Geology, General Geology Emphasis, Comprehensive Major
Liberal Arts (Code 160-010)
University Requirements
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE | ||
Credit Requirements | ||
Minimum total for graduation 1 | 120 | |
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher) | 39 | |
Liberal Education Core | 36 | |
Academic Concentrations | ||
Grade Point Requirements 2 | ||
Total | 2.00 average | |
Resident | 2.00 average | |
Major | 2.00 average | |
Minor | 2.00 average | |
Certificate | 2.00 average | |
University Residency Requirements | ||
Minimum total | 30 | |
Senior year | 23 | |
Major, Standard, upper division in residence | 12 | |
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence | 21 | |
Certificate | 25 percent of credits | |
Procedures Required for Graduation | ||
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it. | ||
Apply for graduation on CampS. |
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Certain programs exceed this minimum.
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See special requirements in each College.
Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation
Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.
Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.
WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.
USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).
Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses).
Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATION | Credit Restrictions | |
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory | ||
Total degree credit | maximum 12 | |
Major, Standard | maximum 1 course | |
Major, Comprehensive | maximum 2 courses | |
Minor | maximum 1 course | |
Credit by Examination | ||
Total degree credit | maximum ¼ of total | |
Major or minor | maximum ½ of total | |
Two-Year College Credits | ||
Total degree credit | maximum 72 credits | |
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184) | ||
Total KINS 100-184 | maximum 1 credit | |
Total Band, chorus, drama | maximum 12 credits | |
Single course band, chorus, drama | maximum 4 credits | |
Extension credits | ||
UW-System | no maximum | |
Other extension/correspondence | maximum ¼ of total | |
USAFI | ||
USAFI | maximum 32 credits |
Liberal Education Core
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTS | a minimum of 36 credits | |
Knowledge Goal | ||
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural Sciences | Two (2) learning experiences | |
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2. | ||
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social Sciences | Two (2) learning experiences | |
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2. | ||
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): Humanities | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine Arts | One (1) learning experience | |
Skills Goal | ||
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral Communication | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): Mathematics | One (1) learning experience | |
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): Creativity | One (1) learning experience | |
Responsibility Goal | ||
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global Perspectives | One (1) learning experience | |
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental Issues | One (1) learning experience | |
Integration Goal | ||
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): Integration | Two (2) learning experiences | |
Service-Learning Goal | ||
Service-Learning | 30 hours |
College Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)
University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.
College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.
Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.
Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.
Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.
College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)
Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level. Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways: (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language. (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).
Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)
Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level. Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways: (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114. (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113. (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test. This test may be attempted no more than two times.
Major Requirements
Liberal Arts (Code 160-010)
The objective of the comprehensive major in geology is to prepare students for graduate programs in geological sciences or for careers as professional geologists, hydrogeologists, or geological engineers. The liberal arts comprehensive major requires completion of the Core and one of the four Emphases.
NOTE: Communication classes, both written and oral, are strongly recommended to fulfill liberal education requirements in any of the emphases.
Core Requirements for all Liberal Arts Emphases in the Comprehensive Geology Major
Code | Title | Credits |
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23-25 credits | ||
Select one of the following: | 4 | |
Earth Science | ||
Physical Geology | ||
Environmental Geology | ||
Societal Issues in Earth Science | ||
Required: | ||
GEOL 312 | Mineralogy and Petrology I | 5 |
GEOL 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
GEOL 468 | Computers in Geology | 1 |
GEOL 470 | Field Geology I | 3 |
CHEM 115 | Chemical Principles (or equivalent) | 6 |
Capstone Experience (required for all majors) | 0-2 |
For liberal arts majors, the capstone options may include: GEOL 395 (for a minimum of two credits) or GEOL 471. The capstone will consist of student selection of one of the following options: faculty/student collaborative research, preparation and presentation of a department seminar, internship, field experiences, or other approved experiences. Students working with their adviser will submit a proposal to the department faculty outlining their choice of the capstone experience and explicitly stating how the capstone fits into their personal career goals. The proposal for a capstone experience must be submitted to the chair of the department no later than the second week of the first semester of the senior year.
General Geology Emphasis
Recommended for students planning careers in geology, especially those planning to attend graduate school in geology or engineering.
This emphasis requires completion of the Comprehensive Geology Major Core plus the required and elective credits as listed below.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Minimum 60 semester credits, including: | ||
Required Courses | ||
GEOL 313 | Mineralogy and Petrology II | 4 |
GEOL 315 | Hydrogeology I | 4 |
GEOL 330 | Structural Geology | 4 |
GEOL 418 | Earth History | 4 |
GEOL 471 | Field Geology II | 3 |
MATH 215 | Calculus II | 4 |
PHYS 211 | General Physics | 5 |
or PHYS 231 | University Physics I | |
CS 170 | Computing for the Sciences and Mathematics | 3 |
or GEOG 335 | Geographic Information Systems I | |
Electives | ||
At least two courses selected from: | ||
Introduction to Geochemistry | ||
Geomorphology and Aerial Photography Interpretation | ||
or GEOL 420 | Glacial Geology | |
Economic Mineral Deposits | ||
Hydrogeology II | ||
Engineering Geology and Geophysics | ||
Select additional electives to total at least 60 credits from the following: | ||
Evolution | ||
Vegetation Ecology | ||
Invertebrate Zoology | ||
Wisconsin Wildlife | ||
Quantitative Analysis | ||
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Physical Chemistry I | ||
Physical Chemistry II | ||
Remote Sensing of the Environment | ||
Quaternary Environments | ||
Soils and the Environment | ||
Watershed Analysis | ||
Fluvial Processes and Landforms | ||
Geographic Information Systems III | ||
Materials Characterization | ||
Any Geology course numbered 300 or above | ||
Calculus III | ||
Elementary Statistics | ||
Differential Equations | ||
Linear Algebra | ||
General Physics | ||
or PHYS 232 | University Physics II | |
Astronomy-Solar System | ||
Astronomy-Stars and Galaxies | ||
Electric and Electronic Circuits | ||
Electromagnetic Fields |
NOTE 1: No degree credit may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option in any required courses in a geology major or minor.
NOTE 2: Students should be advised that a second semester of physics is usually required for entrance to graduate school.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:
- Explain Earth processes.
- Use mathematics and computational methods to analyze scientific and geological data.
- Read, write, and critically evaluate geological papers.
- Construct an internally consistent geological map utilizing field data, topographic maps, geological maps, air photos, geographic information systems (GIS) data, and geological cross sections.
- Describe and identify common rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Sample Degree Plan
Geology, General Geology Emphasis, Comprehensive Major, B.S.
The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.
To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core. LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work. Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements. Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.
Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.
Code | Title | Credits |
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SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR | ||
GEOL 106 | Earth Science (LE-I1, LE-K1, LE-K1L) | 4 |
Physical Geology (LE-I1, LE-K1, LE-K1L) | ||
Environmental Geology (LE-K1, L-K1L, LE-R3) | ||
Societal Issues in Earth Science (LE-I1, LE-K1, LE-K1L) | ||
MATH 114 | Calculus I (LE-S2) | 4 |
CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I Lecture | 3 |
CHEM 106 | General Chemistry I Laboratory | 2 |
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity 1 | 3 | |
CHEM 109 | General Chemistry II with Lab | 4 |
MATH 215 | Calculus II | 4 |
WRIT 114 | Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1) | 5 |
OR | ||
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1) | ||
GEOL Elective - choose from GEOL 301, 304, 308 or 343 (LE-K1 +/- LE-R3) 2 | 3 | |
TOTAL FIRST YEAR | 32 | |
SECOND YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
GEOL 312 | Mineralogy and Petrology I | 5 |
GEOL 491 | Advanced Special Topics | 1 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
GEOL 313 | Mineralogy and Petrology II | 4 |
GEOL 320 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 4 |
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR | ||
GEOG 335 | Geographic Information Systems I 3 | 3 |
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts | 3 | |
GEOL Elective | 4 | |
OR | ||
General Physics | ||
OR | ||
University Physics I | ||
Elective - GEOG 337 not required but very useful for graduates | 3 | |
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences +/- LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication, e.g. CJ 201 | 3 | |
TOTAL SECOND YEAR | 30 | |
THIRD YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
GEOL 418 | Earth History | 4 |
GEOL 468 | Computers in Geology 3 | 1 |
GEOL 315 | Hydrogeology I | 4 |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
GEOL 330 | Structural Geology | 4 |
GEOL 416 | Hydrogeology II | 4 |
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR | ||
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity e.g. SOC 101 | 3 | |
Elective Courses in writing, public speaking (CJ 203, LE-S1), etc. | 3 | |
PHYS 211 | General Physics (LE-K1) | 5 |
OR | ||
University Physics I (LE-K1) 4 | ||
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues 5 | 3 | |
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives | 3 | |
TOTAL THIRD YEAR | 30 | |
WINTERIM AND SUMMER DURING/AFTER THIRD YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER New Mexico, 3 weeks | ||
GEOL 470 | Field Geology I (LE-S3, I1) | 3 |
SECOND SEMESTER Montana, 3 weeks | ||
GEOL 471 | Field Geology II 6 | 3 |
TOTAL | 6 | |
FOURTH YEAR | ||
FIRST SEMESTER | ||
GEOL Elective - choose from GEOL 345 / GEOL 420, 365 or 461 7 | 3-7 | |
SECOND SEMESTER | ||
GEOL Elective - choose from GEOL 304, 336 7, 8 | 3-4 | |
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR | ||
Elective - additional PHYS, CHEM, MATH and LE-I1 8 | 3-4 | |
LE Options of Interest | 3-6 | |
Elective Courses in writing, public speaking, GIS, etc | 3 | |
Elective - Additional PHYS, CHEM, MATH (246) and Ecology | 3-4 | |
LE Options of Interest | 7-9 | |
TOTAL | 30 |
Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits
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Many geological issues involve working with people from other cultures. Liberal education electives can help broaden students’ perspectives. Potential courses that would count toward this requirement and R1 and Design for Diversity (DD) include AIS 101, AIS 243, and AIS 322/GEOG 322. Many other courses such as HIST 114 and HIST 115 also fulfill the same requirements.
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A second Geology course might be desired by a student this semester. The upper-division elective classes listed here only have a GEOL 1XX prerequisite and would be available to students.
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GEOL 468 prepares students for GEOL 470 offered during Winterim. GEOG 335 should be taken prior to GEOL 468.
- 4
Two semesters of Physics are generally required for attending graduate school, so PHYS 212 or PHYS 232 is strongly recommended.
- 5
GEOL 115, GEOL 201, GEOL 301, and GEOL 308 carry K1 and R3 designations. If the geology student takes one of these classes during the course of their program, then the R3 learning outcome is satisfied. If GEOL 115 is taken to satisfy the introductory geology requirement, then the student might need to take another I1 class outside of the Geology department.
- 6
GEOL 471 meets the Geology capstone requirement and prepares student for jobs in Geology.
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Minimum of two courses from GEOL 336, GEOL 345 or GEOL 420, GEOL 365, GEOL 416, GEOL 461; additional credits needed from BIOL 308, BIOL 345, BIOL 356, CHEM 213, CHEM 218, CHEM 433, CHEM 434, GEOG 337, GEOG 338, GEOG 345, GEOG 350, GEOG 363, GEOG 364, GEOG 435, GEOL 300-level and higher, MATH 216, MATH 246, MATH 311, MATH 324, MSE 315, PHYS 212 or PHYS 232, PHYS 226, PHYS 229, PHYS 350, PHYS 375.
- 8
Electives must be selected to ensure that a student’s degree comprises at least 39 credits of upper-division courses (300-400 level). Students are encouraged to take additional courses in chemistry, ecology, physics, math, GIS, and written and oral communication, but electives can be selected from any discipline as long as the course prerequisites are met. The degree also must have 120 credits.
Note: All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices. The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study Abroad, Intercultural Immersion, Internship, and/or Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.
Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance
Liberal Education Core (LE Core)
The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core.
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K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2).
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K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2).
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K3 – Humanities; two experiences.
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K4 – Fine Arts; one experience.
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S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement).
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S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement).
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S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major).
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R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement).
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R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience.
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R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience.
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I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major).
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SL—Service Learning; 30 hours
Additional LE Core Information
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Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3).
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Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)).
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S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience.
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S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience.
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S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience.
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S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience.
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S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience.
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I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.