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.

Regent Policy Document 4-23, Core General Education Requirements

UW System Interim SYS 100-13, Universities of Wisconsin Core General Education Requirements

Wis. Stats. § 36.05(11)

Wis. Stats. § 36.11(3)(b)