University Graduation Requirements
Baccalaureate Degrees
All candidates for baccalaureate degrees must meet the minimum requirements summarized below. For the specific requirements of each College and each curriculum, consult the appropriate section of this catalog.
| 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. | ||
- 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.
| 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 | |
Liberal Education Outcomes
The Liberal Education Core is designed to develop in students the skills, knowledge and values they will need to engage with highly diverse communities in a global society. Through the liberal education core, UWEC hopes to foster in every student the ability to think with intellectual rigor, creativity, and independence, to integrate and apply their knowledge, and to act as humane, thoughtful leaders in the community, the workplace, and the world of ideas. By beginning with the liberal education core and working toward its learning outcomes, students establish a strong, broad foundation around which they will build a rich baccalaureate program. Students can complete the liberal education core requirements both by taking courses and by engaging in out-of-the-classroom learning experiences.
Note: A learning experience comprises specific combinations of learning resources, tools, and activities guided by pedagogical models through which one can identify, to a certain extent, what one has learned. Learning experiences that fulfill students’ liberal education core requirements include both courses and non-course activities. Examples include traditional classroom instruction as well as out-of-the-classroom engagements such as First-Year Seminars and Experiences, Living-Learning Communities, Student-Faculty Collaborative Research, Study and Research Abroad, and Service-Learning.
Knowledge Goal:
Build knowledge and awareness of diverse peoples and cultures and of the natural and physical world through the study of arts, histories, humanities, languages, mathematics, sciences and technologies, and social sciences.
Knowledge 1 (K1) Natural Sciences: Describe and evaluate models of the natural and physical world through collection and scientific analysis of data, and through the use of mathematical or computational methods. Two learning experiences required. One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either Knowledge 1 or Knowledge 2.
Knowledge 2 (K2) Social Sciences: Use knowledge, theories, methods, and historical perspectives appropriate to the social sciences to explain and evaluate human behavior and social institutions. Two learning experiences required. One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either Knowledge 1 or Knowledge 2.
Knowledge 3 (K3) Humanities: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, analysis, interpretation, critical evaluation, and the standards of evidence appropriate to the humanities to address problems and explore questions. Two learning experiences required.
Knowledge 4 (K4) Fine Arts: Use knowledge, historical perspectives, theories, or methods appropriate to the arts to describe their context, function and impact. One learning experience required.
Skills Goal:
Develop intellectual and practical skills, including, for example, inquiry and analysis, critical and creative thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, information literacy, and teamwork and problem solving.
Skills 1 (S1) Written and Oral Communication: Write, read, speak, and listen effectively in various contexts using a variety of means including appropriate information sources and technologies. Two learning experiences required, one of which must meet the University Writing Requirement.
Skills 2 (S2) Mathematics: Use mathematical, computational, statistical, or formal reasoning to solve problems, draw inferences, and determine the validity of stated claims. One learning experience required to meet the University Mathematics Requirement. Students are encouraged to satisfy this requirement by the end of the sophomore year.
Skills 3 (S3) Creativity: Create original work, perform original work, or interpret the work of others. One learning experience required, which could be satisfied within a major.
Responsibility Goal:
Apply personal and social responsibility for active citizenship and develop skills needed to thrive in a pluralistic and globally interdependent world.
Responsibility 1 (R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity: Use critical and analytical skills to evaluate assumptions and challenge existing structures in ways that respect diversity and foster equity and inclusivity. Two learning experiences required, one of which must satisfy the UW System Design for Diversity requirement.
Responsibility 2 (R2) Global Perspectives: Evaluate the impact of systems, institutions and issues in local and global contexts and across cultures. One learning experience required.
Responsibility 3 (R3) Civic and Environmental Issues: Use critical and creative thinking to address civic, social, and environmental challenges. One learning experience required.
Integration Goal:
Integrate learning across courses and disciplines, and between campus and community life.
Integration (I1) Integration: Apply knowledge, skills or responsibilities gained in one academic or experiential context to other contexts. Two learning experiences required, one of which could be satisfied within a major.
Service-Learning Goal:
Students will demonstrate learning through service to their community by applying skills and knowledge gained through university coursework and/or experiences.
30 hours are required to complete Service-Learning.
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.
All students are encouraged to satisfy the University Writing Requirement before the completion of the sophomore year.
University Mathematics Requirement
Students satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement in one of four ways:
- completing an approved university-level mathematics course (S2) with a grade of C (not C-) or above
- achieving a suitable score on the UW Math Placement Test
- achieving a suitable score on an exam such as the Advanced Placement Calculus or Advanced Placement Statistics exams
- achieving a suitable score on a Credit by Examination administered by the Department of Mathematics.
All students are encouraged to satisfy the University Mathematics Requirement before the completion of the sophomore year.
Design for Diversity
Two learning experiences are required to fulfill the Responsibility 1 Outcome (R1): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity requirement. One three credit learning experience must address one or more of the following groups: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and/or Asian Americans, in order to fulfill the UW System Design for Diversity requirement. Some Colleges have identified specific courses that fulfill the requirement for their majors. Students should consult with their advisors for details.
Service-Learning
All candidates for the baccalaureate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire must satisfactorily complete 30 hours of approved service-learning activity. This requirement is intended to provide students with an opportunity to serve their community, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, enhance their critical thinking skills and become informed, active, and responsible citizens.
A Service-Learning Guidebook is available on the Service-Learning website, which outlines the UW-Eau Claire service-learning mission and graduation requirement, and describes the procedures for completion of the requirement. This information is provided to assist students, faculty/staff members, and community project supervisors in designing and undertaking projects that provide both rich experiences for UW-Eau Claire students and substantial benefits for the community.
Students can meet the service-learning requirements in one of three ways:
Non-credit Option: A student may fulfill the service-learning requirement—without receiving course credit—through work with an on-campus group or off-campus community organization. To fulfill the requirement under this option, students must work with the Center for Service-Learning by filling out an online application. Students may complete projects in the Eau Claire area or elsewhere, individually or in groups, and during the academic year or over break periods. Projects sponsored by local organizations (“community partners”) are posted on the Center for Service-Learning website. Students may also devise their own projects. The Center for Service-Learning must approve a noncredit option project before the student begins the project.
A student pursuing a noncredit option must work with:
- A community partner supervisor who approves the student's service-learning project proposal, provides orientation and training for the student's project and fills out an evaluation at the end of the student's service hours.
- A faculty or academic staff mentor who also approves the student's service-learning project proposal, helps establish learning objectives, and assists the student in attaining those objectives. The mentor also facilitates the student’s reflection upon completion of the project, and certifies the student has met the service-learning requirement.
Military Service: Students in active military service or with an honorable or general discharge from military service are presumed to have met the service-learning graduation requirement. Evidence of military service is provided to the Veterans and Military Education Benefits Office in Blugold Central through a copy of a D.D. 214, D.D. 220, or a transcript from the ACE registry.
Academic Major: Students in some majors (such as education, nursing and social work) will fulfill the service-learning requirement through course work required for their major. Students should consult their advisors to determine if this option applies to them.
Selected Course: A student may complete a course designated in this catalog or the current Class Schedule as satisfying one-half (15 hours) or the full (30 hours) service-learning requirement. In some courses, the service-learning activity may be optional.
Students seeking more information about the service-learning requirement should consult their advisors or contact the Center for Service-Learning.
Academic Concentrations
Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must present one of the following:
- Comprehensive major (at least 60 credits)
- Standard major (at least 36 credits) plus one of the following:
- Another standard major (at least 36 credits), or
- A minor (at least 24 credits), or
- A certificate (12-18 credits)
Acceptable academic program combinations will be determined at the college level.
A student may present for graduation only those majors, minors, and/or certificates authorized by the faculty of the College in which the degree program is offered. Any deviation from published requirements in any curriculum must have written approval of the Associate Dean of the College from which the student is to be graduated.
Grade Point Requirements
Eligibility for graduation is based upon two GPAs, resident and total:
Resident GPA: The GPA computed on all UW-Eau Claire course work.
Total GPA: The GPA computed on all UW-Eau Claire course work and all transferable course work taken elsewhere.
The Resident and Total GPAs are identical for the student who has completed all course work at UW-Eau Claire. In both computations, GPAs must meet all minimum standards.
A minimum total GPA of 2.00 and a minimum resident GPA of 2.00 is required for graduation from all curricula. Individual Colleges may set higher grade point requirements. These are published, as appropriate, in the College sections of this catalog.
Major, Minor, Certificate. Minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 are required in the major, minor and certificate. Colleges of the University may set specific requirements for GPAs in their majors, minors, and certificates. Colleges may also require that GPAs in the major, minor, and certificate be computed on all applicable courses attempted by the student in the respective areas.
University Residency Requirements
Resident credit is earned by enrolling in UW-Eau Claire courses, both on and off campus.
Minimum total. Residence of one year (30 semester credits) is required of all candidates for baccalaureate degrees.
Senior year. Twenty-three of the last 30 credits prior to graduation from any curriculum must be earned in residence unless special arrangements have been made by petition to the Associate Dean of the College.
Major. At least 12 credits of the upper-division work (300- to 400- level courses) required in a standard major, and 21 in a comprehensive major, must be taken in residence.
Certificate. At least 25 percent of the credits applied to the certificate program requirements must be taken in residence.
Credits earned through the National Student Exchange Program, the Health Care practicum, internships, study abroad opportunities, and UW-Eau Claire Internet courses are counted as resident credits.
Admission to a College or Program
Admission to the University does not necessarily constitute admission to a particular College or to a degree curriculum offered by a College. Each of the Colleges may set specific admission requirements and procedures, which will be found in the appropriate section of this catalog. As one step toward their degrees, students must be admitted to the College and/or program from which they expect to graduate.
Graduation
Application for Graduation
Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must apply for graduation via CampS by the end of the first week of undergraduate priority registration for the semester of intended graduation. Failure to apply for graduation on time may result in the postponement of graduation. Although only two commencement ceremonies are held—May and December, students may graduate in May, August, December, or January.
Please note that UW-Eau Claire Barron County has one graduation ceremony held in May.
Degree Planning
Students should consult their academic advisors and develop degree plans as early as possible, so that requirements can be met without delaying graduation. A student may view a Degree Audit at any time on CampS. This audit monitors the progress which the student is making toward the declared degree. The Audit is a tool designed to assist the student in course planning. Final confirmation of degree requirements is subject to department, college, and university approval.
A Degree Audit is not designed to serve as a contract—only to provide assistance to the student in planning. Final approval of degree requirements resides with Academic Affairs, but responsibility for meeting these requirements rests primarily upon the individual student.
Catalog Base for Degree Plan. In planning their degree programs, students must follow the curricular requirements of the catalog under which they entered UW-Eau Claire or upon notification to their department of a more recent catalog. Students who are absent from the University for two or more consecutive semesters must follow the catalog in effect at the time of their re-entry. Since Degree Audits are computer-generated reports applying an individual student’s enrollment history to degree requirements as stated in the catalog, any deviation from published requirements for the degree must be authorized by a waiver/substitution form signed by the student’s dean.
NOTE: Transfers who enter UW-Eau Claire within two consecutive semesters of leaving another institution may use the catalog in effect at UW-Eau Claire at the time they entered the prior institution; however, transfers should check with their advisors to ensure that programs listed in the catalog they entered on are still available to students.
Commencement Exercises
Candidates for graduation are encouraged to attend commencement ceremonies, which are held two times during the calendar year: at the close of the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. Caps and gowns must be worn by all graduates.
In order to participate in a commencement ceremony, students must file an application for graduation and must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- completion of all requirements for the bachelor’s or graduate degree, or
- current enrollment in the courses necessary to complete all requirements.
Students who will complete all requirements for the degree during the first Three-Week Summer Session are August graduates, but may request permission to attend the May commencement ceremony. Students completing all requirements for the degree in January may attend the prior December ceremony; and students completing all requirements in August may attend the following December ceremony.
Graduation with Distinction
Graduation with distinction is conferred at commencement exercises upon eligible students earning a first or second baccalaureate or associate degree. Eligibility is based on both the resident and the total GPAs as defined under Grade Point Requirements. A student must earn in both computations (resident and total GPAs) the minimum GPA required at each of the three levels of distinction listed below and a minimum of 30 credits in residence to be eligible:
| Summa Cum Laude | at least 3.80 |
| Magna Cum Laude | at least 3.50 |
| Cum Laude | at least 3.20 |
The announcement of graduation with distinction made at the commencement ceremony is based on all work completed prior to the student’s final semester; however, the actual conferral of graduation with distinction will be based on the student’s entire record, including the final semester.
Second Baccalaureate Degree
A graduate who has earned a baccalaureate degree from UW-Eau Claire or another accredited college or university can earn a second baccalaureate degree.
Students who are declared as a double major may not obtain a second baccalaureate degree.
Students who are seeking a second baccalaureate degree should contact the Financial Aid Office to review how this process will affect their financial aid.
It is presumed that the University liberal education core requirements are satisfied by the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Two degrees may not be awarded in the same term.
The GPA for the second degree will be calculated based on the course work that was completed after graduation from the first baccalaureate degree.
Academic distinction for the second baccalaureate degree is computed based on the credits earned toward the completion of the second degree.
A candidate for a second baccalaureate degree from UW-Eau Claire must satisfy the following graduation requirements:
- Be admitted to the second baccalaureate degree after completion of the first baccalaureate degree from UW-Eau Claire or another college or university;
- Have their transcripts reviewed and their plan of study approved by the Associate Dean for the college from which they are seeking the second degree;
- Obtain 30 credits beyond the first degree, of which at least 23 must be taken in residence;
- Satisfy all major/minor and other degree-specific requirements of the second degree;
- Satisfy the UW System Design for Diversity requirement.
Completion After Graduation
Students may, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, complete an additional major or minor. Students may apply for readmission to UW-Eau Claire or apply as a special student. When all course work—which must be taken at UW-Eau Claire—toward the additional major or minor program has been completed, students should contact the Registrar’s Office to initiate a review of the additional information. A statement in the memorandum area of the transcript will be added, noting the completion of such, with the date of completion.