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.
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 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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGLISH 102 | College Writing and Research | 3 |
| 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 | ||
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. | ||
| Language Other than English Requirement | 0-10 | |
Equivalent to one year university instruction (2 years high school or 2 semesters college) | ||
| 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.
| 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. | ||
| Language Other than English Requirement | 0 | |
Nothing required beyond the GER in Language other than English. | ||
| 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.