The Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree program is a great place for students to begin their college careers. It provides a strong foundation for many bachelor programs. This degree also shows employers that you possess essential employability qualities, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication skills. 

The AAS program allows you to explore courses related to your intended major while completing the general education classes required for most bachelor’s degrees. Many bachelor's degree programs consider students with an AAS degree to have satisfied their general education requirements.

The AAS program is also perfect for returning students who need to fill in gaps in their general education requirements from their previous college work.

Students can complete the AAS degree in-person, online, or through a combination of both types of courses. The degree is also offered as an online, flexible option. This allows you to earn the credits you need at your own pace, on your schedule, building on knowledge you already have.

Requirements

A minimum of 60 credits is required. At least 36 of the 60 credits, or, at least 12 of the final 24 credits must be earned at UWM. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in credits attempted at UWM.

The Associate of Arts and Sciences degree requires that core requirements in writing and mathematics be completed as well as a distribution of credits in breadth of knowledge categories. The breadth categories in the degree are defined on the General Education page.

Core Requirements 1
CGS ENG 102Critical Writing, Reading, and Research3
Choose one of the following:3
Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
Introduction to College Algebra
Algebraic Literacy II
College Algebra
College Algebra
Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I
Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers II
Elementary Statistical Analysis
Breadth Categories
Arts and Humanities9
Must include:
1 Arts course
1 Humanities course
Mathematics and Natural Sciences11
Must include:
8 credits in 2 Natural Science areas
1 laboratory science course
Remaining credits can be any MS or NS courses
Social Sciences9
Must include credits from at least 2 disciplines
Cultural Diversity3
Courses may be counted toward another breadth category
Applied Scholarship3
Courses may be counted toward another breadth category
Electives
A student who has met the core requirements and the other breadth category minimums may complete the 60 credit minimum requirement with courses in this category.
1

Students must achieve a grade of C or better or receive an exemption.

  • Exemption from the Core Writing requirement can be achieved by submitting a portfolio of written work that demonstrates achievement of the English 102 learning outcomes. Only students who have achieved an appropriate score on the English Placement Test (or other appropriate test, as determined by the Arts and Humanities Department) are eligible.
  • Exemption from the Core Math requirement can be achieved by earning a placement code of at least 30 on the Mathematics Placement Test (or other appropriate test, as determined by the Math and Natural Sciences Department).

Courses used to satisfy the writing and mathematics requirements and their prerequisites may not be used to satisfy a breadth requirement except that: 

  1. A student who earns credit in one of the sequences below with a grade of C or better in at least one of the courses may use the other course to satisfy part of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences breadth requirement.
    CGS MAT 102
    CGS MAT 103
    Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
    and Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
    6
    CGS MAT 102
    CGS MAT 105
    Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
    and Introduction to College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 102
    CGS MAT 108
    Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
    and Algebraic Literacy II
    6
    CGS MAT 102
    CGS MAT 110
    Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
    and College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 102
    CGS MAT 116
    Mathematical Literacy for College Students II
    and College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 103
    CGS MAT 105
    Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
    and Introduction to College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 103
    CGS MAT 108
    Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
    and Algebraic Literacy II
    6
    CGS MAT 103
    CGS MAT 110
    Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
    and College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 103
    CGS MAT 116
    Contemporary Applications of Mathematics
    and College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 105
    CGS MAT 116
    Introduction to College Algebra
    and College Algebra
    6
    CGS MAT 108
    CGS MAT 116
    Algebraic Literacy II
    and College Algebra
    6

     
  2. A student who earns a C or better in one of the courses below may use the course to satisfy part of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences breadth requirement.
    CGS MAT 115Precalculus4
    CGS MAT 124Pre-Calculus Mathematics5

Emphases

Students pursuing the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree (AAS) may elect to receive a degree with emphasis: a concentration of coursework in a given discipline or in more than one discipline, in the case of an interdisciplinary emphasis. Students seeking an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree with an emphasis must successfully complete the AAS requirements and the specific emphasis requirements.

Anthropology Emphasis

Required Course
CGS ANT 100Introduction to Anthropology3
Elective Courses
Choose 3 additional Anthropology courses:9-11
Discovering our Past: An Introduction to Archaeology and the Prehistoric World
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Food, Culture, and Identity
American Indian Societies and Cultures
Religion, Magic and Witchcraft
Introduction to Medical Anthropology: Health and Healing
Total Credits12-14

Art Emphasis

Required Courses6
Introduction to Drawing
Three-Dimensional Design
Choose 1 of the following:3
Survey: Ancient and Medieval Art
Survey: Renaissance - Modern Art
Survey: Modern Art
Survey: Modern Architecture and Design
Choose 1 of the following:3
Intermediate Drawing
Two-Dimensional Design
Introduction to Painting
Introduction to Sculpture
Introduction to Printmaking
Introduction to Ceramics
Introduction to Photography (Required courses)
Total Credits12

Biological Sciences Emphasis

Required Courses
Biological Sciences (CGS BIO) course3-5
Biological Sciences (CGS BIO) course with lab component3-5
Biological Sciences (CGS BIO) course with lab component3-5
Biological Sciences (CGS BIO) course with lab component3-5
Total Credits12-20

Business Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS BUS/CGS ENG 210Business Communication3
CGS BUS 201Introductory Accounting4
CGS BUS 230Introduction to Management Information Systems3
CGS BUS/CGS ECO 243Economic and Business Statistics3
CGS ECO 203Economics - Macro3
CGS ECO 204Economics - Micro3
Choose 1 of the following courses:3-4
Intermediate Accounting
Managerial Accounting
Total Credits22-23

Chemistry Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS CHE 145General Chemistry I5
CGS CHE 155General Chemistry II5
CGS CHE 343Organic Chemistry I3
CGS CHE 363Organic Chemistry II3
Total Credits16

Communication Arts Emphasis

Completion of the following courses will fulfill the requirements for this emphasis.

Required Course
CGS CTA 103Introduction to Public Speaking3
Elective Courses
Choose 9 credits from the following:9
Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Business and Professional Communication
Introduction to Film
Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Popular Culture in the Media
Internship in Communication and Theatre Arts
Topics in Speech and Dramatic Arts
Total Credits12

Education Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS EDU 201Concepts, Issues, and Field Experience in Education3
CGS EDU 230Educational Psychology3-4
Choose 1 of the following:3-4
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Psychology
The Exceptional Individual
Choose 1 of the following:3
Life Span Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence
History of the United States: From the Era of the Columbian Exchange to the Era of the Civil War
History of the United States: From the Era of the Civil War to the Present
American Government and Politics
Total Credits12-14

Engineering Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS EGR 105Engineering Fundamentals3
CGS EGR 201Statics3
Choose a minimum of 1 of the following:3-5
Mechanics of Materials
Computer Science I: Object-Oriented Programming
Choose a minimum of 2 of the following:6
Engineering Graphics with Computer Aided Drafting
Dynamics
Engineering Economics
Economics - Micro
Total Credits15-17

Environmental Studies Emphasis

Choose one of the following:4-5
Introductory Chemistry
Concepts of Biology
Foundations of Biological Sciences I
General Chemistry I
Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
Choose one of the following:3-4
Environmental Science
General Ecology
Interdisciplinary Studies: Local Applications of Global Sustainability
Choose one of the following:3
Environmental Ethics
Interdisciplinary Studies: Understanding Our Environment
Sociology of the Environment
Choose one of the following:3
Trigonometry
Elementary Statistical Analysis
Statistical Methods in Psychology
Economic and Business Statistics
Intro to Economics
Economics - Macro
Economics - Micro
Total Credits13-15

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Emphasis

Required Courses3
Choose 1 of the following courses:
Introduction to Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies
Women's Voices
Elective Courses9
Choose 3 of the following courses (note: CGS GSW 102 can be counted as an elective if CGS GSW 101 was also completed):
Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
Feminist Philosophy
Gender in Popular Culture
Introduction to Masculinities
Women's Health & Sexuality in Society
Sex, Power and Public Policy
Women Writers
Total Credits12

Geography Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS GEO 123Physical Geography: Weather and Climate4-5
CGS GEO 124Physical Geography: Landforms4-5
Choose one of the following:3
Introduction to Cultural Geography
World Regional Geography
Elective Course - Student/Advisor choice
CGS GEO XXX (Any other CGS GEO course)3-5
Total Credits14-18

Geosciences Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS GLG 102Historical Geology4-5
CGS GLG 101Physical Geology4-5
or CGS GLG 169 Environmental Geology
Choose 2 of the following, but cannot use both CGS PHY 120 and CGS PHY 2098-10
General Chemistry I
Calculus and Analytical Geometry I
General Physics I (Non-Calculus Treatment)
Physics I (Calculus Treatment)
Total Credits16-20

Health Sciences Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS BIO 101Concepts of Biology5
Choose 1 of the following courses:4
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Choose 1 of the following courses:5
Introductory Chemistry
General Chemistry I
Choose 1 of the following courses:2-5
Trigonometry
Elementary Statistical Analysis
General Survey of Microbiology
Choose 1 of the following courses:3-4
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Psychology
Total Credits19-23

History Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS HIS 101History of the United States: From the Era of the Columbian Exchange to the Era of the Civil War3
CGS HIS 102History of the United States: From the Era of the Civil War to the Present3
Any 200-level CGS HIS course3
Choose 1 of the following courses:3
History of Western Civilization from Ancient Times to the Era of the Renaissance
World History to 1500
Choose 1 of the following courses:3
History of Western Civilization from the Era of the Renaissance to Contemporary Times
World History Since 1500
Total Credits15

Literature Emphasis

Elective Courses
English (CGS ENG) course numbered 242-2893
English (CGS ENG) course numbered 242-2893
English (CGS ENG) course numbered 242-2893
English (CGS ENG) course numbered 242-2893
Total Credits12

Mathematics Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS MAT 221Calculus and Analytical Geometry I5
CGS MAT 232Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
CGS MAT 233Calculus and Analytic Geometry III4
Elective Courses
Choose from the following courses:3-5
Elementary Statistical Analysis *
Topics in Finite Mathematics
Statistical Analysis
Linear Algebra
Ordinary Differential Equations
Economic and Business Statistics
University Physics I
University Physics II
Computer Science I: Object-Oriented Programming
Computer Science II: Objects and Data Abstraction
Engineering Thermodynamics
Total Credits16-18
*

CGS MAT 215 is not recommended for students who intend to major in Mathematics.

Music Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS MUS 171Music Theory I3
Choose 1 of the following courses:1-2
Beginning Piano
Beginning Piano
Elementary Piano
Elementary Piano
Choose 2 of the following courses:6
Music Theory II
Music Literature and Appreciation
Music Literature and Appreciation
Jazz History and Appreciation
History of Rock and Roll
World Music
Total Credits10-11

Philosophy Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS PHI 101Introduction to Philosophy3
CGS PHI 211Elementary Logic3
Choose 1 of the following courses:3
Technology, Values and Society
Ethics
Environmental Ethics
Biomedical Ethics
Elective Courses - Student/Advisor Choice
Choose two additional CGS PHI courses6
Total Credits15

Physics Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS PHY 201University Physics I5
CGS PHY 202University Physics II5
CGS MAT 233Calculus and Analytic Geometry III4
Total Credits14

Political Science Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS POL 104American Government and Politics3
Choose 2 of the following courses:6
Politics of Crime and Punishment
Comparative Politics
International Politics
Sex, Power and Public Policy
Choose 2 of the following courses:6
Civil Liberties
Media and Politics
Terrorism
Total Credits15

Pre-Nursing Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS BIO 251General Survey of Microbiology5
CGS BIO 202Anatomy and Physiology 14
CGS BIO 203Anatomy and Physiology 24
Choose 1 of the following courses:3-5
Introductory Chemistry
Survey of Biochemistry
Total Credits16-18

Psychology Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS PSY 210Statistical Methods in Psychology3
Choose 1 of the following courses:3-4
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Psychology
Choose 1 of the following courses:3
Life Span Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Choose 1 of the following courses:3-4
Introduction to Human Biology
Human Structure & Function
Anatomy and Physiology 1
Total Credits12-14

Sociology Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
CGS SOC 234Sociology of Race and Ethnicity3
Elective Courses - Student/Advisor Choice
Choose 2 of the following courses:6
Contemporary Social Problems
Sociology of Human Sexuality
Global Social Problems
Sociology of Marriage and the Family
Crime and Criminal Justice
Juvenile Delinquency
People, Organizations, and Society
Sociology of Health and Illness
Practice in Applied Sociology
Independent Reading in Sociology
Sociology of the Environment
Total Credits12

Sustainability Emphasis

Required Courses
Choose 1 of the following courses:3
Introduction to Business
Economic and Business Statistics
Intro to Economics
Economics - Macro
Economics - Micro
Engineering Fundamentals
Economic and Business Statistics
Elementary Statistical Analysis
Choose 2 of the following courses:7-10
Concepts of Biology
Foundations of Biological Sciences I
Introductory Chemistry
General Chemistry I
Physical Geology
Introduction to Environmental Geology
Environmental Geology
Choose 2 of the following courses:6-8
Environmental Science
General Ecology
Environmental Conservation
Interdisciplinary Studies: Local Applications of Global Sustainability
Environmental Ethics
Sociology of the Environment
Total Credits16-21

Theatre Arts Emphasis

Completion of the following courses will fulfill the requirements for this emphasis.

Required Courses
CGS CTA 130Introduction to Theatre3
CGS CTA 131Theatre Laboratory *3
Elective Courses
Choose 9 credits from the following:9
Theatre Laboratory *
Introduction to Acting
Introduction to Film
Internship in Communication and Theatre Arts
Topics in Speech and Dramatic Arts
Introduction to Shakespeare
Introduction to Drawing
Three-Dimensional Design
Total Credits15
*

A minimum of 3 credits of CGS CTA 131 is required. An additional 1 to 3 credits can be taken of CGS CTA 131 to count towards the emphasis.

Students should be aware that the Theatre Arts Emphasis will give them the basic knowledge and individualized experience to successfully prepare them for a major/minor in Theatre Arts, but they will be required to take additional lower division courses in Theatre when they transfer.

Writing Emphasis

Required Courses
CGS ENG 201Intermediate Composition3
CGS ENG 203Creative Writing I3
CGS ENG/CGS BUS 210Business Communication3
Choose 1 of the following:1-3
Writing about Literature
Creative Writing II
Writing Tutor Seminar
Total Credits10-12

Liberal Arts AAS Learning Outcomes 

Students graduating from the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree program have demonstrated proficiency with: 

  1. Knowledge of Human Cultures: Students can describe and evaluate existing knowledge of human cultures by interpreting and analyzing data, texts, and/or artifacts and/or applying concepts across disciplines. 
  2. Knowledge of the Natural World: Students can describe and evaluate existing knowledge of the natural world by interpreting, analyzing, and communicating data, results, and conclusions and/or applying concepts across disciplines.
  3. Critical Thinking: Students will investigate problems and execute analytical, practical, or creative tasks.
  4. Creative Thinking: Students will combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways. 
  5. Effective Communication: Students use reading, listening, speaking, and/or writing skills for a variety of purposes and audiences; students use language effectively to construct scholarly, evidence-based arguments. 
  6. Intercultural Knowledge and Competence: Students have developed cultural self-awareness in the context of diverse human cultures and/or developed strategies for effectively and appropriately negotiating intercultural interactions. 
  7. Individual, Social, and Environmental Responsibility: Students can engage in active learning to explore ethical, social, and/or environmental issues. Students can apply knowledge and skills for the purpose of civic engagement. 

College of General Studies Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.750 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 20 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 30 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.