Placement Assessment
Students entering Cochise College programs are expected to possess basic academic proficiency in English, mathematics, and reading before taking college-level courses. Those students who do not demonstrate this proficiency may need to take courses that will not necessarily count toward their degree. Lack of academic preparation is one of several factors affecting students’ ability to complete their programs in a timely fashion while maximizing the advantages of financial aid.
All new students are required to determine their skill levels in English, mathematics, and reading prior to registration. To meet this requirement, students complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) assessment. The DSP is a widely used tool for placing a student in their first-year English, math, and reading classes. The DSP process guides students to choose the course they feel is best aligned with their sense of readiness for college English, math, and reading. Through the DSP, students are able to take an active role in the decision about their first-year courses. All of the DSP assessments can be completed on an internet-ready device at https://www.cochise.edu/dsp/. Please note there are some programs where the DSP will not be accepted for entrance and students will be required to either take the Accuplacer or submit a placement score through one of the other options listed below.
Students who determine they are at the developmental level in any of the three areas above should consult an advisor to select the right courses designed to prepare them for college-level work. These courses currently include the following:
ENG 095, Basic Writing
ENG 096, Intermediate Writing
MAT 081, Beginning Algebra
MAT 091, Intermediate Algebra
RDG 020, Basic Reading
RDG 092, College Reading
The above developmental courses all count toward meeting full-time status for financial aid purposes but any course numbered 099 and below cannot be used to meet graduation requirements. Any student registering in his or her first developmental course(s) must enroll concurrently in CPD 150, Student Success Strategies, and complete it successfully.
ACCUPLACER
Applicants to Cochise College may submit ACCUPLACER, ACT, SAT or GED College Ready scores which are no more than three years old before registering for any courses that have academic skills prerequisites. Transferred scores must come directly from the institution previously attended or from the testing agency.
Placement testing may be waived for students who provide a transcript or diploma showing completion of an accredited associate or higher degree, or for transfer students whose official transcripts show completed coursework in a corresponding subject with a grade of C or better.
Pre-nursing and Allied Health program students, please refer to the Allied Health department requirements for placement testing.
Developmental Course Sequencing toward College Level
English pathway
ENG 095 > ENG 096 > ENG 101
Mathematics pathways
Most AAS degrees: MAT 081 > MAT 132
Most AA degrees: MAT 081 > MAT 142
ABUS degrees: MAT 081 > MAT 142 > MAT 151, or MAT 167 > MAT 212
Most AS degrees: MAT 091 > MAT 151, MAT 182, or MAT 187 > MAT 220 > MAT 231 > MAT 241, MAT 252, or MAT 262
Reading pathway
RDG 020 > RDG 092 > Reading Exempt
RDG 020 > RDG 090 > Reading Exempt
Typical English, Mathematics, and Reading Program Requirements
English requirement
AA, AAEE, AAS, ABUS, AGS, AS: ENG 101 and ENG 102
Mathematics requirement
AA and AAEE: MAT 142 or higher
AAS: MAT 132 or MAT 142 or higher
ABUS: MAT 212 or MAT 220
AGS: MAT 132 or higher
AS: MAT 220 or higher
Reading requirement
AA, AAEE, ABUS, AS, AGS, AAS: RDG 092 or exemption