Liberal Arts (Code 250-010)

University Requirements

Course List

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
Core General Education		10 courses, 36 credits
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.

¹

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

²

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 Universities 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.

Course List

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

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CGER Categories
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MQR)		4 credit hours, 1 course min
Includes University Math Requirement 1
Communication & Literacy (CL)		8 credit hours, 2 course min (including CL-W)
Includes University Writing Requirement (CL-W) 2
Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW/NSWL)		6 credit hours, 1 course min (NSW-Lab required)
Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
Humanities & Arts (HA)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
Civics & Perspectives (CP)		6 credit hours, 2 course min
CGER Totals 3
Credits		minimum 36 credits
Courses		minimum 10 courses

¹

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.   

²

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, WRIT 118, or WRIT 120) 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.

³

Completion via Placement Tests

• Writing: If the CL-W subcategory is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Communication and Literacy requirement will be reduced from 8 credits (2 courses) to 3 credits (1 course).
• Mathematics: If the University Math Requirement is satisfied through a placement test, the CGER Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning requirement will be considered fully met, replacing the 4-credit (1 course) requirement.
• Students must still complete 36 credits across 10 courses, with any remaining credits or courses eligible to be taken from any CGER category.

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 Core General Education Requirements); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); second language competency at the 102 level.  Second language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Demonstrate a level of second language competency that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a second language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level second language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 or SLHS 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Core General Education Requirements); 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 250-010)

The structure of the major is unique: it integrates an engineering-oriented field into a liberal arts and sciences degree, and is thus deliberately interdisciplinary and broadly defined, consistent with a core general education approach. Students specialize through a chosen emphasis. The major serves students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation as well as students interested in graduate education in areas such as Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics.

The major is comprised of a minimum of 63 credits, including completion of core courses, at least six credits from courses in the Materials Science electives, and at least six credits in a chosen emphasis.  Credits applied toward the electives and emphasis must be unique credits.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
CORE COURSES
Materials Science
MSE 221	Living in a Materials World	3
MSE 286	Engineering Sophomore Seminar	1
MSE 315	Materials Characterization	4
MSE 334	Soft Materials	4
MSE 350	Thermodynamics of Materials	4
MSE 357	Phase Transformation & Kinetics	3
MSCI 384	Materials Science Junior Seminar	1
MSCI 484	Materials Science Capstone I	1
MSCI 485	Materials Science Capstone II	2
Chemistry
CHEM 115	Chemical Principles	6
or
CHEM 108 & CHEM 109	General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II 1
or
CHEM 105 & CHEM 106 & CHEM 109	General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Laboratory and General Chemistry II 1
CHEM 325	Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory	4
Mathematics
MATH 114	Calculus I	4
MATH 215	Calculus II	4
Physics
PHYS 231	University Physics I	5
PHYS 232	University Physics II	5
ELECTIVE COURSES		6
MSE 256	Introduction to Computer Aided Design
MSE 289	Research Experience - MSE
MSE 296	Student Academic Apprenticeship
MSE 307	Engineering Statistics
MSE 362	Microelectronic Materials Processing
MSE 367	Macroprocessing of Materials
MSE 368	Macroprocessing Materials Lab
MSE 372	Transport Phenomena
MSE 374	Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Properties of Materials
MSE 395	Directed Studies
MSE 406	Failure Analysis and Prevention
MSE 451	Computational Materials Science
MSE 475	Nanomaterials
MSE 493	Collaborative Internship
MSE 494	Off-campus Materials Science Internship
MSCI 395	Directed Studies
MSCI 399	Independent Study - Juniors
MSCI 499	Independent Study - Seniors

¹

 Only six credits apply to major.

NOTES:

1. A maximum of one credit of MSE 296 may be applied toward the Electives category and a maximum of three credits may be applied to the Electives category from any of the following courses: MSE 296, MSE 289, MSE 395, MSE 493, MSE 494, MSCI 395, MSCI 399, and MSCI 499.
2. MATH 312 is recommended for students planning to attend graduate school.

EMPHASIS REQUIREMENTS

Six credits in an Emphasis required.  All six emphasis credits must meet the requirements described in either A or B below.

A. Defined emphasis

• Be from the same prefix
• Be from the following prefixes:  BIOL, BME, CHEM, CS, GEOL, MATH, MGMT, PHYS
• Be from UWEC courses numbered 300 or above, or from courses appropriate for a major, such as:  BIOL 221, BIOL 222, BIOL 223, BME courses 200 level and above, CHEM 213, CHEM 218, CS 140, CS 150, CS 163, CS 170, GEOL 106, GEOL 110, GEOL 115, and MATH 216

B. Distributed emphasis

The student may pursue an emphasis that reflects a thematic area of concentration and intentional connections.  Such an emphasis, with approval of the faculty advisor, must draw from courses appropriate for a major in another area distinct from Materials Science or Materials Science and Engineering.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes: 

• Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
• Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.         
• Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
• Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Materials Science, Comprehensive Major, B.S.

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the current 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 Core General Education Requirements (CGER). CGER course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as CGER CL, CGER HA, and CGER NSWL to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of the course. Please click here for a description of the outcomes and requirements.

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 second language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 108	General Chemistry I (CGER NSWL)	4
WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL)	5
MATH 114	Calculus I (CGER MQR)	4
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
TOTAL		16
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109	General Chemistry II	4
MSE 221	Living in a Materials World	3
MATH 215	Calculus II	4
PHYS 231	University Physics I (CGER NSWL)	5
TOTAL		16
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PHYS 232	University Physics II	5
MSE 286	Engineering Sophomore Seminar	1
MSE 315	Materials Characterization	4
CGER Option: Communication & Literacy (CL)		3
TOTAL		13
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 325	Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory	4
MAT. SCI. Emphasis Course a		3
CGER Option: Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
TOTAL		13
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MSCI 384	Materials Science Junior Seminar	1
MSE 350	Thermodynamics of Materials	4
MSE 357	Phase Transformation & Kinetics	3
MSE 334	Soft Materials	4
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
TOTAL		15
SECOND SEMESTER
MSCI or MSE Elective b		3
CGER Option: Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		3
General Electives c		9
TOTAL		15
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MSCI 484	Materials Science Capstone I	1
MSCI or MSE Elective b		3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
General Electives c		9
TOTAL		16
SECOND SEMESTER
MSCI 485	Materials Science Capstone II	2
MAT. SCI. Emphasis Course a		3
General Electives c		11
TOTAL		16

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

a

Mat. Sci. Emphasis – For either emphasis, 6 credits total are required. The emphasis may be met in one of two ways:

A. Defined emphasis

• Be from the same prefix
• Be from the following prefixes: BIOL, BME, CHEM, CS, GEOL, MATH, MGMT, PHYS
• Be from UWEC courses numbered 300 or above, or from courses appropriate for a major, such as: BIOL 221, BIOL 222, BIOL 223; BME courses 200 level and above, CHEM 213, CHEM 218; CS 140, CS 150, CS 163, CS 170, CS 255, CS 285; GEOL 106, GEOL 110, GEOL 115; and MATH 216

B. Distributed emphasis
The student may pursue an emphasis that reflects a thematic area of concentration and intentional connections. Such an emphasis, with approval of the faculty advisor, must draw from courses appropriate for a major in another area distinct from Materials Science and Engineering or its cognate subjects.

b

Mat. Sci Elective – 6 credits are required from courses with MSCI or MSE prefix (beyond those required for the core). Choose from MSE 256, MSE 362, MSE 367, MSE 368, MSE 372, MSE 374, MSE 451, MSE 475, MSE 493, MSE 494 or MSCI 395, MSCI 399, or MSCI 499. Up to 3 credits total from independent study, research, or internship (MSE 493, MSE 494 or MSCI 395, MSCI 399, or MSCI 499) may be applied towards the requirement.

c

General Electives – should be chosen to ensure that 120 credits total and at least 39 credits of upper division courses (300 & 400 level) are included; the major includes at least 27 such credits (counting the Mat. Sci. Elective).  Electives can be selected from any discipline as long as the student meets the course prerequisites; courses outside of science and engineering are especially recommended.  Study Abroad and Domestic Intercultural Immersion also meet some Electives; please consult an advisor.

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)