If you need math,
take it your first year
Completing math requirements early while your high school coursework is fresh is important for your success. We offer a wide range of math courses spanning from intermediate algebra to honors courses. Our first-year courses use nationally recognized models to maximize student success. Two key parts of the model are the Math Placement Exam and the Math Resource Center.
Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Essential to placing you in the right course, where you can be successful.
- Complete the MPE before attending New Student Enrollment.
- Reviewing your math skills before taking the MPE is heavily recommended.
- You can practice the exam by clicking the link below:
Learn more about the MPE
Mathematics Resource Center (MRC)
- The MRC provides free tutoring for all first-year math courses up to Calculus II. The tutoring is provided by advanced Math majors.
- Monday-Thursday 12:30-8:30 p.m.
Friday: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. - Learn more about the MRC
Precalculus and
Calculus at Nebraska
Courses Offered
Math 100A, Intermediate Algebra
Prerequisite is qualifying on the MPE. Covers material in 2nd year high school algebra. Short lectures interspaced with small group activities. Class size is 30-40 students.
(College credit will be earned, but the credits do not count towards graduation requirements.)
Math 101, College Algebra
Prerequisite is Math 100A or qualifying on the MPE. This is pre-calculus without trigonometry. Short lectures interspaced with small group activities. For students who need a review of algebra before taking Math 104 or Math 102. Class size is 30-40 students.
Math 103, College Algebra and Trigonometry
Prerequisite is Math 100A or qualifying on the MPE. Covers the material in Math 101 and 102. Lectures with activities. Class size 30-40 students. Recommended for students who do not place into Math 106 on the MPE but plan to take that course.
Math 102, Trigonometry
Prerequisite is Math 101 or qualifying on the MPE. Covers circle and triangle trigonometry and trig identities. Lectures with activities. Class size is 25-35 students.
Math 104, Applied Calculus
Prerequisite is Math 101 or qualifying on the MPE. Covers the basics of differential and integral calculus with applications to business and social sciences. Lectures with activities. Class size 50-140.
Math 106, Calculus I
Prerequisite is Math 102 or 103 or qualifying on the MPE. Covers differential and integral calculus with applications to science and engineering. The large lecture portion meets 3 hours per week and its associated recitations meet 3 hours per week. Class size for the lecture is 75-140 and for the recitation is 20-28.
Math 107, Calculus II
Prerequisite is Math 106 or Calculus I in high school and qualifying for Math 106 on the MPE. The large lecture portion meets 2 hours per week and its associated recitations meet 3 hours each week.Class size for the lecture is 75-140 and for the recitation is 20-28.
Honor Courses
Students do not have to be in the Honors Program to take these courses. These courses are intended for students with a strong interest and ability in mathematics who want a deeper understanding and enjoy solving problems.
Math 107H Honors Calculus II
- For students who would like a deeper understanding of key calculus ideas
- Average ACT Math subscore is 29
- Offered each fall semester.
Math 208H Honors Calculus III
- For students who have mastered one variable calculus, i.e., Calculus I & II.
- Average ACT Math subscore is 31.
- Offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
Math 221H Honors
Differential Equations
- For students who have completed the calculus sequence in high school and want to see applications of Calculus to problems in science and engineering.
- Offered each fall semester
Math 314H Honors Linear Algebra
- Fundamentals of linear algebra with an emphasis on mathematical reasoning. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrix arithmetic, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, change of basis, inner products and diagonalization.
- Offered each spring semester
Additional Courses
Math 203, Contemporary Math
No prerequisite. Covers applications of quantitative reasoning and methods of problem solving and decisions making in several areas. Useful for students who want a math course but don’t need algebra, trigonometry or calculus. Lectures with activities. Class size 30-35 students.
Math 208, Calculus III
Prerequisite is Math 107 or equivalent material in high school and qualifying for Math 106 on the MPE. Multivariable and vector calculus; Classes are either small (35-40 students) or lectures with recitations (lectures 75-90; recitations 25-30).