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Quantitative Literacy

Quantitative Literacy involves using mathematical, computational, or statistical methods, with significant applications across a wide variety of disciplines. It emphasizes the process of formulating, solving, interpreting, and applying equations of different types to solve many different real-world problems.

Fundamental academic skills, consisting of Quantitative Literacy, English & Writing, and Public Speaking coursework, comprise 15 hours of the general education requirements. Students must complete three credit hours of Quantitative Literacy coursework.

Student Learning Outcomes

UNO Graduates will demonstrate competency in using mathematical, computational, or statistical methods to:

  • Solve real-world problems;
  • Draw inferences based on a set of data or quantitative information; and
  • Justify conclusions derived from quantitative information

Please see the table below for a list of Mathematics courses that have been approved for inclusion in the general education curriculum.

Quantitative Literacy Approved Courses

Course Number Course Title Credits Prerequisite

MATH 1120/
STEM 1120

Introduction to Mathematical
and Computational Thinking         

 3
MATH 1130 Quantitative Literacy 3
MATH 1220 College Algebra ** 3 YES
MATH 1530

Introduction to Applied
Probability and Statistics

 3 YES

** Effective Fall semester 2018 MATH 1220 will replace MATH 1310 to fulfill General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement. MATH 1310 will be accepted if it is taken prior to Fall 2018.

All students will still be required to meet any additional math requirement and/or math prerequisites in their program of study, and are highly encouraged to consult with their academic advisor before enrolling in a particular course.

Students are considered proficient in meeting their general education Quantitative Literacy requirement if they have an ACT Math score of 23 or higher or an SAT Math score of 540 or higher or SAT2016 of 570 or higher.

There are several other ways students can fulfill their general education quantitative literacy requirement if they do not have a high enough ACT/SAT score:

  • Take one of the courses identified above
  • Transfer credit for one of these courses from another institution
  • Credit for another college level math course determined to exceed UNO general education quantitative literacy requirements.  

The Math Placement Exam or Accuplacer Exam into a General Education math course does not equal proficiency in meeting General Education Quantitative Literacy requirements.

Additional information about MATH Placement.