Knowledge Goal
Build knowledge and awareness of diverse peoples and cultures and of the natural and physical world through the study of arts, histories, humanities, languages, mathematics, sciences and technologies, and social sciences.
Natural Sciences & Wellness: Describe and evaluate models of the natural and physical world through collection and scientific analysis of data, and through the use of mathematical or computational methods. Six credit hours minimum, one course minimum, natural sciences lab required.
Social & Behavioral Sciences: Use knowledge, theories, methods, and historical perspectives appropriate to the social sciences to explain and evaluate human behavior and social institutions. Six credit hours minimum, two course minimum required.
Humanities & Arts: Six credit hours minimum, two course minimum required. Students may complete this requirement by taking courses that meet either or both of the following outcomes:
- Humanities: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation, and the standards of evidence applicable to the humanities to address problems and explore questions.
- Arts: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, theories, or methods appropriate to the arts to describe their context, function and impact.
Skills Goal
Develop intellectual and practical skills, including, for example, inquiry and analysis, critical and creative thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, information literacy, and problem solving.
Communication & Literacy: Write, read, speak, and listen effectively in various contexts using a variety of means including appropriate information sources and technologies. Eight credit hours minimum, two course minimum required. One of these must meet the University Writing Requirement. Students are encouraged to satisfy this requirement by the end of the sophomore year.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning: Use mathematical, computational, statistical, or formal reasoning to solve problems, draw inferences, and determine the validity of stated claims. Four credit hours minimum, one course minimum required. This course must meet the University Mathematics Requirement. Students are encouraged to satisfy this requirement by the end of the sophomore year.
Responsibility Goal
Apply personal and social responsibility for active citizenship and develop skills needed to thrive in a pluralistic and globally interdependent world.
Civics & Perspectives: Six credit hours minimum, two course minimum required. Students may complete this requirement by taking courses that meet one or more of the following outcomes:
- Critical Perspectives: Use critical and analytical skills to evaluate assumptions and challenge existing structures in ways that respect diversity and foster equity and inclusivity.
- Global Perspectives: Evaluate the impact of systems, institutions and issues in local and global contexts and across cultures.
- Civic & Environmental Action: Use critical and creative thinking to address civic, social, and environmental challenges.
University Writing Requirement
Students satisfy the University Writing Requirement in one of four ways:
- completing a Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing course (WRIT 102, WRIT 114, WRIT 116, or WRIT 118) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
- achieving a suitable score on the English Placement Test (WPT ENGL)
- achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition or Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exams
- achieving a suitable score on the University Writing Program Portfolio.
All students are encouraged to satisfy the University Writing Requirement before the completion of the sophomore year.
University Mathematics Requirement
Students satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement in one of four ways:
- completing an approved university-level mathematics course (MQR with a grade of C (not C-) or above
- achieving a suitable score on the UW Math Placement Test
- achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics exams
- achieving a suitable score on a Credit by Examination administered by the Department of Mathematics.
All students are encouraged to satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement before the completion of the sophomore year.
