ASSOCIATE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE DEGREE

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree fulfills the university-wide general education requirement at all UW baccalaureate schools with the exception of UW Stout. The UWMC Glossary of Terms provides further information on additional college and department degree requirements. There are significant advantages to using the AAS degree to meet the university-wide general education requirements of the baccalaureate school of your choice -- these are described in the transfer section of the UWMC Glossary.

This page provides a general description of the AAS degree. A detailed checklist of courses that fulfill the requirements in each category is also available (here) .

THE DEGREE:

General education core requirements and distribution requirements are the foundation of a baccalaureate degree. It is general education that produces a well-rounded graduate and not just a narrow specialist. General education emphasizes proficiencies and breadth of knowledge that contribute to our knowledge and abilities as citizens rather than just specialist professionals.

The following are the overall requirements of the degree:

earn a minimum of 60 credits
fulfill the UW Centers General Education Requirements described below.
complete at least 24 of the 60 credits, or earn at least 12 of the last 24 credits, at a UW Center
maintain a UW Centers cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, and a 2.0 overall GPA in the credits applied to the Associate of Arts and Science Degree.
be enrolled at a UW Center during the semester you complete the degree requirements, or have earned 60 degree credits prior to transferring from a UW Center to a baccalaureate degree granting University of Wisconsin institution

After you have fulfilled these requirements bear in mind that in order to actually receive the degree you must apply during the semester in which you intend to complete the degree requirements. Applications are available in the Student Services office.

DISTRIBUTION OF CREDITS:

The AAS degree consists of Core Requirements (Proficiencies) and Breadth Requirements. The Breadth Requirements demand that you take courses from across a number of different fields of knowledge. The Core Requirements demand basic proficiency in English and Math.

I. CORE REQUIREMENTS

(6 credits)

A grade of C or better in or exemption from the following:

Writing -- English 102
Mathematics -- MAT 108 or 110

The writing and mathematics requirements and their prerequisites may not be used to satisfy a breadth requirement when used to satisfy a core requirement. Exemption is based on a combination of placement test scores and a grade of "C" in a higher level course than those listed. When you enter UWMC, Student Services will advise you of the correct courses to take.

II. BREADTH CATEGORIES

The following describes the minimum number of credits that must be obtained from each category of knowledge or study. The minimum totals 32 credits (not including ES and IS courses, which may be double-counted). The remaining credits required for AAS graduation may be distributed in any way you wish -- use these credits to help with the requirements of your major as much as possible
.

A. FINE ARTS AND HUMANITIES

A student must earn a minimum of nine (9) credits with at least one coursedesignated as Fine Arts and at least one course designated as humanities.

B. MATHEMATICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES

A student must earn at least 11 credits in this category. At least eight of these credits must come from two different Natural Science (NS) disciplines, one of which must be a Laboratory Science (LS).

C. SOCIAL SCIENCE

A student must earn a minimum of nine (9) credits in this category.These courses must be selected for at least two (2) disciplines.

D. APPLICATION AND PERFORMANCE

A student must earn a minimum of three (3) credits in courses designated asApplication and Performance.

E. ETHNIC STUDIES

A student must earn a minimum of three (3) credits in courses designated asEthnic Studies. Ethnic Studies courses may also be counted toward another breadth category.

F. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

A student must earn a minimum of three (3) credits courses designated as Interdisciplinary Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies courses may also be countedtoward another breadth category.

G. ELECTIVES

A student who has met the core requirement and the other breadth category minimumsmay compete the 60 credits minimum requirement with courses in the category.

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