Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees
Total Degree Credits
Exams for Degree Credit
Retroactive Foreign Language Credit
Residence Credit
Probation
General Education Requirements
Understanding and Improving Undergraduate Education at UW-Madison
Academic Enrichment and Honors Programs
The Undergraduate Learning Experience
Honors Programs
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Service Learning
Learning Communities
Academic Programs Abroad
The Value of Study Abroad
Costs and Affordability
Academic Credit and Eligibility
The Role of the Office of International Academic
Programs (IAP)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison sets minimum standards that must be met by all students pursuing an undergraduate degree. Many departments and programs have requirements that exceed these basic requirements. It is important that students become familiar with the specific requirements of the colleges and individual departments and programs. The information in the following paragraphs provides general information about study at UW-Madison. Requirements may vary among the schools and colleges.
To receive a bachelor's degree from UW-Madison, most students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The total degree credits for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. See Undergraduate Majors in this catalog.
Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the UW-Madison Advanced Placement Calculus Exam all offer the possibility of earning degree credit by exam. For more information on these exams, see the Admission section.
Students may receive retroactive foreign language credit for certain lower-level courses. For more information, see the Admission
Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW-Madison. "In residence" means on the UW-Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. Normally these credits are completed after earning the first 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school or college. Not doing so can result in being placed on academic probation. Some programs require students to maintain a stated GPA higher than the minimum to remain in good standing.
The purpose of the General Education Requirements is to ensure that every graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education that establishes the foundations for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. For this reason, these core requirements provide for breadth across the humanities and arts, social studies, biological sciences, and physical sciences; competence in communication, critical thinking and analytical skills appropriate for a university-educated person; and investigation of the issues raised by living in a culturally diverse society.
Students are expected to achieve these competencies by taking courses that fulfill the General Education Requirements. Students may choose from a wide array of courses in communication, quantitative reasoning, natural science, humanities/literature/arts, social studies, and ethnic studies. Many of these courses also count toward degree requirements.
All students except those who matriculated at a college or university before May 20, 1996, must satisfy the university-wide General Education Requirements. Students should always check with their advisors to see if their school or college has any additional requirements that go beyond the basic UW-Madison requirements, or if the programs in which they are enrolled ask them to fulfill these requirements through specific courses or by pursuing them in a particular order. Please see www.ls.wisc.edu/gened for a comprehensive description of the General Education Requirements and the courses that may be taken to fulfill them.
The university-wide General Education Requirements are:
Part A. Literacy Proficiency. 2-3 credits at first-year level dedicated to reading, listening, and discussion, with emphasis on writing. While most incoming freshmen are required to complete course work to fulfill this requirement, students may be exempted from Part A by approved college course work while in high school, AP test scores, or placement testing. Students are expected to satisfy this requirement by the end of their first year.
Part B. Enhancing Literacy Proficiency. 2-3 credits of more advanced course work for students who have completed or been exempted from Part A. Students should consult with the appropriate undergraduate advisor about when this requirement should be completed. Courses that satisfy this requirement are offered in many fields of study; although a wide variety of courses fulfill this requirement, students are encouraged to select a course most in keeping with their interests or other requirements of their intended field(s) of study.
Part A. Quantitative Reasoning Proficiency. 3 credits of mathematics or formal logic. Students may be exempted from Part A by approved college work while in high school, AP test scores, or placement testing. Some students, however, may need to complete a prerequisite before enrolling in a Quantitative Reasoning Part A course.
Part B. Enhancing Quantitative Reasoning Proficiency. 3 credits of more advanced course work for students who have completed or been exempted from Part A. Courses that satisfy this requirement are offered in a variety of fields of study. Students are encouraged to select a course in keeping with their interests or other requirements of their intended field(s) of study.
All students must complete 13-15 credits of course work intended to provide a breadth of experience across the major modes of intellectual inquiry. Breadth course work is intended to give students a broad intellectual perspective on their undergraduate education and their world by encouraging them to look at and understand subjects through the various modes of inquiry used in the natural, physical and social sciences, arts, and humanities. At their most basic level, these requirements challenge students to reach beyond their natural inclinations and understand that there are many ways to identify, research and explore, and ultimately understand, the world around them. These many ways of knowing enrich the undergraduate experience. Many students will find, through them, a lifetime fascination with pursuits beyond their workaday lives. Others will find the creative stimulus to see their favorite subjects from new and interesting perspectives.
Students are required to complete the following breadth requirements:
All students must take one course of at least 3 credits which is designated as an Ethnic Studies course. The ethnic studies requirement is intended to increase understanding of the culture and contributions of persistently marginalized racial or ethnic groups in the United States, and to equip students to respond constructively to issues connected with our pluralistic society and global community. Many ethnic studies courses also fulfill other breadth and other requirements.
The university offers hundreds of courses that meet the requirements described above. Students should consider their own interests and check with their advisor when deciding which courses to complete. Please note that many undergraduate programs of study have breadth requirements that go beyond these basic university-wide requirements.
The following symbols are used in the course listings in this catalog and in the Timetable to indicate how courses count toward satisfying the communication, quantitative reasoning, and ethnic studies portions of the General Education Requirements.
Note: Some Communication Part B courses carry Communication B credit only at the lecture or section level and/or only in certain semesters; these courses may instead be footnoted in the Timetable.
A wide array of indicators are used to designate the type of breadth courses carry. Please refer to www.ls.wisc.edu/gened/ for more information. General Education and breadth indicators appear in the Timetable and in catalog course listings. Students should also be aware that each school and college may, at its own discretion, designate additional courses that satisfy these requirements. For this reason, students should consult their advisors to obtain information about how these requirements are implemented in the school or college in which they are enrolled.
All students are required to meet the fundamental degree requirements of the university, which include a general education component. The university has determined that waivers to the communication and quantitative reasoning portions of the general education component would fundamentally alter the nature of the University of Wisconsin-Madison degree. (Students should not expect to obtain disability-based waivers to the communication and quantitative reasoning portions of the General Education Requirements.)
From time to time, students are invited to help the university better understand their learning experiences while at UW-Madison—for example, undergraduate surveys, focus groups, questionnaires, and so on. The student perspective is essential when assessing the efficacy of academic and other programs. By participating, students help improve their own educational and related experiences and contribute to better educational experiences for future students. Student participation is necessary to advance the academic excellence of UW-Madison's undergraduate education and educational support programs.
UW-Madison offers students many ways to enrich their academic program, regardless of the major field of study they choose to pursue.
A useful Web site that provides links to key aspects of undergraduate academic life is www.learning.wisc.edu/.
Honors programs, which vary slightly among the schools and colleges, are designed for students who wish to undertake work that is more intensive than regular course work. High grade point averages are required to maintain honors student standing. For more information, students should refer to the specific school or college section in this catalog or consult with an honors advisor, or consult the Web page www.provost.wisc.edu/honors/.
One of the most exciting things in life is to discover something new. An important part of an undergraduate education at UW-Madison is to learn from and even work with some of the world's leading researchers. Options range from assisting with professors' ongoing research to designing and directing projects. For many examples, see www.provost.wisc.edu/undergradresearch/. The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (www.lssaa.wisc.edu/urs) is one opportunity available in the first or second year of study. Students may cap off their undergraduate degree with a senior thesis or senior honors thesis. They may also wish to present their work at the annual Undergraduate Symposium. See program descriptions at www.learning.wisc.edu/ ugsymposium. For a sampling of the many grants and awards available to support and honor this work, visit the Undergraduate Academic Awards Office (www.provost.wisc.edu/undergrad/scholarship.html).
Undergraduates have access to more than 100 service-learning courses each year, These courses emphasize hands-on experiences that address real-world issues as a venue for educational growth. More information on service learning is available at the Morgridge Center for Public Service at www.morgridge.wisc.edu/ index.html.
UW-Madison's rich tradition of supporting learning communities means that the traditional classroom is not the only place where students learn. Students may choose to participate in any of the many residential and nonresidential learning communities, where students, faculty and staff work together as both learners and teachers to pursue their academic interests. For a list of options, see www.learning.wisc.edu/communities.
UW-Madison encourages, supports, and expects students to graduate on time. Students should follow these guidelines to earn their degrees in a timely way:
A reciprocal agreement for a four-year graduation plan is available for most degree programs to students entering UW-Madison as freshmen. Students interested in the agreement must attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration). For more information see www.provost.wisc.edu/4year/4year.html.
Students will find many opportunities to study abroad through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Office of International Academic Programs (IAP), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, and School of Business all offer international programs for qualified students. Some of these programs serve specialized needs within professional schools; others are open to all students. Program options include study abroad, student exchanges, and internships for undergraduates.
Study abroad can play a crucial role in preparing students to meet the challenges of a changing world in the 21st century. Many study abroad programs provide an interesting way for students to develop language skills while immersed in other societies and cultures. UW-Madison offers many programs that require no previous training in a foreign language and feature courses taught in English. In addition, students can choose from a variety of settings in which to study a particular language.
No matter what major they choose, students will find that study abroad has much to offer. Some programs provide opportunities for independent field research, internships, and independent studies. These opportunities allow students of virtually any major to pursue their interests.
Overall the cost of study abroad includes items that students would have to pay for whether they were at home or abroad: academic fees, room and board, health insurance, and everyday living expenses such as telephone, local transportation, vacation travel, books, and supplies. Although in some cases it may cost more to study abroad than to stay home, the overall benefit of study abroad is well worth it, and additional costs may be offset by financial aid.
IAP coordinates campuswide fellowships for overseas study, including the National Security Education Programs (NSEP). For information about scholarships and grants available to students who plan to study abroad, review the Guide to Financial Resources for Study Abroad available online at www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/financial.
Credits earned through UW-Madison study abroad programs are considered "residence credits." Both credits and grades will be posted on the UW-Madison transcript. In general, credits earned abroad can count toward fulfilling college and major requirements in any UW-Madison school or college. Students in the College of Letters and Science who study abroad must also complete 15 credits at any level within each major, while physically on campus. Seniors who complete their major and degree requirements while abroad on a UW-Madison program may graduate at the end of their study abroad program.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements. Most academic-year programs are open to juniors and seniors. Summer programs are often open to sophomores as well. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for IAP programs (check with schools and colleges for additional requirements). Interested students benefit from planning during their freshman year with the aim of taking required courses on campus before studying abroad.
Among all campus units, the Office of International Academic Programs administers the largest number of UW-Madison study abroad programs. IAP has managed generalized study abroad programs for the UW-Madison since the 1960s. Today the office oversees more than 90 sites in 45 countries around the world, with nearly 1,000 student participants each year.
IAP has established an Undergraduate Travel Awards program for students enrolling in its overseas programs. Combined with funds from the College of Letters and Science, IAP has been able to offer need- and merit-based awards to students planning to study abroad for many programs.
IAP also features a team of former study abroad participants who are trained as peer advisors and staff the Resource Room. Peer advisors often serve as the first point of contact for students interested in studying abroad on IAP programs. In addition, professional staff work closely with students to help prepare them for study abroad and assist them while they are overseas. For more information on study abroad programs, visit the Study Abroad Resource Room, 250 Bascom Hall, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Below is a representative sample of the programs currently offered across campus. Students are encouraged to check with IAP or the office in their college or school for information about study abroad programs.
Study Abroad Resource Room
250 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608/265-6329;
peeradvisor@bascom.wisc.edu;
www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/.
Information on UW and non-UW-Madison programs.
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Sharon Kemp, 240 Agricultural Hall, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706;
608/262-3673; studyabroad@cals.wisc.edu;
www.cals.wisc.edu/IP/students/
School of Business
Judy Symon Hanson, International Programs, 2266 Grainger Hall, 975 University
Avenue, Madison, WI 53706; 608/265-5017; international@bus.wisc.edu; www.bus.wisc.edu/international/
College of Engineering
Marianne Bird Bear, International Engineering Studies and Programs, M1002A
Engineering Centers Building, 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison, WI 53706;
608/263-2191;
international@engr.wisc.edu;
studentservices.engr.wisc.edu/international/
Some departments and programs offer certificates in addition to majors. Normally a certificate is earned by completing a set of approved courses. A certificate is earned separately from, or in addition to, an undergraduate major. For information about a specific certificate, students should consult with an advisor in the program offering the certificate.
Graduation from an approved college or university is a prerequisite to law school admission.
Pre-law studies. It is impossible to recommend an exact list of courses that will be ideal for all persons who plan to attend law school after college, because there is no specific course of study or major that is required for admission to law school. However, several conclusions emerge that should aid the potential law student.
Test. All applicants are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is administered four times each year. Information and applications for this test are available at the Law School Admissions Office or at the Letters and Science Advising Center, 25 Ingraham Hall.
Students aspiring to study law must work toward the development of skills that are crucial to success in law school. These include the ability to write and speak clearly and correctly and the capacity to think independently, attaining exactness of thought and making valid analytical comparisons and differentiations. It is recommended that undergraduates strengthen these skills by the study and mastery of English prose, composition, and exposition, and of the use of English in speaking. It is also helpful to take courses that demand precise thinking and close reading.
It is particularly important that prospective law students take courses in subjects that are of personal interest, are intellectually challenging, and that will help to provide an understanding of the history, government, and aspirations of American society.
A brochure useful to the pre-law student, Suggested Courses for the Pre-law Student, is available at the Letters and Science Advising Service, B18 Bascom Hall.
Pre-medicine is not a major or a classification, nor is it a formal academic program. It is an area of intended interest that can be pursued simultaneously with the completion of any major and regular degree requirements.
Students interested in pre-medicine are encouraged to seek advising at the Letters and Science Advising Service, B18 Bascom Hall. In addition, they should obtain the booklet Pre-medicine at Wisconsin, which is available at both B18 Bascom Hall and 116 Agricultural Hall. Students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Letters and Science: For more information about pre-medicine, refer to the college sections in this catalog.
Pre-veterinary medicine is not a major at UW-Madison. Students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine are encouraged to choose a major of interest that can be pursued simultaneously while completing the 60 credits of required course work. Students may select an academic major in any school or college to be eligible for admission. One major does not have an advantage over another with respect to admission to veterinary school.
For more information about pre-veterinary medicine and planning course work, contact the Academic Affairs Office, School of Veterinary Medicine, Room 2268, 2015 Linden Drive, 608/263-2525; the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Room 116 Agricultural Hall; or the Letters and Science Advising Service, B18 Bascom Hall.