FIRST-YEAR FOCUS

Are you a returning student with questions about what course you should take?

If you are a returning student and plan on taking your first Northwestern mathematics course in the 2024-2025 academic year, request access to the Mathematics Placement Examination from the Director of Calculus (calculus@math.northwestern.edu). The deadline to complete the Mathematics Placement Exam is July 31, 2024. 

If you have previously completed a Northwestern mathematics course and have questions about which mathematics course to take next, contact your academic adviser.

STANDARD Calculus and Linear Algebra courses

Northwestern's standard courses in calculus and linear algebra are:

• MATH 220-1 Single-Variable Differential Calculus
• MATH 220-2 Single-Variable Integral Calculus
• MATH 226-0 Sequences and Series¹
• MATH 228-1 Multivariable Differential Calculus for Engineering²
• MATH 228-2 Multivariable Integral Calculus for Engineering²
• MATH 230-1 Multivariable Differential Calculus³ 
  
• MATH 230-2 Multivariable Integral Calculus³
  
• MATH 240-0 Linear Algebra

¹ MATH 226-0 is required for mathematics and statistics majors, and is prerequisite for many upper-level mathematics courses, including some that are prerequisite for the Kellogg Certificate Programs. MATH 226-0 is not required for most science and engineering majors. Students may take MATH 226-0 any time after passing MATH 220-2 or its equivalent. See below for further information.
² For McCormick School of Engineering students only.
³ Not open to students in the McCormick School of Engineering.

MATH 218-1,2,3 Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus

MATH 218-1,2,3 Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus is an alternative sequence in single-variable calculus. In addition to covering the same single-variable calculus material as MATH 220-1,2, the MATH 218 sequence also reinforces important foundational skills from precalculus at various points throughout the three-quarter sequence. It should be stressed that MATH 218 is not an easier sequence than MATH 220, and that both treat the calculus material at the same level of depth and with the same rigor. The main difference between the two is that MATH 218 covers a significant amount of additional material: namely, the precalculus foundational topics.  

Enrollment in the MATH 218 sequence is intended for students who certify that they have not had any exposure to calculus, or who have had limited/insufficient exposure to calculus and are not confident about their mathematical preparation. Students who have taken precalculus, but not calculus, qualify automatically for MATH 218-1. Enrollment in MATH 218-1 is by permission only.   

Before registering for MATH 218-1:

• Students who have not had any exposure to calculus should obtain permission to register from the Undergraduate Program Assistant in Lunt Hall Room 201.
• Students who have had limited exposure to calculus and are not confident about their mathematical preparation must obtain permission to register from the Director of Calculus.

MATH 226-0 Sequences and Series

• Students who are majoring or minoring in Mathematics or Statistics. MATH 226-0 is a required basic course for these majors and minors.
• Students who intend to apply to the Kellogg Certificate Programs. Many students take MATH 310-1, MATH 311-1, MATH 314-0, or STAT 320-1 to satisfy an admission requirement for the Kellogg Certificate Programs, and MATH 226-0 is prerequisite for these courses. 
• Students who will take any of the following courses:
  • MATH 250-0 Elementary Differential Equations
  • MATH 310-1 Probability and Stochastic Processes
  • MATH 311-1 MENU Probability and Stochastic Processes
  • MATH 314-0 Probability and Statistics for Econometrics
  • MATH 320-1 Real Analysis
  • MATH 321-1 MENU Real Analysis
  • MATH 325-0 Complex Analysis
  • MATH 327-0 Mechanics for Mathematicians
  • MATH 342-0 Introduction to Differential Geometry
  • MATH 354-0 Chaotic Dynamical Systems
  • MATH 360-1 MENU Applied Analysis
  • MATH 368-0 Introduction to Optimization
  • STAT 320-1 Statistical Methods 1

Mathematical Experience for Northwestern Undergraduates (MENU)

Mathematical Experience for Northwestern Undergraduates (MENU) is a flexible collection of challenging courses designed to provide qualified undergraduates with a thorough foundation in mathematics suitable for advanced study in mathematics and its applications across a wide range of disciplines.

MENU offers students an opportunity to expand their mathematical knowledge while retaining flexibility about their majors. Although MENU attracts students with a variety of interests and majors, the program is especially well-suited for those considering a major in mathematics, the natural sciences, or economics. 

• The first-year MENU sequences are:
  • MATH 290-1,2,3 MENU Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
  • MATH 291-1,2,3 MENU Intensive Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus
• The MATH 290 and MATH 291 sequences only begin in the Fall quarter.
• Enrollment in MATH 291-1 requires permission from the Director of MENU.
• Students in MENU who are considering mathematics coursework beyond linear algebra and multivariable calculus and do not have credit for MATH 226-0 should take MATH 226-0. Students may take MATH 226-0 concurrently with MATH 290 or MATH 291.

MENU is the preferred pathway to a mathematics major or minor and is the preferred preparation for applicants to the Program in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) and to the Kellogg Certificate Programs. More information, including a description of the differences between MATH 290 and MATH 291, is available at the MENU webpage.

Empirical and deductive reasoning foundational discipline Requirement

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Examination Credit

See Credit Recognition for Students Entering 2024-25.

MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT EXAMINATION

All incoming first-year and transfer students who intend to take a calculus course at Northwestern and all students of McCormick School of Engineering must complete the Mathematics Placement Examination by 11:59 PM on July 31.

• The Mathematics Placement Examination is a 120-minute examination that tests mastery of single-variable calculus. The results of this examination, together with standardized examination scores and transfer credit, help the Department of Mathematics and first-year advisers recommend appropriate mathematics course placement.
• The Mathematics Placement Examination will be available through Canvas beginning June 1.
• Incoming students should receive an email invitation to join a Canvas page to take the examination. Returning students who have not yet taken a calculus course at Northwestern may contact the Director of Calculus for permission to take the examination. Placement information will be available through Canvas by August 5.
• If you completed a multivariable calculus, linear algebra, or sequences and series course in high school and would like to place beyond one or all of these courses, see the instructions on the Mathematics Placement Examination on Canvas and contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Course Recommendations for First-Year Students

If you did not study calculus in high school,

• and you do not plan to major in a discipline that requires further mathematics, but you need to satisfy the Empirical and Deductive Reasoning Foundational Discipline requirement, then register for
  • MATH 100-0 Quantitative Reasoning (offered in Spring only), or
  • MATH 202-0 Finite Mathematics (offered in Fall, Winter and Spring), or
  • MATH 211-0 Short Course in Calculus (offered in Spring only), or
  • MATH 218-1 Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus (offered in Fall and Winter only), or
  • MATH 220-1 Single-Variable Differential Calculus (offered in Fall and Winter only).
• and you plan to major in science, engineering, economics, or journalism, then register for
  • MATH 220-1 Single-Variable Differential Calculus (offered in Fall and Winter only), or
  • MATH 218-1 Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus (offered in Fall and Winter only).
• and you plan to major in a social science other than economics that requires mathematics, then register for
  • MATH 202-0 Finite Mathematics (offered in Fall, Winter and Spring), or
  • MATH 211-0 Short Course in Calculus (offered in Spring only), or
  • MATH 220-1 Single-Variable Differential Calculus (offered in Fall and Winter only), or
  • MATH 218-1 Single-Variable Calculus with Precalculus (offered in Fall and Winter only).

If you studied calculus in high school,

• and you are enrolled in the Integrated Science Program (ISP), Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS), or the McCormick School of Engineering, then your School or Program will provide mathematics placement advice.
• and you have studied multivariable calculus or linear algebra, then contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
• and you took an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate mathematics examination, then compare your score on the Mathematics Placement Examination with the recommended placement in the following table, and register for the most advanced course for which you qualify.

If  you did not take an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate mathematics examination,

• and you have a strong interest in mathematics, and excelled in differential and integral calculus, but have not studied linear algebra and multivariable calculus, then consult the Director of MENU about appropriate placement.

• and you studied calculus outside of the United States, then consult the Director of MENU about appropriate placement.

• and you do not have a strong interest in mathematics, then register according to the results of the Mathematics Placement Examination.

If you are unsure about your appropriate placement, then contact the Director of Calculus.

*Contact the Director of MENU.

Contact Information