Liberal Arts (Code 440-201)

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 440-201)

The psychology major develops knowledge, skills, and values consistent with a liberal arts education. Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees in psychology or other related disciplines. Students who complete the major are also well prepared to pursue a variety of careers immediately following graduation.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Thirty-six semester credits, including: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
PSYC 100	Introduction to Psychology	3
PSYC 101	Psychology as a Discipline and a Profession	1-3
or PSYC 102	Foundations in the Discipline of Psychology
MATH 246	Elementary Statistics	3-4
or PSYC 265	Statistical Methods in Psychology I
PSYC 271	Methods of Research in Psychology	4
PSYC 400	History and Systems of Psychology	3
or PSYC 401	Big Issues in Psychology
At least one course in each of the four core domains; at least two core domains must include an upper-division course for this requirement:
Biological
IDIS 125	Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience
PSYC 362	Clinical Neuroscience
PSYC 363	Psychology of Addictions
PSYC 372	Individual Differences and Behavior Genetics
PSYC 373	Evolutionary Psychology
PSYC 374	Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 376	Psychology of Perception
PSYC 377	Psychopharmacology
PSYC 387	Behavioral Neuroscience
Developmental
PSYC 230	Human Development
PSYC 331	Child Psychology
PSYC 332	Psychology of Adolescence
PSYC 333	Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Learning and Cognition
PSYC 260	Educational Psychology
PSYC 281	Introduction to Behavior Analysis and Therapy
PSYC 302	Principles of Learning
PSYC 379	Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 380	Introduction to Behavior Modification
PSYC 390	Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
PSYC 412	Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Sociocultural
PSYC 245	Social Psychology
PSYC 251	Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 286	Understanding Suicide
PSYC 334	Psychology of the Exceptional Child
PSYC/WGSS 336	Psychology of Women
PSYC 340	Personality Psychology
PSYC/WGSS 348	Black Psychology
PSYC 349	Psychology of Stigma, Prejudice and Intergroup Relations
PSYC 353	Health Psychology
Remaining credits to total 36 selected from any Psychology courses. RELS 315 also may be counted toward the 36 credits for the major.

¹

At least 18 credits from 300- and 400-level courses are required for the major. 

²

 A maximum of nine credits earned in PSYC 395, PSYC 396, PSYC 397, PSYC 399, and PSYC 499 may count toward the major.

³

Completion of core domain requirements may be satisfied by enrollment in selected offerings of PSYC 395, PSYC 396, PSYC 399, PSYC 491, and PSYC 499 with departmental approval. 

⁴

No credit may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option for any of the requirements listed below. 

⁵

A maximum of seven credits earned in PSYC 291 and PSYC 491 may count toward the major.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
• Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
• Understand how privilege, power, and oppression produces prejudice, discrimination, and inequity.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats (oral, written, technological).
• Attend to and monitor the quality of their self-regulatory processes (e.g, thought, behavioral, and/or emotional regulation).
• Formulate career plans based on accurate self-assessment of abilities, motivation, and personal demeanor.

Psychology, Major, B.A. 

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
PSYC 100	Introduction to Psychology (CGER SBS)	3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)
or CGER Course Option
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
PSYC 101	Psychology as a Discipline and a Profession	1 or 3
or PSYC 102	Foundations in the Discipline of Psychology
PSYC - Core Domain		3
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, 5 credits)	5
OR
WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, 5 credits)
OR
WRIT 118	Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, 2 credits)
TOTAL		29-31
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246	Elementary Statistics (CGER MQR: satisfies B.A. Math Competency Requirement)	4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SECOND SEMESTER
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness with Lab (NSWL)		4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
PSYC - Core Domain		3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
CGER Option: Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS)		3
Elective		3
TOTAL		29-31
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
101-level Second Language (CGER CL) - suggested 1st year		4
102-level Second Language (CGER CL) - suggested 1st year		4
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 271	Methods of Research in Psychology	4
PSYC or Elective - Psyc. Elective UD or Elective UD a		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD		3
PSYC or Elective - Psyc. Elective UD or Elective UD b		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW)		3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
Elective		3
TOTAL		30-33
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD c		6-9
Minor/Second Program - Required Courses or Electives		3-6
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 401	Big Issues in Psychology (Senior Capstone) d	3
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
Elective: Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or UD Electives		6-7
TOTAL		29-31

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

a

PSYC 397 (Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

b

PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) could be taken this semester. PSYC 396 can be taken for repeated credit as research experiences may last longer than a semester. 

c

Many students who complete an internship do so in their fourth year. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits could be earned during this semester. 

d

The PSYC 401 Big Issues Capstone is taken in a student’s final semester. At least 9 credits of upper-division Psychology courses must be completed before enrolling in PSYC 401.

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. 

• Internships: Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to identify an internship experience that matches the student’s interests. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits can be arranged with the assistance of a faculty member. 
• Research: Students are encouraged to explore collaborative research experiences with Psychology faculty. PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) credits can be earned for this experience. 
• Student Academic Apprenticeships: Students have the option of serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a course which they have previously completed and typically earned a B or better in. PSYC 397 (Student Academic Apprentice) credits can be earned for this experience. 
• Study Abroad and/or Immersion: Psychology majors may consider a Study Abroad or National Student Exchange experience (for 1-2 semesters), and/or shorter Immersion Trips. It is recommended that Psychology majors who plan to Study Abroad for an entire semester or more do so in their second year, though Study Abroad is still possible after the second year. See Your Major + Study Abroad for listings of psychology courses offered abroad. 

Psychology, 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
PSYC 100	Introduction to Psychology (CGER SBS)	3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
or CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)
or CGER Course Option
MATH 109	Algebra for Calculus (per Math Placement Exam)	4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST YEAR
PSYC 101	Psychology as a Discipline and a Profession	1 or 3
or PSYC 102	Foundations in the Discipline of Psychology
PSYC - Core Domain		3
WRIT 114	Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, University Writing Requirement)	5
OR
WRIT 116	Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, 5 Credits)
OR
WRIT 118	Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (CGER CL, 2 credits)
MATH 111	A Short Course in Calculus (Math Competency for B.S.)	2-4
or MATH 112	Precalculus Mathematics
or MATH 113	Trigonometry
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
or CGER Course Option
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
TOTAL		30-32
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
MATH 246	Elementary Statistics (CGER MQR)	4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SECOND SEMESTER
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness with Lab (NSWL)		4
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		4
SOME TIME IN THE SECOND YEAR
PSYC - Core Domain		3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
CGER Option: Civics & Perspectives (CP)		3
Elective		3
TOTAL		30
SOME TIME IN THE FIRST OR SECOND YEAR
ELECTIVE - Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or other Elective		3
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC 271	Methods of Research in Psychology	4
PSYC or Elective - Psyc. Elective UD or Elective UD a		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD		3
PSYC or Elective - Psyc. Elective UD or Elective UD b		3
Minor/Second Program - Required Course or Elective		3
SOME TIME IN THE THIRD YEAR
PSYC - Elective		3
CGER Option: Natural Sciences & Wellness (NSW)		3
CGER Option: Humanities & Arts (HA)		3
Community-Engaged Learning
Elective		3
TOTAL		30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD c		6-9
Minor/Second Program - Required Courses or Electives		3-6
SECOND SEMESTER
PSYC 401	Big Issues in Psychology (Senior Capstone) d	3
PSYC - Core Domain UD or Elective UD		3
SOME TIME IN THE FOURTH YEAR
CGER Option: Communication & Literacy (CL)		3
Elective: Major, Minor/Second Program, CGER Course Option, or UD Electives		7-9
TOTAL		28-30

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits

a

PSYC 397 (Academic Apprentice in Psychology) would fit well in this semester.

b

PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) could be taken this semester. PSYC 396 can be taken for repeated credit as research experiences may last longer than a semester.

c

Many students who complete an internship do so in their fourth year. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits could be earned during this semester. 

d

The PSYC 401 Big Issues Capstone is taken in a student’s final semester. At least 9 credits of upper-division Psychology courses must be completed before enrolling in PSYC 401.

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. 

• Internships: Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor to identify an internship experience that matches the student’s interests. PSYC 498 (Internship in Psychology) credits can be arranged with the assistance of a faculty member. 
• Research: Students are encouraged to explore collaborative research experiences with Psychology faculty. PSYC 396 (Research Apprentice in Psychology) credits can be earned for this experience. 
• Student Academic Apprenticeships: Students have the option of serving as a Student Academic Apprentice for a course which they have previously completed and typically earned a B or better in. PSYC 397 (Student Academic Apprentice) credits can be earned for this experience. 
• Study Abroad and/or Immersion: Psychology majors may consider a Study Abroad or National Student Exchange experience (for 1-2 semesters), and/or shorter Immersion Trips. It is recommended that Psychology majors who plan to Study Abroad for an entire semester or more do so in their second year, though Study Abroad is still possible after the second year. See Your Major + Study Abroad for listings of psychology courses offered abroad. 

Core General Education Requirements (CGER)