| Course Placement: |
Mathematics
Initial mathematics course placement is made based on a
student’s math ACT or SAT scores. Mathematics placement
letters and testing information are mailed to all students
with math ACT scores of 28 or lower (SAT scores of 640 or
lower); students with higher scores receive an email.

It is strongly recommended that all
first-year students take the online Math
Placement Test to ensure that they are
placed into the appropriate math course for
their first semester.
Any incoming students who have no ACT or SAT
scores, or anyone who wishes to challenge their
math placement, must take the online placement
test between March 6 and April 4, 2009.
We strongly encourage students to take the Math Placement Test online during the spring testing window, as students who take the test in the spring typically do better than those who take it in the fall. The test is available during Orientation ONLY for students who registered late or who have no other course placement.
The placement test is a multiple-choice test that includes both algebra and trigonometry. Calculators are not permitted. This test will not place students higher than MA1160 Calculus I with Technology. Students who are already placed into this course need not take a placement test. Advanced Placement test scores override any other math placements.

To view Michigan Tech’s math placement
guidelines, see the First-Year Students
section of the mathematics department
website at www.math.mtu.edu.
Calculators The mathematics department strongly recommends that all students have a graphing calculator, but the extent of its use is course-dependent. This instrument is needed for all courses through the calculus sequence. We recommend the TI-89, but other models will suffice. Calculators may be purchased before you arrive or from the Michigan Tech Campus Bookstore. You should engrave or label your calculator with your name.
Questions: Contact Ann Humes, director of first-year mathematics, at amhumes@mtu.edu or 906-487-2938.
Chemistry
If your curriculum requires
you to take chemistry during your first year,
consider the following:
- You’ll need a working knowledge of high school chemistry, proficiency in algebra, and good problem-solving skills for college-level chemistry. The course material is more complex and covered at a much faster pace than in high school, so having a strong background is essential for student success. The guidelines for chemistry course selection use Michigan Tech math course placement and high school chemistry and math grades to determine the appropriate-level chemistry course. Use your grades from your last semester of high school chemistry and algebra when using the guidelines.
- There may be cases where students are placed in the wrong chemistry class during scheduling. Using the guidelines, if you believe that you should be in a different chemistry course, you may adjust your schedule during Orientation registration.
- If you didn’t take chemistry in high school or want to review chemistry fundamentals before enrolling in a college-level course, you should register for CH1000 Preparatory Chemistry (offered in fall and summer semesters only).

View chemistry course selection
guidelines online at www.chemistry.mtu.
edu/pages/firstyearchem/index.php.
Questions: Contact Lois Blau, coordinator of the Chemistry Learning Center, at lablau@mtu.edu or 906-487-2297.
Computer Science
The Computer Science Placement Test is for helping to determine if
students should take the accelerated introductory computer science
course.
- CS1121 is the usual first course in computer science. This course assumes no prior experience with computer programming. If this describes you, you do not need to take the placement test.
- CS1131 is an accelerated introduction to computer science and requires some previous programming experience.
If you have had programming experience in any programming language, you should take this test. If you perform well on the test, you will be advised to take CS1131.

Please take this online test prior to course registration by visiting www.cs.mtu.edu/html/ undergrad/new-students/exam-directions.html.
Questions: Contact Cathy Forsman in the Department of Computer Science at cs-quest@mtu.edu or 906-487-2209.
Modern Language
Learning another language will help you create the future. Michigan
Tech offers a minor and international minor, as well as certificates and
advanced certificates, in modern language and area studies. If you plan
to continue studying French, German, or Spanish, you need to take the
online placement test to ensure you are placed at the appropriate level
of study. We recommend that you take the Modern Language Placement
Test prior to your arrival on campus.
The Modern Language Placement
Test may be taken online between April
13 and June 30. You must preregister
to take this test. The Modern Language
Placement Test registration form can
be found at www.techguide.mtu.edu/
modlangregform.html. Please complete
the form, print it, and return it to
the address listed at least one week
prior to your designated testing day.
Email communication will follow with
instructions and login information
needed to take the placement test. This
test will also be offered on campus
during Orientation week; registration is
required by Friday, August 14, 2009.
Placement Credit
If your score indicates that you should be placed in the second or third
year of a language program, you can receive 6 placement credits upon
satisfactory completion (grade C or better) of a second-year course or 12
credits upon satisfactory completion of a third-year course. Placement
credits can save you time and effort in completing your minor or
certificate.
World Cultures Language Option
Students may take two semesters of a modern language plus the
world cultures activities course, UN1003, to fulfill the world cultures
general education requirement. Students with previous language
experience who wish to fulfill the requirement through further language
study at Michigan Tech should take the online Modern Language
Placement Test. Please note that placement credits cannot be counted
toward the world cultures requirement.
Questions: Contact Dieter Adolphs, placement test coordinator, at dadolph@mtu.edu. Please visit www.hu.mtu.edu/~hlbostic/placement for more information.
Engineering
During the first year, all engineering students will
participate in a common first-year engineering experience.
In your engineering classes, you will learn to integrate and
apply topics and theories learned in your math and science
courses. You will study and understand the different
disciplines within the field of engineering through active
participation in projects, assignments, and explorations. In
addition, you will study and apply theories of engineering
ethics, computer programming, design methods, and
technical communication.
During Orientation, all engineering majors will take the
Spatial Visualization Test, which measures your ability
to visualize a three-dimensional object from different
perspectives. You will need to know your M number (page
18) before taking this test. If you do not pass this test, you
will automatically be enrolled in ENG1002, Introduction
to Spatial Visualization. Spatial visualization is a required
skill that enhances engineering student success in many
courses.
Questions: Contact Jean Kampe, chair, Department of Engineering Fundamentals, at engfun@mtu.edu or 906-487-3046.
Tech Guide Table of Contents
Academics
Advanced Placement Credit & International Baccalaureate Credit
Modern Language Placement Test Registration Form
Finances and Your Bill
Orientation and Family Information
Essential Information
Logging On, Email, Husky Hub and your M Number
Diversity & Multi-Ethnic Outreach - Educational Opportunity
International Programs and Services
Living On Campus
Residence Hall Dining Services
Useful Resources