Credit Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

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Policy Number:
UW-1060
Responsible Office:
Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

UW–Madison sets minimum standards that must be met by all students pursuing an undergraduate degree. The information in this policy provides general information about studying at UW–Madison. Requirements may vary among the schools and colleges, and for specific programs. Students should learn about and understand the specific requirements for their program of study (see Undergraduate Guide).

Definitions:
Academic Division (School/College)
An academic group of the university, defined in UW-803 Faculty Policies and Procedures Chapter 3, that serves as a school, college or like unit and is led by a dean or director who reports to the provost.
Academic Program
An area of study that leads to a degree/major, certificate, minor or named option, also referred to as a plan or subplan.
Credit

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

(1)One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out of class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

(2)At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Alternatively, a credit hour is defined as the learning that takes place in at least 45 hours of learning activities, which include time in lectures or class meetings, in-person or online, laboratories, examinations, presentations, tutorials, preparation, reading, studying, hands-on experiences, and other learning activities; or a demonstration by the student of learning equivalent to that established as the expected product of such a period of study.

In all cases, learning in for-credit courses is guided by a qualified instructor and includes regular and substantive student-instructor interaction.

For purposes of this policy, degree credit is credit earned that counts toward a student’s degree requirements.

For purposes of this policy, transfer credit is credit earned at another institution that counts toward the student’s degree requirements at UW-Madison.

Undergraduate
An enrolled student who is pursuing a degree program that leads to a bachelor’s degree.
Scope:

All degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled at UW-Madison.

Policy:

  1. Total Degree Credits

    1. To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits (which includes Advanced Placement [AP], International Baccalaureate [IB] and other test credit, transfer credit, and retroactive credit).
      1. Requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits.
      2. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements.

  2. Residence Credit

    1. Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification.
      1. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats, or credits earned in UW–Madison study abroad/study away programs.
      2. Some schools and colleges may have additional requirements concerning courses taken in residence; students should refer to the specific school or college section of the Guide or consult with an advisor.
Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Policy Manager:
Vice Provost for Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research
Contact:
Associate Director, Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research -- Michelle Young, MEYOUNG@WISC.EDU, (608) 262-2143
Revised Dates:

02-27-2023

Retrieved:
07-24-2025 15:40:17