Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

Guidelines for Quantitative Reasoning Courses

The Quantitative Reasoning requirement is designed to ensure that students graduate with basic understanding and competency in mathematics, statistics, or computer science. The requirement may be satisfied by exam or by taking an approved course. Coursework used to satisfy Quantitative Reasoning must be completed with a letter grade of C- or higher. 

Satisfying Quantitative Reasoning with an Exam

  • SAT Math Section - Minimum Score: 620
  • SAT Subject Test, Math Level 2 - Minimum Score: 520
  • ACT Math Portion - Minimum Score: 28
  • Advanced Placement Exams in Calculus AB or BC - Score: 3, 4, or 5
  • Advanced Placement Exams in Calculus BC: AB Subscore - Score: 3, 4, or 5
  • Advanced Placement Exam in Computer Science Principles - Score: 3, 4, or 5
  • Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics - Score: 3, 4, or 5
  • International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) Exam in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Analysis and Approaches, or Applications and Interpretation - Score: 5, 6, or 7
  • International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) Exam in Computer Science - Score: 5, 6, or 7
  • GCE A-Level Mathematics Exam - Score: A, B, or C (or 1, 2, 3)
  • Quantitative Reasoning Exam offered by the Department of Mathematics - Minimum Score: 20

Satisfying Quantitative Reasoning Requirement with a Berkeley Course

The following Berkeley course options, completed with a letter grade of C- or higher, satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement:

COMPSCI C8Foundations of Data Science4
COMPSCI 10The Beauty and Joy of Computing4
COMPSCI W10The Beauty and Joy of Computing4
COMPSCI 61AThe Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs4
COMPSCI 61BData Structures4
COMPSCI 61CGreat Ideas of Computer Architecture (Machine Structures)4
COMPSCI 70Discrete Mathematics and Probability Theory4
DATA C8Foundations of Data Science4
INFO C8Foundations of Data Science4
MATH 1ACalculus4
MATH N1ACalculus4
MATH 1BCalculus4
MATH N1BCalculus4
MATH 10AMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
MATH N10AMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
MATH 10BMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
MATH N10BMethods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics, and Combinatorics4
MATH 16AAnalytic Geometry and Calculus3
MATH N16AAnalytic Geometry and Calculus3
MATH 16BAnalytic Geometry and Calculus3
MATH N16BAnalytic Geometry and Calculus3
MATH 32Precalculus4
MATH N32Precalculus4
MATH 53Multivariable Calculus4
MATH H53Honors Multivariable Calculus4
MATH N53Multivariable Calculus4
MATH W53Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 54Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
MATH H54Honors Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
MATH N54Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
MATH W54Linear Algebra and Differential Equations4
MATH 55Discrete Mathematics4
MATH N55Discrete Mathematics4
MATH 74Transition to Upper Division Mathematics3
STAT 2Introduction to Statistics4
STAT C8Foundations of Data Science4
STAT 20Introduction to Probability and Statistics4
STAT 21Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business4
STAT W21Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business4

Be sure to review the course descriptions and prerequisites in the Berkeley Academic Guide to ensure adequate preparation before enrolling. The Department of Mathematics also offers an on-line placement exam to help students choose between MATH 32, 16A and 1A.

Most students who have not fulfilled this requirement prior to admission enroll in MATH 32 (Pre-Calculus), STAT 2 (Introduction to Statistics) or COMPSCI/INFO/STAT C8 (Foundations of Data Science).

Those students prepared to complete an upper division (courses numbered 100-199) course in lieu of an approved lower-division course (courses numbered 1-99), should contact L&S advising (asklns@berkeley.edu) to confirm approval prior to enrollment. Only courses valued at 3 units or higher, and with a prerequisite of one of the approved lower-division courses will be considered.

Satisfying Quantitative Requirement with a Transfer Course

All transfer courses pursued for Quantitative Reasoning must be completed with a C- or higher. 

  • Students admitted with IGETC Certification or UC Reciprocity have satisfied Quantitative Reasoning. No additional course work is required.
  • Students can complete a pre-approved Quantitative Reasoning course at a California Community College. Pre-approved courses can be found on ASSIST. Refer to the L&S Transfer Credit page for instructions on how to take transfer credit as an L&S student before enrolling at a California Community College.
    • UC Berkeley Extension course STAT X10, Math X11, Math X12 are additional pre-approved transfer course options for Quantitative Reasoning.
  • Successful completion of transferable courses from other higher education institutions (i.e. 2-year or 4-year campus in the U.S. or non-UCEAP courses from abroad) may also be considered. Course descriptions and syllabi will be required to make a determination. For more information on pursuing transfer courses for Quantitative Reasoning at another higher education institution, review L&S’s Transfer Credit: Other Higher Education Institutions webpage. 

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