Core General Education Requirements

Layout for printing
Policy Number:
UW-1095
Responsible Office:
Data, Academic Planning & Institutional Research

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to define the Core General Education Requirements for UW-Madison and describe how Core General Education Requirement credits will transfer and apply to degree requirements for students who transfer between UW universities as outlined in Wis. Stat. § 36.11(3)(b).

Definitions:
Core General Education Requirements (Core GenEd)
A set of undergraduate course requirements consisting of six broad categories, totaling a minimum of 10 courses and 30 credits, designed to impart foundational knowledge and skills as defined in Regent Policy Document 4-23, Core General Education Requirements.
Sending Institution
The University of Wisconsin institution from which a student transfers and/or from which transfer credit originates.
Receiving Institution
The University of Wisconsin institution to which a student transfers and/or at which transfer credit is applied.
In-Residence Credit
Credits earned with an undergraduate degree classification from courses taken through UW-Madison or through a UW-Madison-administered study abroad or study away program.
Course
For purposes of this policy, a transcripted, credit-bearing instructional activity awarded upon successful completion of:
  • An instructor-led course offered in residence or at another UW institution;
  • Credit by examination (including AP, IB, CLEP, or approved departmental examinations);
  • Retroactive credit; or
  • Portfolio-based credit review.
Student
In accordance with Wis. Stat. § 36.05(11), any person who is registered for study during the current academic period including:
  • Degree-seeking students;
  • Dual enrollment students (i.e., high school students enrolled in transcripted, credit-bearing college coursework); and
  • University Special (i.e., non-degree seeking) students.

For purposes of this policy, dual enrollment students are distinct from University Special students.

Scope:

This policy applies to undergraduate students whose first term of enrollment at any post-secondary institution after graduating from high school is summer 2026 or later. Students whose first term of enrollment at a post-secondary institution after graduating from high school is prior to summer 2026 may choose to follow these Core General Education Requirements.

Policy:
  1. Core General Education Requirements
    Category Requirement
    Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of coursework that carries the Civics & Perspectives course designation
    Communication & Literacy 6 credits of coursework that carries the Communication & Literacy course designation
    Humanities & Arts 6 credits of coursework that carries the Humanities & Arts course designation
    Math & Quantitative Reasoning

    6 credits of coursework that carries the Math & Quantitative Reasoning course designation
    Natural Science & Wellness

    6 credits of coursework that carries the Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness Laboratory course designation

    • One course taken in this category must have the Natural Science & Wellness Laboratory course designation
    Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of coursework that carries the Social & Behavioral Science course designation
    Total 30 credits of coursework that carries a Core GenEd designation
  2. Use of Placement Test Scores
    1. A minimum qualifying score on the Math Placement Test (MFUND score of at least 466 and AALG score of at least 486) may substitute for 3 credits in the Math & Quantitative Reasoning category but does not count toward the minimum of 30 credits of coursework with a Core GenEd designation.
    2. A minimum qualifying score on the English Placement Test (a score of at least 605) or UW–Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT) (a score of 99) may substitute for 3 credits in the Communication & Literacy category but does not count toward the minimum of 30 credits of coursework with a Core GenEd designation.
  3. Designation Definitions

    Core GenEd course designations are assigned and approved as part of the standard course proposal process. A department that wishes to have a Core GenEd designation on a course will make the request as part of the course proposal using the following definitions.

    1. Civics & Perspectives

      Instruction designed to increase understanding of the circumstances, conditions, experiences, cultures, literatures, arts and contributions of persistently marginalized racial or ethnic groups in the United States that equip students to respond constructively to issues connected with our pluralistic society. Students in these courses learn to draw connections between historical and present-day circumstances and consider perceptions and cultural assumptions when examining questions and making decisions.

    2. Communication & Literacy

      Instruction designed to develop foundational competencies in writing, reading, speaking, listening, and critical thinking. This instruction emphasizes the ability to analyze, interpret, and produce effective communication across various forms, genres, and disciplines. Students will learn to research and present ideas and information clearly and logically, tailored to achieve specific purposes. Additionally, instruction is designed to foster the effective use of communicative forms that are appropriate for various disciplines and adapted to specific audiences.

    3. Humanities & Arts

      Instruction focused on examining human culture, expression, history, and values through various disciplines, including literature, philosophy, history, languages, music, and the visual arts. This instruction emphasizes critical inquiry and interpretive skills, enabling students to comprehend and utilize diverse approaches to interpreting and creating cultural artifacts, such as works of art, literature, music, architecture, philosophy, and film.

    4. Math & Quantitative Reasoning

      Instruction focused on developing the ability to draw conclusions, make judgments, and form inferences from quantitative information. This instruction emphasizes the use of mathematics, logic, data, and quantitative models to interpret information, analyze problems, and support informed decision-making. MQR courses equip students with broad quantitative skills in mathematics, computer science, statistics, or formal logic that are applicable in various contexts beyond the classroom.

    5. Natural Science & Wellness
      1. Natural Science: Instruction focused on examining the physical and natural world through scientific observation, experimentation, and theory, including biological, chemical, physical, and earth sciences.
      2. Wellness: Instruction that promotes and explores the foundations of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
      3. Natural Science & Wellness Laboratory: Instruction that employs active or experiential learning techniques in which students apply course content in practical ways to deepen their conceptual understanding. This includes, but is not limited to group discussions, debates, case studies, problem-solving activities, writing and reflection exercises, and participating in disciplinary practices (e.g., dance, meditation, mindfulness).
    6. Social & Behavioral Science

      Instruction focused on fostering critical thinking about individual and group behavior, as well as the dynamics of institutions and social systems within both local and global contexts. This instruction emphasizes empirical and analytical methods drawn from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, and political science. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various methodologies and theoretical approaches, synthesize and apply social science concepts, and engage with issues from multiple perspectives.

  4. Transfer Between UW System Institutions
    1. All UW institutions implement Core GenEd using the same six categories, requiring 30 - 36 credits in total.
    2. Each institution determines its own credit distribution across categories.
    3. Each institution determines which of its courses will carry a Core GenEd course designation.
    4. The following applies for:
      1. UW–Madison degree-seeking students completing coursework at another UW institution after matriculating/enrolling at UW-Madison:
        1. UW–Madison evaluates the course for equivalency.
        2. The Core GenEd designation applied is based on the UW–Madison equivalent course, not the sending institution’s Core GenEd course designation.
        3. If the equivalent course does not carry a Core GenEd designation, the student may:
          1. Transfer the credit without Core GenEd application; and
          2. Submit an appeal for Core GenEd consideration.
      2. UW-Madison students who took courses as a high school student through dual enrollment
        1. For students who complete Core GenEd-designated coursework while in high school through dual enrollment and later matriculate at UW–Madison, the sending institution’s Core GenEd course designation applies.
        2. After matriculating to UW-Madison, the student will follow UW-Madison’s credit requirements for completion of each Core GenEd category.
      3. Students who were degree-seeking undergraduate students at another UW institution and subsequently transferred to UW-Madison as a degree-seeking undergraduate student
        1. The Core GenEd designation applied is based on the designation assigned by the sending UW institution
        2. The Core GenEd category fulfillment from the sending UW institution applies.
          At the sending institution the student was a: Core GenEd category fulfillment from the sending institution applies Core GenEd designation from the sending institution applies
          Dual enrollment student No Yes
          Degree-seeking undergraduate student Yes Yes
          Special (non-degree seeking) student No No
  5. Appeals

    A formal appeal process shall be maintained to address:

    1. Transfer credit applicability to Core GenEd categories; and
    2. Other circumstances where application of Core GenEd requirements may warrant review.

 

Related UW-Madison Policies:

UW-1059 General Education Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees

Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Policy Manager:
Vice Provost for Data Academic Planning & Institutional Research
Contact:
Associate Vice Provost for Academic Planning -- Michelle Young, MEYOUNG@WISC.EDU, (608) 262-2143
Effective Date:
05-11-2026
Date Issued:
05-15-2026
Retrieved:
05-20-2026 15:24:44