Every student has a personal story and unique background—you should not try to create your own schedule without the guidance of your advisor. Your advisor will help you identify requirements you might already have satisfied, the many classes that can double count for more than one requirement, and general education courses that are best suited for your particular major. Meeting with your advisor will help you plan the best schedule for your specific circumstances and goals.
This graphic will help you generally understand the different requirements for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Detailed information on requirements can be found in the Catalog.
The BA is the degree earned in most non-science majors in L&S. Some science majors can be earned as a BA (instead of a bachelor of science), but the Bachelor of Science would be the recommended degree for students looking to enter a science-based career.
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Minimum 120 Credits to graduate
Major
30 – 45 creditsSee the website for your major for details on the required classes in your major.
Upper level (300+) major courses
Of the 30 to 45 credits needed in the major, a minimum of 15 must be upper-level credits taken at UWM. Some majors require more than 15.General
45 – 60 creditsNatural Sciences
12 creditsDetails About NS Credits
Choose at least six credits (including one lab) that are marked both “Natural Science” and with the green NS designation. The other six credits are not required to have the green NS designation, but can.
There are both campus requirements and Letters & Science requirements. By choosing from our designated list, you will satisfy both requirements simultaneously.
Humanities
12 creditsDetails About HU Credits
Choose at least six credits that are marked both “Humanities” and with the orange HU designation. The other six credits are not required to have the orange HU designation, but can.
There are both campus requirements and Letters & Science requirements. By choosing from our designated list, you will satisfy both requirements simultaneously.
Social Sciences
12 creditsDetails About SS Credits
Choose at least six credits that are marked both “Social Science” and with the yellow SS designation. The other six credits are not required to have the yellow SS designation, but can.
There are both campus requirements and Letters & Science requirements. By choosing from our designated list, you will satisfy both requirements simultaneously.
Arts
3 creditsDetails About Arts Credits
In the Schedule of Classes, you can filter to find approved Arts classes in the Advanced Search feature.
Cultural Diversity
3 creditsDetails About Cultural Diversity Credits
In the Schedule of Classes, you can filter to find approved Cultural Diversity classes in the Advanced Search feature.
International
9 creditsDetails About International Credits
Approved International courses include all study abroad credits and the third- or higher semester of most language courses other than English and American Sign Language.
Math
Details About Math Credits
At UWM, the math requirement is called Quantitative Literacy and has two parts—A and B. In addition, L&S has a related formal reasoning requirement. Most BA students will satisfy all three requirements by taking two classes: a math literacy or logic class, and a statistics or second logic class. Other options— such as testing out, using AP credits, or taking a major-specific quantitative class — are available. Determining the exact classes to take is an important discussion to have with your advisor.
English
Details About English Credits
At UWM, the English requirement is called Oral and Written Communication and has two parts—A and B. Most students will satisfy the two-part requirement by taking three classes: two semesters of composition, followed by an advanced or specialty writing course. Determining English placement and whether composition has been completed through other means, such as AP or dual enrolled high school/college credits, is an important discussion to have with your advisor.
World Language
Details About World Language Credits
BA students must complete through the fourth level of a single language other than English OR through the third level of one language and the second level of a different language. There are multiple ways to satisfy the language requirement through high school coursework, college coursework, AP credits, placing into and completing a course beyond the first-semester class, or a combination of these methods. Students should consult their advisor to find the best option for their individual circumstances.