General Education Learning Outcomes

Competencies

At UW-Platteville, the competencies are comprised of the basic skills:

  1. English Composition,
  2. Mathematics,
  3. Speech,
  4. Wellness/Physical Activity and
  5. World Language.

The design of the basic competency program assumes that high school graduates have met the minimum standards of the university. Opportunities for testing out of certain basic requirements for the baccalaureate degree will exist. Students with exceptionally strong high school backgrounds may earn general education credit by CLEP (College Level Examination Program) or AP (Advanced Placement) testing. Entering students who do not meet minimum standards on the UW System English and Mathematics Placement Tests may be required to take remedial courses in these areas, and such courses will not count toward general education or graduation requirements.

English Composition (ALL*: 6-7 credits)

Students must be able to write and read effectively. All undergraduate students must complete 6-7 credits in English composition. UW System English Placement Test scores determine whether or not they will be invited to take the test-out for ENGLISH 1130.

Mathematics (ALL: 3 credits)

Students must have a basic competency in computation, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning. All undergraduate students must complete three credits in mathematics. The number of mathematics credit hours 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. Students must meet the mathematics competency requirements before their junior year. Students may consult with the UW-Platteville Mathematics Department for details concerning test-out credit.

Speech (ALL: 3 credits)

Students must be able to understand spoken English and communicate using it effectively

Wellness/Physical Activity (ALL: 2 credits)

Students must know how to achieve and maintain both their physical and mental well-being. All students must complete one credit in wellness and one credit in physical activity.

World Languages (BA/BFA: 0-8 credits; BS/BBA: 0-4 credits)

Students must be able to use a language other than English (or their first language). Refer to the degree requirements for additional information. World language requirements differ based on the undergraduate degree a student is seeking. 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 language requirement is waived for international students. The general education world languages requirement may be waived for online degree students (exclusions may apply)


In the following requirements, a course may fulfill more than one requirement, but no student may use a single course to fulfill more than two general education requirements.

In addition to the requirements below, students obtain deeper proficiency in knowledge areas aligned with their degree programs:

  • BA/BFA Students must complete six additional credits in courses numbered 2000 or higher from two different areas: Fine Arts, Historical Perspectives, and Humanities. 
  • BS/BBA Students must complete a minimum of three additional credits selected from approved course listings in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences.

Ethnic Studies (ALL: 3 credits)

The purpose of ethnic studies is to awaken the minds and spirits of students to the issues of race and ethnicity in the United States and the social realities and moral challenges of racism in U.S. culture. It strives to help students fulfill their intellectual, moral and social potential, and encourages them to remove barriers that can prevent others from achieving their own potential.

Fine Arts (ALL: 3 credits)

The purpose of the study of fine arts is to help students become familiar with the historical and cultural heritage of the fine arts. They should also gain a basic understanding of the creative processes, forms and concepts used in the arts.

Historical Perspectives (ALL: 3 credits)

The purpose of the study of history is to challenge students to understand and assess our past, in order to form a clearer perception of the present and to deal more effectively with public issues.

Humanities (ALL: 3 credits)

The purpose of the study of humanities is to explore the range of human thought and experience - achievements and failures, joys and sorrows, comedy and tragedy, life and death. It should challenge students to understand and evaluate how others, past and present, historical and fictional, have struggled with these issues.

Gender Studies (3 credits)

The purpose of gender studies is to help students come to a better understanding of themselves as responsible individuals operating within a gendered cultural context, paying special attention to perspectives involving women.

Global Studies (3 credits)

The purpose of global studies is to challenge students to understand our place within the world and to provide basic knowledge about cultures, people or nations beyond the borders of the United States.

Natural Sciences (BA/BFA: 4 credits; BS/BBA: 8 credits)

The purpose of studying the natural sciences is to help students understand nature and how the processes of scientific investigation lead to new discoveries. The credits must be taken in approved courses and courses must include a laboratory component.

Social Sciences (ALL: 6 credits)

The purpose of studying the social sciences is to develop an understanding of social systems, the dynamics of individual and group behavior and the forces that operate in social relationships. All students must complete six credits in two different social sciences disciplines.

*The ALL designation above signifies a requirement for all bachelor's degree-seeking students, regardless of the degree type that they are seeking.

General Policies

Only approved courses may be used to fulfill the general education requirements.