The Associate Degree of Arts and Science (AAS) equips students with foundational knowledge and skills including critical thinking, oral and written communication, and problem solving. These skills will set you up for success in your next endeavors, whether that’s continuing education or employment.
This 60-credit program allows students to complete most university general education requirements, explore areas of interest, and gain exposure to the breadth of topics included in the College of Letters and Science. Additionally, many bachelor’s programs consider students with an AAS degree to have satisfied their general education requirements. The AAS does not allow completion of a major but can include one or more minors, certificates, and/or microcredentials.
At UWM, the AAS degree is housed within the College of Letters and Science Academic Access Programing (AAP) unit. The AAP is also home to the First Year Bridge program. The AAS is not a direct entry program. It can however, be an option for baccalaureate students at UWM who wish to complete a degree, but decide not to complete a four-year degree.
Students enrolled in the College of General Studies (CGS) Associate degree program in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 have the option to complete that program despite the closure of CGS. See the Pathway Advising page for eligibility requirements.
L&S requirements include the Breadth requirement and the International requirement. Courses for the L&S Breadth must be beyond and in addition to courses in those areas used to satisfy General Education Requirements.
Requirements
A minimum of 60 credits is required. At least 30 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 on all credits taken at UWM and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all credits taken at UWM plus any transfer credits.
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. Students must also complete the depth requirement as detailed below:
- Two-Course Sequence: You must complete at least two courses in the same curricular code.
- Foundation: The first course in the sequence should provide foundational knowledge that prepares you for the second course, even if it's not a formal prerequisite.
- Different Semesters: The courses must be taken in separate semesters or terms.
- Excludes Certain Courses: The requirement does not apply to two-course sequences of foundational skills courses, such as developmental education, non-degree ESL, or introductory Math and English (MATH 98 & MATH 108, for example) leading to the completion of core requirements , nor does it apply to lecture-forum courses. However, a foundational skills course such as core Math or English may be paired with a non-foundational Math or English course to satisfy the depth sequence requirement (ENGLISH 102 & ENGLISH 205, for example) .
Core Requirements
A grade of C or better is required in courses that fulfill the core requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements (6 credits) | ||
| English (OWC-A) 1 | ||
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research | 3 |
| Math (QL-A) 2 | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Mathematical Literacy for College Students II | ||
| Contemporary Applications of Mathematics | ||
| Introduction to College Algebra | ||
| Algebraic Literacy II | ||
| Introduction to Logic - Critical Reasoning | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Mathematical Explorations for Elementary Teachers I | ||
- 1
The English Core Requirement (OWC-A) also can be satisfied by:
- transferring at least three credits with a grade of C or higher in a course equivalent to ENGLISH 102 or higher-level expository writing course; or
- achieving an appropriate score on the English Placement or other appropriate test, as determined by the English Department.
- 2
The Math Core Requirement (QL-A) also can be satisfied by:
- achieving a placement level of 30 or higher via the Mathematics Placement Test (or another appropriate test as determined by the Mathematical Sciences Department) or though transferring applicable courses as detailed in the Math Placement Level Definitions.
UWM GER Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts | 3 | |
| Humanities | 6 | |
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences | 12 | |
Must include 1 lab course, and credits must be from at least 2 different disciplines. | ||
| Cultural Diversity | 3 | |
Courses may be counted towards another GER category. | ||
L&S Requirements
L&S requirements include the Breadth requirement and the International requirement. These courses must be beyond and in addition to courses in those areas used to satisfy General Education Requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| L&S Breadth Requirement | ||
| L&S Humanities | 3 | |
| L&S Social Sciences | 3 | |
| L&S Natural Sciences | 0 | |
Nothing required beyond the GER in Natural Sciences. | ||
| International Requirement | 3 | |
3 credits language other than English and/or non-language L&S courses with approved international content | ||
Courses may also count toward L&S Breadth | ||
Electives
Students will select electives to complete the 60 total credits required for the degree.
Liberal Arts AAS Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from the Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree program have demonstrated proficiency with:
- 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.
- 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.
- Critical Thinking: Students will investigate problems and execute analytical, practical, or creative tasks.
- Creative Thinking: Students will combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Letters and Science 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.