What's so great about a liberal arts education from UW–Madison? For one thing, it makes for a college experience that is rich in discovery, exploration, personal growth, and new ideas. But while your courses may be fascinating, liberating, eye-opening, and mind-blowing, a liberal arts degree from UW–Madison keeps working for you long after you have graduated. By pursuing a degree in the liberal arts — a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science — you are preparing for long-term satisfaction in work and in life. A liberal arts degree is a journey of self-discovery, as you explore new topics and discuss ideas with a wide range of people. You delve deeply into a broad range of subjects beyond just your major. When you graduate, you aren’t narrowly prepared for one field. You’ve developed writing, presentation, and analytical skills. You’ve been exposed to the scientific method, as well as literary analysis. A chemistry major, for example, will also graduate with knowledge of a language, history, social science, the arts, and more.
Because the more you know, the more curious you become. Curious people seek opportunities to enrich and expand their lives. Learning leads to conversation, dialogue, innovation, and advancement. Employers value liberal arts majors because they are problem-solvers, out-of-the-box thinkers, and good communicators.
Absolutely. Based on a recent L&S alumni survey rigorously designed and administered by the university’s nationally renowned survey center, our graduates’ employment rates are on par with the School of Business and the College of Engineering and outperform the national average for university graduates. They work for an extremely wide range of fields, including technology, corporate management, education, and nonprofits. L&S alumni also report high job satisfaction and believe that their academic preparation gave them an advantage compared to employees from other colleges and universities. Students in the College of Letters & Science have an additional built-in career advantage. SuccessWorks, the L&S center for personal professional development, makes it possible for every L&S student to channel the breadth and depth of knowledge they gain during their time at UW into meaningful, rewarding lives and careers. There is nothing like SuccessWorks in any other school or college at UW, or at most other universities around the country. SuccessWorks Career Communities encourage students to explore jobs and fields where alumni have built fulfilling careers, then dive deep into building skills and experiences once they have discovered the right paths for them. Each Career Community connects students to an advisor with specific expertise, plus a network of supportive alumni mentors and highly engaged employers seeking to hire L&S students for jobs and internships. We start where you are — and go from there, wherever it takes you in your life and career.
You will never regret your liberal arts degree from UW–Madison because it gives you the opportunity to explore subjects that fascinate you, as well as prepare you for a successful career. You will connect with wonderful faculty from 125 departments, programs, centers, and institutes, whose mentoring and teaching will influence your goals and direction. And you will gain an appreciation for learning that will last a lifetime. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the great universities of the world, and the College of Letters & Science is at its center. Students who earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in the College of Letters & Science (L&S) complement their broad study in the liberal arts and sciences with in-depth study of one or more particular fields, or "majors." Majors range from African cultural studies to philosophy in the humanities, from astronomy to zoology in the natural sciences, and from African American studies to sociology in the social sciences. In addition to the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees available in L&S, the college also offers a limited number of special degrees. These programs often have additional admission requirements and require completion of additional requirements in the major. Finally, a wide array of certificate programs are also available for students who have special interests in such diverse topics as integrated liberal studies; international, global, and area studies; religious, ethnic, and gender studies; and more.
NOTE: Major requirements are the same whether a student pursues a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Any student interested in earning an undergraduate degree in the College of Letters & Science will need to apply for admission through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at UW–Madison. Information on applying to the university as a freshman, transfer, or international student is available through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment.
Prospective students with questions about study in the College of Letters & Science may contact L&S Academic Advising Services at 608-262-5858 or Cross-College Advising Service at 608-265-5460. Students should also feel free to contact the major department directly if they have specific questions about a particular major.
Transfer students interested in earning an undergraduate degree in the College of Letters & Science will need to apply for admission through the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at UW–Madison. Transfer students must complete all Letters & Science degree requirements. Once admitted, transfer students should obtain a copy of their DARS report which will explain how their transfer credits will apply toward L&S requirements. Students can request and review their DARS in the Student Center via My UW. Students can also request DARS for programs, majors, or certificates that they have not declared but are interested in declaring. These reports are called "what-if" reports. (Please note that some programs may not be available in DARS. For information about requirements in a program not available in DARS, contact the advisor for the particular program.)
Please note that the DARS audit serves as the document of record (DOR) for students in the College of Letters & Science. The DOR is used to certify completion of degree requirements, and it is retained according to university record retention and archival polices.
Students can transfer only a limited number of credits from non-degree-granting accredited institutions and correspondence courses. See non-degree-granting accredited institutions' transfer credit limitation in the Guide under Credits.
Transfer students who have more than 30 degree credits are ineligible to earn retroactive credits in a foreign language on the UW–Madison campus. See credit by course examination/retroactive credits in the Guide under Credits.
Advisors for freshman and sophomore students are in the L&S Academic Advising Services (608-262-5858) in 101 Ingraham Hall and the Cross-College Advising Service (608-265-5460) in 10 Ingraham Hall. Junior and senior transfer students should meet with an advisor in the department in which they intend to major. All L&S undergraduate students are expected to declare a major by the time they have 86 degree credits.
Transfer students should note that the L&S degree requirements have changed as of summer 2007. Those students who matriculated before May 21, 2007 are eligible to complete the degree requirements in force at the time they began their college-level studies. (See previous catalogs under Archive for more information.)
Because some requirements in force before this edition of the Guide differ substantially from the requirements articulated here, transfer students are strongly encouraged to refer to the undergraduate catalog or Guide in force at the time of their first matriculation to college. (See past catalogs to review the requirements that apply.) For some students, it may be to their benefit to consider transferring to the new degree requirements; they may consult with their academic advisor if they wish to consider this option.
UW-Madison undergraduate students must have a cumulative University GPA of 2.000 or higher and a Term GPA of 2.000 or higher in their most recent completed term (Fall, Spring, or Summer) to transfer to a bachelor’s degree offered by the College of Letters & Science. (See L&S Academic Advising Services | Request to Transfer to L&S.)
New Students may change to Letters & Science in their term before they have established any GPA.
The student’s completed courses count toward their L&S degree up to 18 credits for Fall or Spring term, and up to 12 credits for Summer term. If a student earned more credits per term, they must have had a Term GPA of 3.000 or higher during the term of the overload, up to a maximum of 20 total credits for Fall or Spring term and 13 credits for Summer term.
Any transfer credit earned at other institutions will also count toward the L&S degree, according to the degree’s requirements.
Note that L&S degrees require a minimum of 108 credits in courses designated as Liberal Arts and Science (LAS). (See Guide | L&S Degree Requirements; Total Credits.)
Reentering students must first be readmitted by their most recent UW-Madison college/school before transferring to a degree program in Letters & Science. (See Office of Admissions & Recruitment | Apply as a Reentry Student.)
If you are not currently enrolled in a UW–Madison degree program but wish to take courses within the College of Letters & Science at UW–Madison for credit as a non degree-seeking candidate or as an auditor, it may be best to consider becoming a special student. Information about becoming a non degree-seeking student at UW–Madison can be found at Adult Career and Special Student Services.
The three elements of learning — tools, breadth, and depth — work together to create a broad and rich education in the liberal arts and sciences and promote attainment of core areas of essential learning: knowledge of human cultures and the natural and physical world, intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and integrative and applied learning. These and countless other experiences comprise the Letters & Science approach to helping students obtain a distinctive Wisconsin Experience.
Students are considered enrolled at UW–Madison when they are officially registered and attending classes. Students on a UW–Madison Study Abroad program are considered enrolled at UW–Madison.
Full-time enrollment is:
Students may enroll in fewer than 12 credits in Fall or Spring terms without special permission. [see: Office of the Registrar | Credit Load and Ranges]. However, full-time status is required for some campus programs, benefits, and services. Students should consult their academic advisor before enrolling in fewer than 12 credits. [Find your advisor in Academic Navigator]
Students may request a credit overload of 19 or 20 credits in Fall or Spring term, or 13 credits in Summer term, if they have a cumulative University GPA of 3.000 or higher. No student may be enrolled in more than these maximum credits. This credit overload must be approved by L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services. [see: L&S | Credit Overload]
University tuition is calculated based on enrolled credits, among other factors, so additional tuition and fees is assessed on credit overloads. [see: Bursar’s Office | Tuition & Fees and L&S | Tuition Refund Policy]
Students may be enrolled in classes at another institution when they are also enrolled in UW–Madison classes, as long as the combined credit totals do not exceed 20 credits in Fall or Spring terms and 13 credits in Summer terms. No special permission is needed. [see: L&S | Concurrent Enrollment]
Credit earned at other institutions may be eligible to transfer to UW–Madison, up to the maximums described above. [see: Office of the Registrar | Transfer your credit to UW–Madison]
A withdrawal is a request to drop all classes and not continue enrollment in that term. Because of the potential consequences of a withdrawal, the student must submit a withdrawal request to L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services for review. [see: L&S | Withdrawing from Semester/Term]
For the sessions in each term, UW–Madison sets deadlines for making changes to class schedules. To request changes after the deadlines described as “need dean permission or approval,” contact L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services [see: Office of the Registrar | Dates & Deadlines, L&S | Late Drop Request, and L&S | Retroactive Drop Request]
Students who have not been enrolled for at least one full term must apply for reentry to UW–Madison through the Office of Admissions. Students reenter their most recent academic program (degree, major, and certificates). [see: Office of Admissions | Apply as Reentry Student]
Find descriptions of UW–Madison courses, attributes, repeatability, and requisites in the Courses section of the Guide.
Some courses have required conditions (“requisite” or “prerequisite”) that must be met before the student can enroll, such as another completed course (e.g., CHEM 103 General Chemistry I before CHEM 104 General Chemistry II ), placement test scores, or class standing (e.g., sophomore standing). Some courses have a requisite course where both are taken together in the same term.
Some courses are designated as repeatable for credit, as shown in the course details in the Courses section of the Guide. For “Special Topics” and Directed Study courses, the content of the class must be different each time for credit to be earned.
Students may enroll in a course they have already completed and earned credit, and which is not designated as repeatable for credit. This is also referred to as enrolling on a refresher basis.
Students only earn credit for such a course once, whether that course was first taken at UW–Madison or another institution. A grade earned in such a course is calculated in the cumulative University GPA and the Term GPA, but not in the L&S degree’s other GPA requirements. [see: L&S | Retaking a Course]
A repeated course counts toward the student’s credit load for the term, including as a basis for tuition and fees.
Repeating a completed course does not remove or change the grade received for the earlier attempt or completion of the course.
Directed Study courses give students traditional course benefits (like credit) for individual, customized learning experiences with the mentorship of an instructor.
Directed Study courses in subject areas outside of Letters & Science, and numbered 398 or higher, are considered Liberal Arts and Science courses and may earn LAS credit. Directed Study courses may be repeated for credit if course content is not duplicated. Directed Study courses do not meet University General Education, Language, or L&S Breadth requirements. [see: L&S Degree Requirements]
Directed Study courses may not be taken on a Pass/Fail or Audit basis. Courses with numbers ending in “99” are graded on an A to F basis. Courses with numbers ending in “98” are graded on a Credit/No Credit basis.
Undergraduate students cannot enroll in or earn degree credit for graduate-level Directed Study, Independent Reading, Independent Study, Dissertation, or Individual Enrollment courses (e.g., 799, 899, 999).
Courses numbered 700 and above are reserved for students enrolled in a UW–Madison graduate degree program. However, in rare instances, undergraduates who achieve an exceptional level of proficiency in their studies may be given permission by the instructor to enroll in a graduate-level course, when this coursework advances their future graduate or professional education goals. Students are expected to complete the same work as graduate students and are graded accordingly. Undergraduate students who complete such a course with a passing grade earn undergraduate degree credit. [see: L&S | Graduate Courses]
Some L&S departments may award credit by exam for approved courses. Departments are responsible for maintaining procedures for awarding credit by departmental examination. For a list of courses approved for credit by examination see: Credit by Exam.
UW–Madison awards degree credit (called retroactive credit or retro-credit) for language learning to students who meet certain criteria. [see: Retroactive Language Credit and UW–Madison Language Institute | Policies]
Language placement tests for some students evaluate their English language proficiency and place those students into an English as a Second Language course. [see: Placement Tests]
Up to six credits in ESL courses may count for degree credit in Letters & Science. Only ESL 118 counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit.
Letters & Science follows the University policy and the campus schedule for midterm and final examinations. [see: L&S | Exams]
Letters & Science follows the University policy for grades and grading. [see: Grading System and Office of the Registrar | Student Grading and GPA]
A grade may be changed only if there has been a reporting error. In such cases, the student should notify the instructor, who can then correct the grade. [see: L&S | Grade Changes]
Students who feel they have been unfairly graded in a class may follow the appeal procedure established by the academic department that offers that course. [see: L&S | Appeal a Grade]
An instructor may assign an Incomplete grade (I) when a student has completed a significant portion of the coursework with a passing grade but is unable to complete the remaining coursework due to unforeseen circumstances. The instructor should contact the student to arrange a plan for completion of the work. The student must submit completed work by a deadline determined by the instructor which must be no later than Friday of the fourth week of the student’s next enrolled Fall or Spring term. If the student does not submit completed work by the agreed deadline and is not given an extension by the instructor (Extended Incomplete), the Incomplete grade will convert to an F. [see: L&S | Incompletes]
An instructor may extend the deadline in the current term for a student to finish the coursework by changing the grade from Incomplete (I) to Extended Incomplete (EI). A student with an EI grade must complete and submit the coursework by the new extended deadline so the instructor may submit a final A to F grade by the last day of instruction. If the student does not submit completed work by the extended deadline and is not given a final A to F grade by the instructor, the EI grade will convert to F. [see: [see: L&S | Incompletes]
Students may take classes on a Pass/Fail basis according to University policy. In Letters & Science, courses with a Pass/Fail grade of S are eligible to meet the requirements for total degree credits, Liberal Arts and Science credit, Mastery of Intermediate/Advanced work, and the Senior Residence requirement. Courses with a Pass/Fail grade of S cannot meet other requirements of the degree, major, or certificate program. Pass/Fail grades do not compute into any GPA requirements. [see: L&S | Pass/Fail]
Students request the Pass/Fail grade option through Student Center. This request must be approved by L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services. [see: Process for requesting the Pass/Fail grading option]
“Declaring” is the formal process of adding a major to a degree program.
Students are required to declare a major or be admitted into a specialized degree program before they have 86 or more combined in-progress and completed credits. Students who have not yet declared a major or specialized degree by then will not be able to enroll in a future term until they either declare a major/specialized degree or consult their academic advisor about their academic plan. [Find your advisors in Academic Navigator]
Students should contact the department of the major and request it be canceled. [see: L&S Degrees/Majors/Certificates]
Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in other UW–Madison schools/colleges may declare an additional major in the College of Letters & Science. Students must obtain permission from the academic deans in their home school/college and the L&S department that manages the L&S major.
Because declaring an additional L&S major does not lead to a second undergraduate degree, students who declare an additional L&S major do not complete the L&S degree requirements. Students who complete their L&S major will have it conferred by the College of Letters & Science after their primary degree is conferred, and the additional major will be added to the final transcript. [see: L&S Degrees, Majors, and Certificates and Office of the Registrar | Posting of Degrees]
After declaring at least one L&S major, students may request permission to declare one of these additional majors outside of Letters & Science [see: L&S | Declaring a Second Major Outside of L&S for L&S Undergraduates]:
The College of Letters & Science will not delay conferring a degree to a student who has completed L&S degree requirements but has not completed the requirements of an additional non-L&S major.
Academic standing is based on the student’s most recent academic standing status, cumulative University GPA, and Term GPA. [see: L&S | Probation]
Students are in good academic standing when their cumulative University GPA and most recent Term GPA are both 2.000 or higher. New students who have not yet established a University GPA are in good academic standing.
Students with a cumulative University GPA or most recent Term GPA of 1.999 or lower have an academic standing of probation, strict probation, or suspension, according to the chart below. Students who are academically suspended may not enroll at UW–Madison for three consecutive terms (a combination of Fall, Spring, and Summer). [see: L&S | Academic Standing, L&S | Clearing Probation, and L&S | Probation FAQ]
L&S students who have been academically suspended must first apply for readmission to the College of Letters & Science. If approved, they must also apply for reentry to UW–Madison through the Office of Admissions. [see: L&S | Readmission after Academic Suspension].
UW–Madison requires that academically suspended students who have been approved for readmission return to their previous college (Letters & Science) and major (if declared), although the student may later follow standard processes to change colleges or majors.
The Dean's List is published at the end of Fall and Spring terms [registrar.wisc.edu/deanslist]. Students on the Dean’s List for that term receive a transcript notation.
In the College of Letters & Science, students are eligible for the Dean’s List for a term when they complete at least 12 graded credits, do not have any unresolved temporary grades (see below), and have a Term GPA of:
Temporary grades like NR, I, P, or Q must be resolved before students are eligible for the L&S Dean’s List. [see: Office of the Registrar | Valid Grades]
Students who have verified that they meet the eligibility criteria for a term but do not have a Dean’s List notation on their transcript may contact L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans' Services. [see: L&S | Dean’s List]
Students start with their choice of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. Students may apply for one of the specialized degrees (Bachelor of Social Work, Journalism Bachelor of Arts, etc.). At any time before graduation, students may change their degree to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. [see: L&S Degrees, Majors, and Certificates and L&S | Degree Program Change]
Students are expected to graduate in the term when they have completed all degree and major requirements. Students should “apply for graduation” prior to beginning their final term and preferably before the end of the previous term. [see: Office of the Registrar | Apply for Graduation]
Degrees are conferred at the end of the term when all requirements in the student’s degree and all declared majors are complete, and when all grades are final. If there are unresolved temporary grades in a student’s expected graduation term (e.g., an Incomplete grade), the degree will be conferred in the term when the work was completed, and a final grade assigned. [see: L&S | Graduation and Degree Audit Deficiency]
The College of Letters & Science has the authority to confer a degree to a student who has completed their degree requirements but did not formally apply for graduation. [see: Office of the Registrar | Apply for Graduation]
The University Registrar posts degrees and orders diplomas after a student’s degree is conferred by the College of Letters & Science. UW–Madison undergraduate diplomas display the degree earned (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) but not major(s) or certificate(s). Major and certificate information is recorded on the student’s official UW–Madison transcript. [see: Office of the Registrar | Posting of Degrees, Office of the Registrar | Diplomas and Office of the Registrar | Transcripts]
Students may be enrolled in, and earn, only one UW–Madison undergraduate degree.
In exceptional circumstances, students may be approved to enroll in the College of Letters & Science for a second undergraduate degree. Eligibility is determined as part of the admissions process, in consultation with the academic deans in Letters & Science. [see: L&S | Second Undergraduate Degree]
This page provides information about the requirements of these L&S degrees:
Consult the Guide Majors & Certificates section for degree requirements for the L&S degrees: Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics; Bachelor of Landscape Architecture; Bachelor of Music: Performance; Bachelor of Music: Education and Bachelor of Social Work.
Requirements for the BA, BS, JBA, and JBS degrees:
Students in L&S must satisfy the University General Education requirements. Most General Education courses are taught in L&S and provide foundations in communication, quantitative reasoning, ethnic studies, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The College of Letters & Science teaches over fifty languages other than English. The study of a language other than English contributes in an important way to a broad education for today's students, who live in a world where the overwhelming majority of people do not speak or read English and where much of the knowledge that is disseminated may never appear in English. Knowledge of a language other than English is important for an appreciation of the culture of the people using that language, and it also helps students to understand the structure and complexities of their own language. Degrees in L&S require language study to ensure that all students have access to the knowledge, skills, and perspectives studying a language affords.
Students must complete the L&S Language requirement in one of the following ways:
A language unit is one semester of college language study, one year of language study in the same language in high school, or two years of language study in the same language in middle school. This requirement can only be met by units of study in languages other than English.
Students with a documented disability in second language acquisition and who believe they cannot meet the language requirement for their L&S degree may seek an accommodation. If approved, students granted a language substitution will be allowed to complete the language requirement with alternate course work. Information about the language substitution is available at L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services.
Mathematics and mathematical reasoning are foundational to learning in nearly all areas of inquiry and is thus a key component of a liberal arts and science education.
For BA students, the L&S mathematics requirement is satisfied by completing the University General Education Requirements for Quantitative Reasoning A and Quantitative Reasoning B.
BS students must complete two Intermediate or Advanced courses, each at least three credits, in either Mathematics, Computer Sciences, or Statistics. Of the two additional courses, only one may be from Computer Sciences and only one may be from Statistics.
Students who are liberally educated understand the connections between many scholarly approaches to world knowledge. The L&S Breadth requirements expose students to three general areas of knowledge: arts and humanities, social sciences, and the natural sciences. Combined, these broad areas challenge students to understand different ways (methods) of knowing and to connect various subjects of inquiry.
The three areas of Breadth are:
Many courses carry more than one Breadth designation (e.g., “Humanities or Social Science”). These courses always approach their topics from these complementary “ways of knowing,” but may only count toward one of the Breadth requirements and cannot be split between two areas.
BA students must complete these Breadth requirements:
BS students must complete these Breadth requirements:
L&S offers over 60 majors and special degree programs. Completing a major allows students to deeply investigate at least one subject or issue. Work in the major requires a progression of skills, knowledge, and values, where advanced learning opportunities in upper-level coursework grow from and expand upon earlier experiences. In advanced coursework, senior capstone, or independent research projects, students are asked to synthesize what they have learned and apply it in new situations. By the conclusion of their studies, students are educated to understand themselves and their society, to develop their intellectual powers outside of a university setting, and to make productive contributions to the world around them.
Students must complete at least one L&S major to earn their degree. Students are required to declare a major before reaching senior standing (86 earned credits). The process to declare a major is outlined in the How to Get In section of each major. All L&S majors require students to meet quality of work and residency requirements:
Upper-level credits are defined in each major’s Requirements page in Guide.
A course is considered in residence if the student enrolls for credit through UW-Madison. This includes any courses completed:
Courses are considered on campus if they are both in residence and taught by a UW-Madison instructor in-person, online, or in a hybrid mode of instruction. Courses taken through a UW–Madison study abroad program are not on campus.
Of the 120 credits required for the bachelor’s degree, L&S liberal arts students must earn at least 108 credits in courses designated as Liberal Arts and Science courses. These courses promote the core educational values of the liberal arts and sciences:
Students are expected to challenge themselves in rigorous courses and achieve deeper knowledge of subject matter as they progress in their degree. To meet this expectation, students must:
All students must complete at least 30 credits in residence as seniors (after 86 earned degree credits). This ensures students have a substantive and meaningful UW-Madison experience in classes taught by UW-Madison faculty. These credits do not have to be contiguous for the requirement to be met.
A student’s overall quality of work and their quality of work in their chosen major(s) are important measures of a student’s mastery of knowledge. The L&S quality of work requirements are all computed on courses taken in residence, and set a minimum 2.000 GPA in four specific areas:
Repeating a course that may not be repeated for credit is allowed. This is called taking a course on a “refresher basis” and no credit is awarded. The University GPA (1) includes grades earned in courses taken on a refresher basis. The L&S GPA requirements (2, 3, 4) do not include the grades earned in courses taken on a refresher basis.
Academic advising is an essential component of undergraduate education, and the college's commitment to providing quality advising for undergraduates is reflected in the many advising programs it offers. Students who have not yet declared a major are assigned an advisor in L&S Academic Advising Services Services or the Cross-College Advising Service (see below). Students who have declared a major are assigned an advisor in their department or program.
All of the advising programs share the goal of assisting students in making responsible, informed decisions as they develop educational plans compatible with their potential, their interests, and their career and life ambitions. Advisors provide much more than information about course selection and academic programs; they encourage students to ask questions about the nature and direction of their learning, and they work with students to find meaningful answers to those questions. Advising involves a process in which students learn to think critically about the variety of options available to them and develop decision-making skills that will enable them to choose wisely. As adults, students themselves, however, must assume primary responsibility for choosing their academic program and making progress toward their degree.
L&S Academic Advising Services provides advising to undergraduate students who intend to complete a specific L&S degree, before they have declared a major.
We assist and support students in exploring their educational goals, learning about academic requirements, navigating the university structure, and progressing toward degree completion.
Advisors at the Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS) provide personalized advising to help you develop a plan for choosing your major and exploring careers. We are here to help you make decisions about what to major in and also answer your general questions about academics and life on campus.
We’ll meet you at SOAR, and after that help you plan your future courses, talk about your academic interests and options, and refer you to other helpful campus resources. We're also here to encourage you when things are going well, as well as support you when times are difficult.
The Center for Academic Excellence provides an enriching, inclusive community and academic support for L&S students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. CAE offers a variety of engagement opportunities, including advising, tutoring programs, health and wellness events, social events, graduate school preparation, and connections with learning communities.
The L&S Honors Program attracts some of UW–Madison's most talented undergraduates who challenge and learn from each other while working closely with faculty members. By bringing students and professors closer together in small classes and individual research settings, the Honors Program fosters a feeling of community even as students push themselves to explore the very frontiers of knowledge. In addition to traditional coursework, most Honors students pursue research projects of their own, and many find this experience so exciting that they go on to earn advanced degrees in the nation's best graduate and professional schools.
Students who are eligible to declare their major should do so as soon as possible. All L&S undergraduate students are expected to declare a major by the time they have earned 86 degree credits. All declared students will be advised by the advisor connected with their particular major/program. For more information about advising in the major, refer to the advising and careers tab for each major/special degree program under the L&S Degrees/Majors/Certificates section of the Guide.
L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans' Services provide up-to-date information on college policies, procedures, and deadlines; campus resources; and degree requirements. Academic deans also offer limited academic advising and make decisions regarding exceptions to college policy. They work closely with advising staff in L&S Academic Advising Services, major advisors, and other student service personnel on the UW–Madison campus. In an institution as diverse as UW–Madison, students have a wide range of values, interests, and skills. Moreover, as they progress through an academic program, their questions and concerns often change. Therefore, students are encouraged to seek the help of several different types of academic advisors during their years on campus. The university provides a system of staff and faculty advisors to address these ongoing and changing concerns.
Juniors, seniors, and any other students who are preparing for, or have declared, a major or are contemplating a major in the College of Letters & Science, are encouraged to meet with an advisor in that major department. Each department has a faculty or staff member who serves as a major advisor. This person knows about prerequisites to courses, program planning for students majoring in the department, major requirements, and in some cases, general career information related to the field. A major advisor can help students make satisfactory progress toward completing requirements in the major and can suggest courses that address students' interests and help them achieve their goals.
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to seek advice from these major advisors as soon as possible. Please note that the assignment of a major advisor and declaring a major in a particular department(s) are not automatic. Students must reach out to the major advisor to declare their desired L&S major. Students are also advised to meet with the major's advisors early in their academic career since some majors require students to fulfill prerequisite classes and earn a minimum GPA in the designated coursework before they are eligible to declare the specific major. It is very important that students contact the major department(s) as early as possible so they are aware of any prerequisites.
Transfer students often come to the campus knowing their intended major. These students may go directly to the major advisors for any help they need in pursuing/declaring the major.
Students classified in any of the special degree programs (Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics, Journalism, Landscape Architecture, Music: Education, Music: Performance, Social Work) may refer to the specific special degree under Degree/Majors/Certificate tab within this Guide for major advisor information, then consult with the appropriate advisor.
Students pursuing Honors in the Major are encouraged to work closely with the honors coordinator in their major department regarding course and research opportunities within the department or field of interest. Special major advisors are available to help any students, primarily sophomores, juniors, and seniors, who have decided on their major. These advisors are located in department offices throughout the campus. Office hours vary among departments. Consult individual majors and departments for a list of offices and locations, or see the department descriptions in this Guide.
The International Internship Program (IIP) at UW–Madison is a resource for undergraduate students from all disciplines seeking to gain hands-on international experience. IIP’s mission is to identify, cultivate, and promote high-quality internships that advance the professional training of UW–Madison undergraduate students; foster global competency; and reinforce academic learning through practical application.
IIP cultivates internship opportunities around the world specifically for Badgers. IIP also identifies and promotes existing international internship and research opportunities offered by other campus offices or international organizations. Both types of opportunities can be found via the IIP database and other search resources are also listed on the website. IIP offers advising for any undergraduates who are exploring internships abroad whether they are just getting started, applying to an IIP-cultivated position, or finding their own. IIP can help with the many questions that come up related to international internships including visas, agreements, academic credit, and scholarships.
The Worldwide Internship Program (WIP), a collaboration between International Academic Programs (IAP) and the International Internship Program (IIP), allows UW–Madison undergraduates to earn academic credit for an internship located outside the United States. This program is open to students from any major. Internships are located in many countries and types of organizations (companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, research centers, etc.).
An international internship is often located outside the U.S., but IIP also promotes internship opportunities to apply international skills and interests domestically. There are many variables in international internships (compensation, duration, location, fees, credit, and more) that IIP can help navigate.
For more information on interning abroad visit International Internship Program.
General information can be found at Pre-Law and Pre-Health.
The College of Letters & Science welcomes incoming and continuing students to apply for scholarship opportunities created by the support of our donor friends. The undergraduate scholarships program provides support to students who intend to receive a degree from the College of Letters & Science. With over 63 majors and special degree programs which include journalism, landscape architecture, music, social work, and applied mathematics, engineering, and physics, the College of Letters & Science strongly supports the role of a broad and deeply educated citizenry. L&S graduates use this strong foundation to flourish in their chosen careers. For more information, see overview of scholarships.
General academic questions: Academic Help Line, 608-262-5858
Academic Information Management (AIM)
326 Bradley Memorial Building
Provides several services such as accurate curriculum audit and degree progress information to students, advisors, and other stakeholders, as well as policy analysis & data to L&S administration, committees, departments & academic enrichment programs
Center for Academic Excellence
B47 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5068
Advising, academic support, advocacy, and community connections for first-generation, low-income, and multicultural underrepresented students within the College of Letters & Science
College of Letters & Science Academic Advising Services (AAS)
101 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive, 608-265-5858
Provides comprehensive advising services for students investigating and preparing for majors in the College of Letters & Science
L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans' Services
101 Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive, 608-262-0617
Provides up-to-date information on college policies, procedures, and deadlines; campus resources; and degree requirements
L&S Honors Program
Students admitted to or interested in the Honors Program
L&S SuccessWorks
Career advising and development for students and alumni in L&S
Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS)
Helps first- and second-year undergraduates get hands-on experience in research
About 25% of undergraduates make study abroad an integral part of their UW–Madison experience.
International Academic Programs (IAP) at UW–Madison offers over 200 study abroad options in about 60 countries on six continents. In addition to taking the opportunity to learn new languages, understand new cultures, and see the world, UW–Madison students study abroad to complement their on-campus academic goals, strengthen their professional potential, and enrich their personal lives.
Students of all academic levels and majors study abroad. While many programs include language training — from the basics to full language immersion — most IAP programs have no language requirement and include courses taught in English.
All courses taken abroad through IAP count as “in-residence” credit, just like taking courses on campus at UW–Madison, so students advance toward their degrees while abroad. And study abroad isn’t limited to classroom experience. Many students also complete internships and do research, fieldwork, and service learning.
In addition to resources on health, safety, academic planning, and other aspects, UW–Madison students receive the information and guidance they need to plan a study abroad experience that fits their budgets. Many study abroad programs cost about the same or less than studying on campus, and student financial aid can be applied in most cases.
SuccessWorks helps students build a bridge from the academic skills learned in the classroom to the internships that inspire them and the jobs they dream of starting after graduation.
In addition to providing basic career support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers students ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
SuccessWorks Career Communities encourage students to explore jobs and fields where alumni have built fulfilling careers, then dive deep into building skills and experiences once they have discovered the right path — or paths — for them. Each Career Community connects students to expert one-on-one advising, plus a network of supportive alumni mentors and highly engaged employers seeking to hire L&S students for jobs and internships. Through Career Communities, students take advantage of experience-based programs that help them build skills and try out different occupations with real employers.
SuccessWorks recognizes students don't need to have it all figured out right away. They're here to help students take their first steps, then craft their unique paths toward a lifetime of success. It's never too early to get inspired and get started!
The Undergraduate Research Scholars program (URS) is dedicated to enhancing the academic experience of UW–Madison students by providing first- and second-year undergraduates with opportunities to earn credit for participating in the research and creative work with UW–Madison faculty and staff. The program has been designed to include partnerships between students and mentors, seminars on research-relevant issues, and practice in research/artistic presentations. The many benefits of the program are found in the fluid interaction between these activities.
Eligibility criteria and admissions procedures differ for the different Honors degrees. Any UW–Madison Honors credits earned before admission to the Honors Program may be applied toward Honors degree requirements.
To become a candidate for the Honors in the Liberal Arts degree, a student must apply directly to the L&S Honors Program. Students follow different application procedures based on whether they are an incoming (non-transfer) student newly admitted to the College of Letters & Science, on the one hand, or a transfer student or continuing L&S student, on the other.
All students admitted to the university and to the College of Letters & Science are invited to apply to be considered for admission to the Honors Program to pursue the Honors in the Liberal Arts degree. Interested incoming students can apply via an online application. L&S admitted students receive an invitation message by email that contains application instructions, and instructions are also on the Honors Program website. Admission to the program is competitive, and space is limited.
Continuing L&S undergraduates and incoming transfer students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.300 or above who are currently enrolled at UW–Madison or who are transferring to UW–Madison from another college or university may apply. Application instructions and decision timelines are available on the Honors Program website. While continuing or transfer students having 60 or more credits at the time of application to the Honors Program are eligible to pursue the Honors in the Liberal Arts (HLA) degree track, they are encouraged to consider Honors in the Major (HM) as an option (see below), since they may find it difficult to prioritize and complete the HLA degree requirements. Meeting with an Honors advisor can help interested students understand Honors requirements and possible paths forward.
Students interested in pursuing an Honors in the Major degree should consult the requirements for their major in Guide, follow major-specific procedures to declare the major, and speak with their assigned major advisor, who will explain any major-specific admissions procedures and Honors requirements. After officially declaring the major and receiving authorization from the department to declare Honors in the Major, students must complete the Honors in the Major Declaration Form on the Honors Program website.
Honors may be earned in any L&S undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Science–Applied Mathematics, Engineering, and Physics; Bachelor of Arts–Journalism or Bachelor of Science–Journalism; Bachelor of Landscape Architecture; Bachelor of Music; and Bachelor of Social Work). For students who complete the requirements, Honors will appear on diplomas and transcripts (for example, BA with Honors in the Liberal Arts or BS with Honors in the Major).
Honors in the Liberal Arts requires students earn Honors credits in a breadth of disciplines and is meant to enrich and enhance a student's academic experience outside of the major. Coursework toward Honors in the Liberal Arts should be started as soon as possible and spread throughout a student’s undergraduate degree. Students who complete this curriculum build connections with faculty and peers and develop strong skills in communication, critical thinking and complex problem solving, which will serve them well regardless of career path. The specific requirements for the HLA degree are:
Most majors in the College of Letters & Science offer students the option of pursuing Honors in the Major. A student may formally declare their intent to earn Honors in the Major, if available, after declaring the major. Honors in the Major requirements can be completed independently from Honors in the Liberal Arts; they may also be completed in conjunction with Honors in the Liberal Arts (which would result in a Comprehensive Honors degree). Each academic department and program in the college, with approval of the Faculty Honors Committee, establishes its own requirements for the Honors in the Major degree. Honors in the Major is intended for students who are interested in original research and who want deeper undergraduate training in the discipline. Honors in the Major can prepare students with the research, writing, and critical thinking skills useful to a wide range of career choices and graduate programs.
Although many of the specific requirements for HM vary by department, all students pursuing Honors in the Major must:
Non-L&S degree candidates may pursue Honors in the Major, but will not receive an L&S degree.
In addition to these collegewide requirements, Honors in the Major students may be required to complete additional upper-level, Honors coursework; participate in department research colloquia; and meet a minimum grade point average in all classes in the major (typically between 3.300 and 3.500).
As mentioned above, most departments require a Senior Honors Thesis as the culmination of their Honors in the Major curriculum. In departments for which a research thesis is not the most appropriate capstone, an alternative such as a performance, a professional practicum, or a major piece of creative writing may be required instead. The two-semester Honors thesis or capstone project is often the most challenging part of the Honors in the Major experience, and for most students it also proves to be the most rewarding. The Senior Honors Thesis is a two-semester (or summer and semester) effort; students first enroll in Senior Honors Thesis 681, followed the next term by Senior Honors Thesis 682 (some departments may use different numeric designations for Senior Honors Thesis courses). These two courses may not be taken concurrently. The final grade for the entire thesis is assigned after 682 has been completed.
Students who intend to complete Honors in the Major and write a Senior Honors Thesis should consult with department advisors as early as possible. They are also strongly encouraged to begin working with a faculty advisor no later than the beginning of the junior year in order to formulate a research topic, which will enhance the student's potential for success in research grant funding cycles for their senior year. Some departments offer special courses designed to facilitate the organization, planning, and execution of Honors thesis projects. Other departments encourage (and some require) students to take a directed study or tutorial course with the thesis advisor sometime during the junior year. Students who receive funding from the L&S Honors Program for their thesis research should submit an unbound copy of their thesis to the Honors Program Office.
Students pursuing Honors in the Major in two majors may apply for Dual Thesis Authorization, which will allow them to write one interdisciplinary thesis to satisfy both major capstone requirements. Please see the Honors Program to learn more about the application process prior to enrolling in the 681 course.
Prior authorization is needed when students intend to complete either 681 or 682 while away from UW–Madison. Consult with the Honors Program Associate Director of Advising and Curriculum if this is your intention.
Students who complete the requirements for both Honors in the Liberal Arts and Honors in the Major in at least one department or program earn Comprehensive Honors, the highest undergraduate degree awarded by the College.
There are three unique Honors course designations, each described below. Students should always verify the Honors designation available for the particular section in which they wish to enroll.
When the Schedule of Classes is published for the upcoming term, students can use the Enroll App to identify which course sections are being offered for Honors and with which designation. A course or course section being offered for Honors in a past term in no way guarantees that it will be offered for Honors in a future term.
Honors candidates may also earn Honors credit through the following methods:
In all cases, to receive Honors credit in a course, students must earn a final grade of B or higher in that course. If a grade of BC or lower is earned in an Honors course, the Honors notation remains on the student's record, but the course does not count toward Honors degree requirements. If the course is retaken for Honors, regardless of the grade earned during this second attempt, the course cannot satisfy an Honors degree requirement.
Students may not receive Honors credit in courses carried on a pass/fail basis.
The L&S Honors Program has a team of dedicated academic advisors who accompany and support Honors candidates from the time the students join the Honors Program through their graduation. Advisors help individual students as they navigate a large, complex university, explore diverse educational and co-curricular experiences, and develop and pursue long-term goals. Advising occurs through a variety of formats including small group workshops, individual appointments, drop-in hours, and email. Additional information is available on the Honors Program website.
The L&S Honors Program encourages our students to begin working on their career exploration and preparation soon after arriving on campus. We partner with the L&S SuccessWorks office to help students leverage the academic skills learned in the major(s) and liberal arts degree, explore and try out different career paths, participate in internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and network with professionals in the field (alumni and employers).
Please visit the L&S Honors website to view Honors Team Members, including the Director, Associate Directors, Program Administrator, and Academic Advisors.
We welcome inquiries via email at honors@honors.ls.wisc.edu. Current students can connect with Honors advising via Starfish or by emailing advisor@honors.ls.wisc.edu.
Students must obtain a grade point average of 3.300 or higher to be eligible to graduate with an Honors in the Liberal Arts degree. As such, we encourage students to strive for at least this GPA each academic term. The Honors Program advising team will work with students on an improvement plan should their GPA drop below 3.300. Students must also make satisfactory progress toward degree requirements, meaning:
Students may withdraw from HLA at any time by submitting an Honors Withdrawal Form, available on the Honors Program website.
Students who leave the College of Letters & Science or who have not made progress toward meeting Honors in the Liberal Arts coursework or GPA requirements may be administratively withdrawn to facilitate timely graduation with a non-Honors degree.
Because each department sets its own criteria for the HM degree program, students are encouraged to work closely with departmental advisors to stay on track towards successful completion. In addition to the criteria established by individual departments, all students must obtain a cumulative grade point average of 3.300 or higher in UW–Madison coursework to be eligible to graduate with the Honors in the Major degree. Students may withdraw from HM at any time by submitting an Honors Withdrawal Form, available on the Honors Program website.
To complete the Individual Major with Honors, the student must earn Honors credit in at least 20 of the 36 or more credits comprising the Individual Major and must complete a Senior Honors Thesis of 6–8 credits. Students wishing to complete an Honors in the Major degree with an Individual Major should append to their Individual Major proposal a specific outline of how the Honors in the Major requirements would be met, including appropriate Honors-caliber courses, upper-level seminars, and a two-semester capstone project, typically a Senior Honors Thesis. The proposal for Honors in the Individual Major will be reviewed by the Honors Program Associate Director of Advising and Curriculum. This individual is authorized to determine whether requests for exceptions to the approved HM requirements will be approved.
Honors credit earned at other institutions is not currently accepted towards L&S Honors Program degree requirements.
The L&S Honors Program strives to support Honors students as they pursue original research, study abroad, attend academic conferences, and pursue other endeavors that complement their learning and growth. Please see the L&S Honors Program website for an overview of funding opportunities, specific information about each grant, and application processes and deadlines.
Select a section…Office of the Associate Dean of L&S Student Academic Affairs & Director of Undergraduate Advising
608-262-3912
203 Bradley Memorial Building
1225 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706
