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Quantitative Reasoning Requirement


The goal of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Requirement is to ensure that every graduate of the College achieves a certain level of proficiency in using and analyzing quantitative information.

Quantitative reasoning is the methodology used to analyze quantitative information to make decisions, judgments, and predictions. It involves defining a problem by means of numerical or geometrical representations of real-world phenomena, determining how to solve it, deducing consequences, formulating alternatives, and predicting outcomes. QR courses may come from a wide range of disciplines representing the natural and social sciences.

Students may fulfill this requirement by:

  • passing one course of three or more credits designated for full QR credit (QR/1); or
  • passing two courses (at least one of which must be of three or more credits) designated for half QR credit (QR/2).

Advanced Placement (AP) credit may not be used to meet the QR Requirement, however in some cases, A-level or IB credit may be used to meet the QR Requirement.

Courses transferred from another college or university do not generally satisfy the QR Requirement, except in the following circumstances:

  • students who transfer in all of the required prerequisites courses for science, math, or computer science majors, as so designated by the major advisor
  • students who receive transfer credit of at least three credits for PHYSICS 125, 126, 140, or 240 or any class that transfers as STATS 250 or Statistics Departmental
  • students who receive transfer credit of at least three credits for a course that is directly equivalent to a course offered at the University of Michigan already meeting the Quantitative Reasoning requirement

Courses used to satisfy the QR requirement also may satisfy other College requirements.