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 Science (BS) degree. Detailed information on requirements can be found in the Catalog.
This graphic will help you generally understand the different requirements for a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The BS is the degree earned in most science majors in L&S. Some science majors can be earned as a Bachelor of Arts, but the BS is the recommended degree for students looking to enter a science-based career.
Bachelor of Science Degree: Minimum 120 Credits to graduate
Major
40 – 70 creditsSee the website for your major for details on the required classes in your major.
Upper level (300+) major courses
Of the 40 to 70 credits needed in the major, a minimum of 15 must be upper-level credits taken at UWM. Some majors require more than 15.General
36 – 54 creditsNatural Sciences
12 creditsDetails About NS Credits
Bachelor of Science students must choose at least three lab courses from three different sciences (for example, a physics class with lab, a biology class with lab, and a chemistry class with lab). Choose classes that are marked both “Natural Science” and with the green NS designation.
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- and fourth-semester of most languages other than English.
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 BS students will satisfy all three requirements by taking math through the first semester of calculus followed by either additional calculus (if required for the major) or a statistics class.
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
BS students must complete through the second level of a single language other than English. This requirement can be satisfied in different ways including completion of two years of a single language in high school, taking two semesters of a single language in college, or AP credits. Talk to your advisor about your options.