STEM Course Advisement

Depending on your Math Placement Category, you should take ESM 1082, MATH 1081 or MATH 1082, followed by MATH 1085. ESM 1082, MATH 1081 and MATH 1082 are equivalent for prerequisite and program requirements and meet the GE Block B4 requirement for your major.

Course overview:

• MATH 1081 (Precalculus: Functions) is the first half of precalculus.
• MATH 1082 (Precalculus: Functions, with lab) has exactly the same course content as MATH 1081, but also provides an integrated review of algebra skills needed in precalculus.
• ESM 1082 is the Early Start version of MATH 1082.
• MATH 1085 (Discrete Mathematical Models) shows you how the functions you learned about in precalculus are used in the life sciences. You will also learn about discrete models.

For course descriptions, go to ecatalog.calstatela.edu. For transfer information, see assist.org.

Depending on your Math Placement Category, you should take ESM 1082, MATH 1081 or MATH 1082, followed by MATH 1085 and MATH 2045. ESM 1082, MATH 1081 and MATH 1082 are equivalent for prerequisite and program requirements and meet the GE Block B4 requirement for your major.

Course overview:

• MATH 1081 (Precalculus: Functions) is the first half of precalculus.
• MATH 1082 (Precalculus: Functions, with lab) has exactly the same course content as MATH 1081, but also provides an integrated review of algebra skills needed in precalculus.
• ESM 1082 is the Early Start version of MATH 1082.
• MATH 1085 (Discrete Mathematical Models) shows you how the functions you learned about in precalculus are used in the life sciences. You will also learn about discrete models.
• MATH 2045 (Calculus for the Life Sciences) is a calculus course that covers both differentiation and integration, and their applications in the life sciences.

For course descriptions, go to ecatalog.calstatela.edu. For transfer information, see assist.org.

If you are a Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Natural Science or Physics major, then depending on your Math Placement Category, your first course should be ESM 1082, MATH 1081, MATH 1082 or MATH 1040. Any of these courses fulfills the GE Block B4 requirement for your major. ESM 1082, MATH 1081 and MATH 1082 are equivalent for prerequisite and program requirements.

If you don't take MATH 1040, then your second course is MATH 1083. After MATH 1040 or MATH 1083, you start the calculus sequence: MATH 2110, MATH 2120 and MATH 2130. 

You may also place directly into calculus if you have taken any exam that gives course credit (see below) or have successfully completed the ALEKS placement during summer.

Course overview:

• MATH 1081 (Precalculus: Functions) is the first half of precalculus.
• MATH 1082 (Precalculus: Functions, with lab) has exactly the same course content as MATH 1081, but also provides an integrated review of algebra skills needed in precalculus.
• ESM 1082 is the Early Start version of MATH 1082.
• MATH 1083 (Precalculus: Trigonometry) is the second half of precalculus.
• MATH 1040 (Precalculus) combines MATH 1081 and MATH 1083 in a single semester.
• MATH 2110 (Calculus I)
• MATH 2120 (Calculus II)
• MATH 2130 (Calculus III)

Note that your major may not require the full calculus sequence, or may require additional math courses beyond calculus. Please check with your major advisor.

For course descriptions, go to ecatalog.calstatela.edu. For transfer information, see assist.org.

You may be able to place into Calculus in Fall 2023 using ALEKS PPL over the summer. ALEKS PPL is an online assessment, preparation and placement system that is free for Calculus-bound Cal State LA students.
You qualify for ALEKS PPL if

1. You are an incoming freshman, and
2. Your major requires calculus (Math 2110 or Math 2045), and
3. Academic support is not required (see the section on math placement categories for more information)

If your major is in the college of engineering (ECST) you will get access to ALEKS PPL though the ECST STEP Program.
If your major is not in ECST, you should receive an email in June containing information about registration in ALEKS PPL. If you didn't get that email and you think you qualify for ALEKS PPL, please contact the Mathematics Department.

If you have taken an AP Calculus, CLEP, or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, you may get credit for some calculus courses if you scored high enough.

Please see the course catalog for the most up-to-date information.