The Department of Mathematical Sciences follows Registrar policy as outlined in the Catalog. As of the 2025-2026 catalog, challenge of courses can be used to fulfill University Core requirements. The Department considers requests for challenge of courses only for courses listed below. In most courses in mathematics and statistics, and in all advanced courses, major components of the course material and content are furnished by the class instructor. This content can only be learned by class attendance, a feature which renders some courses ineligible for challenge credit. Students wishing to challenge a course for which a CLEP test is available should arrange the test directly with MSU Testing Services in 19 Renne Library.

Courses in which challenge credit may be obtained via CLEP exam in MSU Testing Services (19 Renne Library, 994-6984):

  • M 121 College Algebra*
  • M 151 Precalculus*
  • M 171 Calculus I*

Students wishing to obtain challenge credit in the following courses should begin by discussing the Catalog policy with their academic advisor, and then contact math@montana.edu to discuss the challenge process with the Department Head:

  • M 161 Survey of Calculus: We will likely deny the request for a challenge exam in this course and instead direct you to the Calculus CLEP exam, and you can petition your advisor to allow the CLEP result to replace the M 161 requirement. 
  • M 165 Calculus for Technology I: We will likely deny the request for a challenge exam in this course and instead direct you to the Calculus CLEP exam, and you can petition your advisor to allow the CLEP result to replace the M 165 requirement.
  • M 166 Calculus for Technology II. A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for M 166, except in extremely rare circumstances. 
  • M 172 Calculus II: A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for M 172, except in extremely rare circumstances. 
  • M 221 Linear Algebra: A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for M 221, except in extremely rare circumstances. 
  • M 273 Multivariable Calculus: A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for M 273, except in extremely rare circumstances. 
  • M 274 Introduction to Differential Equations: A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for M 274, except in extremely rare circumstances. 
  • STAT 216 Introduction to Statistics: A request for credit by challenge exam will likely be denied for STAT 216, except in extremely rare circumstances. 

Challenge exams are generally not approved for other department courses not listed above. 

Course Challenge Procedures:

  • A student must meet all requirements in the MSU catalog
  • Application for challenge credit is made on forms available from the Registrar's Office.
  • The Department determines  course competency by :
    • A written midterm that must be passed before going further.
    • A written final that will cover the entire course material.
    The grade will be determined by the performance on both exams.