Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

All bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee are subject to (at least) the following requirements. The catalog text for the program should refer to or contain these requirements, but they still apply even if it does not. 

1. Residence Credit Requirement: at minimum, 30 credits earned for the bachelor’s degree must be completed “in residence,” that is, via credits earned at the institution itself. Programs requesting an exception must provide an explanation (with their course information management system change form) that is accepted by UWM’s governance bodies, the Universities of Wisconsin, and the Higher Learning Commission (for example, when some credits will be offered through a contractual arrangement with other accredited institutions, or through contractual relationships approved by the HLC). Individual programs may impose additional requirements, for example, the last 30 credits must be earned in residence, or some larger number, though not necessarily the last block.  
2. Degree programs will consist of at least 120 credits. Under unique circumstances,  programs that meet the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission may have fewer than 120 credits. 
3. Minimum GPA: students must attain at least a 2.000 cumulative GPA. Individual programs may require a higher GPA on all credits, or all credits in the major, or specific courses, etc. 
4. University GERs: Students must satisfy the UWM General Education Requirements. 
5. Other requirements: Students must meet the graduation requirements of their major and school or college. 

The Higher Learning Commission has authorized the creation of reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. They must be at least 90 credits and only a limited number will be allowed per institution. Approval will take eight months and requires a site visit. This will not be appropriate for most degrees. 

APCC is requesting minor edits to the UWM Bachelor’s Degree Requirements to reflect the changes from HLC.