Elementary-Middle Education: Grades 4K-9, Major

 (Code 940-001​)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 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 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.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 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. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

University Requirements in Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences

College Requirements for Teacher Education

All candidates for teacher education baccalaureate degrees must also meet the following:

  1. Liberal Education requirements in the College of Education and Human Sciences.
  2. Grade point requirements:
    Resident 2.75 average
    Total 2.75 average
    Major 2.75 average
    Minor (for certification only) 2.75 average
  3. Residency requirements:
    Minimum Total 30 credits
    Senior Year 23 credits
    Major, in upper division courses 12 credits
    Comprehensive Major, in upper division courses 21 credits
  4. Criteria and requirements for Professional Programs and for Admission to the Professional Semester.
  5. Specific requirements of programs offered in the College of Education and Human Sciences. (See the departmental sections of this catalog.)

Teacher Licensure Requirements – Grades 4K-9

Program Option A

This program option offers pedagogical studies in the basic areas of reading, language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics, and in special subjects such as art, music, children’s literature, health, speech and communication, physical education, and special education. The major is designed to provide students with strong preparation in all the subjects taught in elementary and middle schools.

Teacher Education Candidates shall demonstrate content area proficiency through one of the following:

Students will earn a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in content courses OR through obtaining a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II/ACTFL exam.

For students who neither meet the minimum GPA requirement nor pass the appropriate Praxis II/ACTFL exam after at least two attempts, a content portfolio can be submitted which parallels the content evaluated on the Praxis II/ACTFL exam. The portfolio may only be submitted once.

Students must also successfully pass the W-FORT to be eligible for a teaching license in Wisconsin.

Option A: K-9

Approved Majors and Minor for Option A

Second Majors1 Code Prescribed Methods Course Additional Requirement ACTFL Content Test Required
French 261-201 ES 437 (Sp) and ES 366 (F) study abroad in language WPT and OPI or OPIc
Spanish 321-200 ES 437 (Sp) and ES 366 (F) study abroad in language WPT and OPI or OPIc
1

NOTE: Grades K-9 regular education majors with a foreign language second major must complete one quarter of student teaching in the foreign language at the secondary level. See Option C.

Minors Code Prescribed Methods Course Additional Requirements Praxis II or ACTFL Content Test Required
Coaching 971-403 KINS 492 no addt'l exam

Admission Requirements

Admission to  Education Programs

Admission to the Major

Formal application to the professional education program must be made by October 1 for spring admission or March 1 for fall admission. In order to submit an application to an Education Program, students must satisfy all of the requirements listed below:

  1. Approval by the appropriate department in the College of Education and Human Sciences. See Department of Education for Equity and Justice and Special Education and Inclusive Practices sections of this catalog for criteria to be considered in making these recommendations.
  2. Pre-education status.
  3. Students must have attained at least Sophomore Status
  4. Minimum total GPA of 2.5.  Admission is competitive; thus the minimum GPA does not assure admission to a professional program in education.
  5. Met the University Writing Requirement (complete WRIT 114WRIT 116WRIT 118, or WRIT 120 or the equivalent earning a C or better)
  6. Met the University Mathematics requirements (complete one college-level math course earning C or better)
  7. Good academic standing.
  8. Complete an introductory education course with a field placement (eg.  SEIP 208,  ES 212 or the equivalent) with a grade of C or better.
  9. Specific department criteria are found under the Department of Education for Equity and Justice and Special Education and Inclusive Practices Department Overview Pages.

Application Procedure

Students must formally apply to the professional program. The number of students admitted to a program is often limited by resources available and not everyone who applies can be guaranteed admission. See the appropriate section of this catalog for criteria upon which the departmental recommendation will be based. Note that minimum criteria for a department may exceed the minimum criteria listed above.

Students who do not meet all the criteria listed above or who do not receive a favorable departmental recommendation may reapply during a later application period.

Special or Transfer Students

Special students and transfer students who desire to be admitted to the College of Education and Human Sciences should inform the Admissions Office upon application for admission to the University. They should indicate their area of interest and what teaching major they wish to pursue. These students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Admission to the Professional Semester (Student Teaching)

 

Admission to the Professional Education Semester

The “professional semester” is defined as the senior semester in which a student is enrolled in the field experience of student teaching or internship.

Filing Notice of Intent to Student Teach Applications

Students who plan to enter the professional semester during the fall semester of the next academic year must file a Notice of Intent to Student Teach with the Teacher Education Program office in the fall. Students who plan to enter the professional semester during the spring semester of the next academic year must file a Notice of Intent to Student Teach with the Teacher Education Program office in the spring. Information concerning the Notice of Intent to Student Teach will be advertised widely and posted across campus each semester with an associated due date.

Students are encouraged to submit their Notice of Intent to Student Teach by the announced due date. Considerable time is required to process each notice—that is, to determine eligibility, to make arrangements with schools for an appropriate field experience assignment, and to allow for introductions, orientations, and, in some cases, interviews. Students who file on time will benefit by the careful consideration that can be given to their requests; the later a notice is received, the fewer the placement assignments and choices still available will be. Failure to file a Notice of Intent to Student Teach on time may result in a delay of the professional semester.

Transfer and Special Students

No transfer or special student can enter the professional semester until after a full semester of residence and after earning a minimum of 15 credits at UW-Eau Claire. Senior transfer students enrolling in September must file an application for admission to the professional semester by December 1 for the following fall.

Criteria for Admission

No application for admission to the professional semester will be processed in the case of transfer and special students unless a full semester of residence and a minimum of 15 credits have been earned at UW-Eau Claire.

Factors to be considered in the application for admission to the professional semester are:

  1. Criteria for admission to a professional program have been met.
  2. Good academic standing, as defined in the catalog section on Academic Standing and Progress.
  3. A minimum of 90 credits completed prior to the professional semester.
  4. Approval of the major and minor department(s). Departments may have separate criteria they use to determine approval.
  5. Resident and total GPAs of at least 2.75; GPAs of at least 2.75 in the major(s) and minor(s) intended for certification. All college-level courses attempted by the student are included when major, minor, and total GPAs are determined for admission to the professional semester and for graduation.
  6. Completion of the 30 hour Human Relations Fieldwork requirement.
  7. Evidence of freedom from tuberculosis. Tests are provided by Student Health Services or results of tests must be provided by the student when filing for the professional semester.
  8. Approval by the appropriate departments in the Colleges of Education and Human Sciences and Arts and Sciences.
  9. Completion of required criminal background check.

Deadline for Meeting Criteria

For placements in the fall semester, criteria for which the student is responsible (GPA, TB test, and criminal background check) must be met by March 1 of the preceding semester.

For placements in the spring semester, these criteria must be met by October 1 of the preceding semester.

For placements in the summer session, these criteria must be met by February 1 of the preceding semester.

Failure to meet criteria on time may result in a delay of the professional semester.

Licensure to Teach

Criteria for Recommendation for Licensure:

  1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree.
  2. Completion of an approved teacher education major, minor, or certificate.
  3. A 2.75 or higher GPA in the major and minor (where certifiable) and in the combination of all course work in the major, minor (where certifiable), and professional education courses exclusive of student teaching. All college-level courses attempted by the student except student teaching are included when major, minor, and professional education GPAs are determined for recommendation for licensure.
  4. Completion of student teaching courses with a mark of S.
  5. Content area proficiency through one of the following:

    Students will earn a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA in content courses OR through obtaining a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II or ACTFL written portion (WPT) exam for Languages candidates. All Languages candidates must pass the OPI/OPIc within three years prior to the start of student teaching. 

    For students who neither meet the minimum GPA requirement nor pass the appropriate Praxis II/ACTFL exam after at least two attempts, a content portfolio may be submitted which parallels the content evaluated on the Praxis II exam. Portfolio artifacts will be approved in consultation with the Coordinator of the Teacher Education Program. The portfolio may only be submitted once. No portfolio option will be allowed for the WPT exam. The standardized examination and passing score shall be determined by the State Superintendent. All Elementary-Middle and Special Education majors and minors, and Early Childhood majors must earn a passing score on the FORT. 

Wisconsin Application

College of Education and Human Sciences graduates who desire to teach in Wisconsin, will apply for licensure using the WI Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI), ELO (Electronic Licensing Online) by following all steps listed on the site including fingerprinting if applicable.

Upon completion of all program requirements and University and WI Department of Public Instruction teaching requirements, information will be forwarded to WI DPI verifying this completion (including the completion of all required tests), a degree and any add-on certifications that have been awarded, and certifications the teaching candidates are eligible for with licensure. Candidates will then apply for their Initial License.

Out-of-state Applications

It is recommended that graduates seeking licensure to teach in states other than Wisconsin request application forms and instructions from the Department of Education of the state in which licensure is desired. Certification requirements vary by state. Inquiry early in the period of professional preparation is advisable. In most cases, an official transcript of credits must accompany the completed application form; additional tests or course work may be required. Therefore, it is imperative to check requirements of other states.  Wisconsin and most other states require institutional endorsement. In general, candidates will be able to obtain licenses in other states; however, these licenses may be issued with stipulations. It is the student’s responsibility to understand the licensing requirements of other states. UW-Eau Claire programs are designed to meet the requirements in Wisconsin only.

Major Requirements

Elementary-Middle Education (Code 940-001)

ES 212Exploring Schooling K-122
ES 283Supporting Multilingual Learners3
ES 302Teaching and Learning Practices1
ES 303Emergent Literacy and Assessment3
ES 306Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-93
ES 308Science Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-93
ES 309Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-93
ES 315Assessment for Learning3
ES 336Elementary Literacy and Assessment3
ES 382Technology for Learning3
ES 385Social Foundations: Human Relations3
ES 457Middle Grades Literacy and Assessment3
ES 490Historical, Legal, and Philosophical Foundations of Education3
ES 497Field Experience Seminar2
Choose one history course from the following:
United States History to 1877
United States History Since 1877
American Women's History
African American History 1865 to Present
American Indian History
IDIS 300Integrated Performing Arts Across the Curriculum3
MATH 201Number and Operations I2
MATH 202Number and Operations II2
MATH 302Algebraic Thinking2
AND
Probability and Statistical Thinking
OR
Geometric Thinking
SEIP 400Inclusive Practices for Elementary-Middle Educators3
ES 441
ES 445
Student Teaching in Elementary Education
and Student Teaching in Middle Level Education
10
OR if hired for internship choose either
Internship Teaching in Elementary Education
OR
Internship Teaching in Middle Level Education
PSYC 260Educational Psychology3

This major leads to Elementary/Middle 4K-9: Regular Education licensure.

NOTE: No degree credit may be earned under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option in required education studies courses unless Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory is the only grading option available for the course.

NOTE: Students must earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 GPA in the major in order to be eligible for teaching certification.

Required LE Courses
K1
CHEM 127Chemistry and Climate (Meets LE - K1 and R3)3
OR
GEOG 178Planet Earth: Conservation of the Environment3
OR
GEOL 204Understanding Earth's Environment (Meets LE - K1 and R3)3
AND
PHYS 100Physical Science4
OR
GEOL 106Earth Science4
K3 Choose One
Introduction to World/Postcolonial Literature
Introduction to American Indian Literatures
Survey of World/Postcolonial Literature
American Literature to 1865
American Literature from 1865-1945
American Literature Since 1945
Perspectives on Pre-1790 British Literature
Representative Shakespeare
Perspectives on British Literature After 1790
Survey of American Ethnic Literature
Perspectives in Popular Texts
AND another learning experience
K4 Choose One
Introduction to Literature
The Short Story
The Novel
Poetry
Drama
S1 Choose One
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Fundamentals of Speech
Fundamentals of Human Communication
Small Group Communication
S2 Included in Major
R1 Choose One
Introduction to American Indian History and Cultures
Introduction to Contemporary American Indian Communities
Hmong American Experiences in the U.S.
Introduction to U.S. Latino History and Culture
Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Perspectives in LGBTQ Studies
I1 Included in Major

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • Understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • Use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • Work with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • Understand the central tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) they teach and create learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to ensure acquisition of content.
  • Understand how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • Understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher's and learners' decision making.
  • Plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • Seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning; to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals and community members to ensure learner growth; and to advance the profession. 

Sample Degree Plan

 Elementary-Middle Education: Grades 4K-9, 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.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
Writing Requirement:2-5
Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 5 credits)
or
Accelerated Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1, 2 credits)
or
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing for Transfer Students (LE-S1, 2 credits)
MATH 201Number and Operations I2
K1 * Choose one:4
Physical Science (LE-K1, 4 credits)
or
Earth Science (LE-K1 & LE-I1, 4 credits)
History Requirement * choose one:3
United States History to 1877
United States History Since 1877
African American History 1865 to Present
American Women's History
American Indian History
Elective3
TOTAL14-17
SECOND SEMESTER
ES 212Exploring Schooling K-12 (has classroom field component)2
MATH 202Number and Operations II (LE-S2)2
K3 or K4:3
Select from ENGL130, 142, 150, 181, 230, 242, 243, 244, 245, 252, 257, 259, 268, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277 *
K1* select one:3
Planet Earth: Conservation of the Environment (LE-K1, LE-I1)
or
Chemistry and Climate (LE-R3, LE-I1)
or
Understanding Earth's Environment (LE-R3, LE-K1)
K2* select one:3
Recommended any Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science course not specified elsewhere *
Elective3
TOTAL16
SECOND YEAR
FRIST SEMESTER
MATH 302Algebraic Thinking2
IDIS 300Integrated Performing Arts Across the Curriculum (LE-I1) *3
S1* Select one:3
Select from CJ 201, CJ 202, CJ 203, CJ 307 *
PSYC 260Educational Psychology (LE-K2) *3
K3 or K4*: select one:3
Select from ENGL 130, 142, 150, 181, 230, 242, 243, 244, 245, 252, 257, 259, 268, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277
Elective3
TOTAL17
SECOND SEMESTER - Apply for Admission to Program
Must take one of the following MATH courses:2
Probability and Statistical Thinking (2 credits)
or
Geometric Thinking (2 credits)
ES 385Social Foundations: Human Relations (LE-R1 DDIV) *3
R1*3
ES 283Supporting Multilingual Learners *3
Elective3
Elective3
TOTAL17
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ES 382Technology for Learning *3
ES 490Historical, Legal, and Philosophical Foundations of Education3
R2*3
R3*3
Recommended SEIP 200
Elective3
TOTAL15
SECOND SEMESTER
ES 303Emergent Literacy and Assessment3
ES 336Elementary Literacy and Assessment3
ES 315Assessment for Learning3
Elective3
Elective3
TOTAL15
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
ES 302
ES 306
ES 308
ES 309
ES 457
SEIP 400
Teaching and Learning Practices
and Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-9
and Science Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-9
and Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction in Grades K-9
and Middle Grades Literacy and Assessment
and Inclusive Practices for Elementary-Middle Educators
16
TOTAL16
SECOND SEMESTER
ES 441Student Teaching in Elementary Education5
ES 445Student Teaching in Middle Level Education5
ES 497Field Experience Seminar2
TOTAL12

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

*

Could be either semester

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OPTIONAL HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 

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.

Required: Student teaching during the final semester 

Optional: ES 385 will be offered with immersion options if students are interested. A Winterim version is associated with The Civil Rights Pilgrimage and is highly recommended. The immersion options require additional fees in addition to tuition. There is limited space associated with immersion trips. 

NOTE: Study abroad should occur prior to admission to program or during summers. 
Application to Major 
Application to major typically first or second semester of the second year. Students must have a minimum total GPA of 2.5, have met the University Writing Requirement (complete Writing 114, 116, 118 or 120 or the equivalent earning a C or better), have met the University Mathematics Requirements (complete one college level math course earning a C or better), and have completed ES 212 with a grade of C or better. Specific procedures for application to program are available from the department. Admission is competitive and not guaranteed.

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. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • 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). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • 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. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.