQUISITE MATH COURSEWORK (Math 75a, 75b, 79, 80, 90) MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE YEAR. The year begins July 1, and ends June 30th. If this requirement is not fulfilled within the one year period, the student MUST attend a community college to complete the prerequisite coursework and GE math.
English scores and placements
English Sequence Beginning Fall 2009:
Based on your EPT Score, you may start this sequence in one of the following classes:
Begin with the following class for these EPT scores:
- 139 and Below: Begin with English 102a or 102b
- 140-149: English 105
- 144-149: If Qualified, Reading Improvement Program (RIP)* (See Below)
- 150 and Up (or EPT Exempt by SAT or ACT): English 107
| Class | Units Acquired | If Passed (Credit) Proceed to: | If No Credit, Proceed to: |
|---|---|---|---|
| English 102a or 102b | 4.0 Units** | English 103a or 103b with Same Instructor | Return to English 102a or 102b |
| English 103a or 103b | 4.0 Elective Units | English 104a or 104b with Same Instructor | English 105 |
| English 104a or 104b | 4.0 GE Units | Pass & Fulfill English Composition GE A.1 | English 107 |
| English 105 | 4.0 Elective Units | English 106 with Same Instructor | Return to English 105 |
| English 106 | 4.0 GE Units | Pass & Fulfill English Composition GE A.1 | English 107 |
| Reading Improvement Program (RIP) | 4.0 Elective Units | English 107 | |
| English 107 | 4.0 GE Units | Pass & Fulfill English Composition GE A.1 |
*RIP – Must qualify to participate: EPT Section scores of (4) ESSAYS, (140) READING, (140) COMP & (144) TOTAL SCORE. Call Undergraduate Studies (909) 537-5032. This program is currently only available during the summer.
**English 102 Units Not Counted Towards Degree
NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is available as a free download. Also, printed copies of the PDF documents on this page will be made available at the Advising and Academic Services office.
Last Updated: Oct. 7, 2009