Guidelines for Quantitative Reasoning
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.
Passing Grade
C- or better
Grading Option
Letter graded only
Deadline
All students must complete Quantitative Reasoning before graduation.
How to Satisfy Quantitative Reasoning
High School Exam Score
Use the following table to determine if you have received a score on an exam that satisfies quantitative reasoning.
Exam |
Minimum Score Required to Satisfy Quantitative Reasoning |
| SAT Math Section on exams administered January 2016 and PRIOR | 600 |
| SAT Math Section on exams administered March 2016 and BEYOND | 620 |
| SAT Subject Test, Math Level 2 | 520 |
| ACT - Math Portion | 28 |
| Advanced Placement Exams in Calculus AB or BC | 3, 4, or 5 |
| Advanced Placement Exam in Calculus BC: AB Subscore | 3, 4, or 5 |
| Advanced Placement Exam in Computer Science Principles | 3, 4, or 5 |
| Advanced Placement Exam in Statistics | 3, 4, or 5 |
| International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) Exam in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Analysis and Approaches, or Applications and Interpretation | 5, 6 or 7 |
| International Baccalaureate High Level (HL) Exam in Computer Science | 5, 6 or 7 |
| GCE A-level Mathematics Exam | A, B, or C (or 1, 2, or 3) |
| Quantitative Reasoning exam offered by the Department of Mathematics administered at the beginning of each semester on the Berkeley campus. | 20 |
Berkeley Courses
The following Berkeley course options, completed with a letter grade of C- or higher, satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning requirement:
| Department | Course Options |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | COMPSCI C8, 10, W10, 61A, 61B, 61C, 70 |
| Data Science | DATA, COMPSCI, INFO or STAT C8 |
| Mathematics | MATH 1A, N1A, 1B, N1B, 10A, N10A, 10B, N10B, X11, X12, 16A, N16A, 16B, N16B, 32, N32, 53, H53, N53, W53, 54, H54, N54, W54, 55, N55, 74 |
| Statistics | STAT 2, X10, C8, 20, 21, W21 |
Be sure to review the course description and pre-requisites 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 (100-199) course in lieu of the courses noted above, 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 courses noted above will be considered.
Transfer Courses
All transfer courses pursued for Quantitative Reasoning must be completed with a C- or higher.
| Students admitted with IGETC Certification or UC Reciprocity | Quantitative Reasoning is satisfied. No additional course work is required. |
| Students who started Berkeley as freshmen | Berkeley students may pursue a pre-approved course for Quantitative Reasoning at a California Community College during the summer or while not enrolled at Berkeley during a Fall or Spring semester. To identify pre-approved courses for Quantitative Reasoning, see our Transfer Credit: California Community College page for step-by-step instructions. |
| Non-California Community College | Transfer courses from accredited higher education institutions (i.e. 2-year or 4-year campus in the U.S. or non-UCEAP courses from abroad), must be reviewed and approved by L&S to satisfy Quantitative Reasoning. See our Transfer Credit: Other Higher Education Institution page for step-by-step instructions. |