Competency Requirements

The competency requirements are met by taking approved courses in the areas of communication (English composition and speech), mathematics, wellness, physical activity and world languages.

English Composition (6-7 credits)

Students’ UW System English Placement Test scores determine whether or not they will be invited to take the test-out for ENGLISH 1130. Except for qualified students who test out of ENGLISH 1130, students must take each of the courses in the freshman composition sequence.  The ENGLISH 1130 requirement is waived for transfer students with transcripted credit for College Writing II (ENGLISH 1230​), plus 30 or more total transfer credits at the time of admission.

Mathematics (3 credits)

The number of mathematics credits required of students will vary with the degree they are completing. UW System Mathematics Placement Test results will establish a student’s level of mathematics proficiency, and suggest which preparatory/remedial mathematics courses are needed to meet the prerequisite for the MATH 1620 or higher mandate. Also, the mathematics requirement will be waived for students who receive credit for MATH 2640. Students must meet the mathematics competency requirements before their junior year. Students may consult the UW-Platteville Mathematics Department for details concerning test-out credit.

Speech (3 credits)

Wellness (1 credit)

Physical Activity (1 credit)

World Languages (0-4 credits)

Students who have not maintained a “C” or higher average in one year (2 semesters) of high school world languages course must complete a minimum of one semester in a university-level world language with a grade of "C" or better.  Students with one year of high school world language may wish to test into the second course of the sequence. Retroactive credits may be earned.  Refer to Credit by Examination or Prior Learning for additional information. Students already fluent in a second language other than French, German or Spanish should consult with the UW-Platteville Humanities Department.  The general education world languages requirement is waived for international students. The general education world languages requirement may be waived for online degree students (exclusions may apply). 

Ethnic Studies (ETHNIC) (3 credits)

Fine Arts (FINE A) (3 credits)

Gender Studies (GENDER) (3 credits)

Global Studies (GLOBAL) (3 credits)

In addition to courses approved for global studies, the global studies requirement may be satisfied through documented coursework undertaken through participation in foreign exchange programs or study abroad programs. Short term visits of less than six weeks duration and/or trips undertaken primarily for tourism or recreational purposes may not be used to fulfill this requirement. At least three credits must be taken to satisfy the global studies requirement.  Other liberal arts courses may also be designated as global studies.

Historical Perspectives (HIST P) (3 credits)

Humanities (HUMAN) (3 credits)

Natural Sciences (NAT SC) (8 credits)

Courses must be selected from two different disciplines from the approved listing and include both a lecture and laboratory experience.  Many courses include both; however, some natural science courses require separate enrollment in the lecture and laboratory sections. 

Social Sciences (SOC SC) (6 credits)

Courses must be taken from two different disciplines from approved courses in agriculture, media, criminal justice, economics, energy, environmental sciences and society, ethnic studies, political science, psychology, sociology, speech, and women’s and gender studies.

Additional Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences (3-4 credits)

A minimum of three additional credits selected from approved course listings in Natural Sciences, Mathematics, or Social Sciences is required.