Placement Information
The primary goal of mathematics placement is to guide students towards courses that enhance their success in post-secondary mathematics. The process is by no means infallible. Students may be placed into courses in which they may not succeed due to their mathematical background, attitude towards mathematics and extracurricular activities. Other students may be placed below their capabilities. Throughout the placement process, the student should reflect on their personal background and assess which courses they are capable of pursuing.
Please read below for answers to frequently asked questions about placement. Additional placement information can also be found on the admissions page.
Who will need mathematics placement?
Primarily two groups of students entering a SD Regental University will be affected by the placement process: Those students who have not met the general education requirement for mathematics (typically College Algebra); or Those students who wish to enroll in Calculus and wish to challenge the pre-requisite course work (students who bring a strong mathematical history from high school).
What are the instruments used for placement?
A student will be placed via the ACT math sub-score (if the score is less than 5 years old from initial enrollment date), or via the ACCUPLACER exam, which is administered at BHSU. More information and study materials for the ACCUPLACER exam can be found at the CollegeBoard website.
Where do I take the ACCUPLACER?
At Black Hills State University the ACCUPLACER is administered through BHSU Testing Services. To make an appointment, call (605) 642-6099 or email BHSPTestingCenter@bhsu.edu. For more information or questions on math placement, please e-mail Daluss.Siewert@bhsu.edu or Daniel.Swenson@bhsu.edu. If you are challenging your placement, you may be requested to provide additional information in regard to your mathematical background.
Course Information
The Advising Help page provides helpful information and suggestions for selecting courses.
Pre-General Education Courses
For information on university policies concerning completion of these courses, see the Academic Catalog.
- MATH 101 - Intermediate Algebra
General Education Classes
Any of these courses may be used to satisfy the general education mathematics requirement.
- MATH 103 - Mathematical Reasoning
- MATH 114 - College Algebra
- MATH 115 - Precalculus
- MATH 120 - Trigonometry
- MATH 123 - Calculus I
- MATH 125 - Calculus II
- MATH 225 - Calculus III
- MATH 281 - Introduction to Statistics
Other Mathematics Classes
- MATH 315 - Linear Algebra
- MATH 316 - Discrete Mathematics
- MATH 321 - Differential Equations
- MATH 341 - Math Concepts for Teachers I
- MATH 342 - Math Concepts for Teachers II
- MATH 361 - Modern Geometry
- MATH 411 - Theory of Numbers
- MATH 413 - Abstract Algebra I
- MATH 425 - Real Analysis I
- MATH 481 - Probability and Statistics