College Preparatory Courses Needed for UW System Admission
College preparatory or a “college prep” program is made up of four core studies: English, math, social studies/history, and natural science. These are the foundation of your success in college.
Now, all UW System schools require you to complete at least 13 credits in the core subjects, plus four credits in subjects you choose (foreign language, art, music, or computer science). Technical and career courses may also be accepted for a portion of your elective credits.
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| English | 4 credits |
| Mathematics | 3 credits |
| Natural Science | 3 credits |
| Social Science/History | 3 credits |
In addition to the “core college preparatory” credits identified, students need to complete a minimum of four elective credits as follows:
| Subject | Credits |
|---|---|
| Electives | An additional 4 credits may be chosen from English, mathematics, natural science, social science/history, foreign language, fine arts, computer science, and other academic areas. (Two years of a single foreign language are required for admission to UW-Madison, and are encouraged at other UW System campuses.) Some UW System campuses may also accept technical and career courses for a portion of these 4 elective credits. |
Here are two other ways to meet college admission requirements:
Agriculture and Science Courses
It’s a good idea to get more than the minimum college prep credits because some UW System schools have additional college prep requirements. For example, UW-Madison requires two years of high school courses in a single foreign language. Use the dropdown arrow below to see the preparatory requirements at each UW System campus.
Select a campus
UW-Eau Claire
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least three units of composition and literature |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra |
| 3 | Natural Science: Lab sciences are encouraged, but not required |
| 3 | Social Science/History: required 1 unit of world or American history |
| 4 | Electives: in any above areas as well as foreign language, art, music, speech, computer science and other academic areas |
UW-Eau Claire – Barron County
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: 1 unit of algebra, 1 unit of geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
UW-Green Bay
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of Composition, Literature, and Rhetoric |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematics courses with Algebra and Geometry prerequisites (preferably fitting the college preparatory math sequence of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.
UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of Composition, Literature, and Rhetoric |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematics courses with Algebra and Geometry prerequisites (preferably fitting the college preparatory math sequence of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.
UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of Composition, Literature, and Rhetoric |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematics courses with Algebra and Geometry prerequisites (preferably fitting the college preparatory math sequence of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.
UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of Composition, Literature, and Rhetoric |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematics courses with Algebra and Geometry prerequisites (preferably fitting the college preparatory math sequence of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
NOTE: Please note that these are minimum standards. Most incoming freshmen exceed these minimums by a significant amount. Rigor is an important factor in the admission decision, and applicants who exceed these minimums will have an advantage in the admission process.
UW-La Crosse
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra. |
| 3 | Natural Science: at least two credits from biology, chemistry, physics, earth science or advanced courses in these disciplines |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer sciences, other academic areas |
Applicants are encouraged to select courses beyond the minimum. Students completing rigorous courses, including senior year, will be stronger candidates for admission.
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 4 | Mathematics |
| 4 | Natural Science |
| 4 | Social Science/History |
| 2 | Electives |
| 3 | Foreign Language |
UW-Madison
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
The high school record should demonstrate both rigor and breadth in the types of coursework pursued. A competitive academic record should show challenging, rigorous coursework, such as AP, honors, or IB courses, in as many areas as possible, while maintaining a strong GPA.
| Units | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3-4 | Mathematics: including at least one year each of algebra, geometry, and advanced math, or an integrated sequence of courses. We highly recommend taking math your senior year and advancing through pre-calculus or calculus, if available. Courses that will not fulfill the math requirement include statistics, business math, and computer classes. |
| 3-4 | Science |
| 3-4 | Social Studies |
| 2-4 | Single Foreign Language |
| 2 | Additional Academic/Fine Arts |
| 19-22 | Total Units |
UW-Milwaukee
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: (for BA seeking students, include three credits of literature and/or composition) |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and higher for BA seekers. CEAS* recommends four credits. |
| 3 | Natural Science: BA students – at least 1 credit of lab science, CEAS: at least 1 credit of chemistry, physics also recommended. Nursing: at least 1 credit of chemistry |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: At least 2 from above areas, foreign language, speech/communication or other academic areas |
*CEAS – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Foreign language is not required but is strongly recommended. Foreign language credits earned in high school help satisfy UW-Milwaukee’s foreign language requirement for graduation.
UW-Milwaukee at Washington County
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: (for BA seeking students, include three credits of literature and/or composition) |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and higher for BA seekers. CEAS* recommends four credits. |
| 3 | Natural Science: BA students – at least 1 credit of lab science, CEAS: at least 1 credit of chemistry, physics also recommended. Nursing: at least 1 credit of chemistry |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: At least 2 from above areas, foreign language, speech/communication or other academic areas |
*CEAS – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Foreign language is not required but is strongly recommended. Foreign language credits earned in high school help satisfy UW-Milwaukee’s foreign language requirement for graduation.
UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: (for BA seeking students, include three credits of literature and/or composition) |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and higher for BA seekers. CEAS* recommends four credits. |
| 3 | Natural Science: BA students – at least 1 credit of lab science, CEAS: at least 1 credit of chemistry, physics also recommended. Nursing: at least 1 credit of chemistry |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: At least 2 from above areas, foreign language, speech/communication or other academic areas |
*CEAS – College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Foreign language is not required but is strongly recommended. Foreign language credits earned in high school help satisfy UW-Milwaukee’s foreign language requirement for graduation.
UW-Oshkosh
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of composition and literature |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry and a higher level math |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, art, music, computer science and additional courses from the areas above |
Most admitted students have completed additional college preparatory units in math or science. Applicants who meet the minimum credit requirements are given consideration for admission; however, admission is not automatic or guaranteed.
UW-Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Campus
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of composition and literature |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra 1 and Geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, art, music, computer science and additional courses from the areas above |
Most admitted students have completed additional college preparatory units in math or science. Applicants who meet the minimum credit requirements are given consideration for admission; however, admission is not automatic or guaranteed.
UW-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of composition and literature |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra 1 and Geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, art, music, computer science and additional courses from the areas above |
Most admitted students have completed additional college preparatory units in math or science. Applicants who meet the minimum credit requirements are given consideration for admission; however, admission is not automatic or guaranteed.
UW-Parkside
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: including 3 credits of composition and/or literature |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and higher. |
| 3 | Natural Science: including at least one credit of lab science. |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from the above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science, and other academic areas. |
Foreign language is not required for admission; however, students may fulfill the UW-Parkside graduation requirement in foreign language by taking two years of the same foreign language in high school.
Academic preparation is an important part of the admission decision. To be best prepared for college, applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.
UW-Platteville
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry and higher (with algebra and geometry as prerequisites) |
| 3 | Natural science: two must include lab experiences. |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science or courses in vocational areas |
Although foreign language is not required for admission, students may fulfill the UW-Platteville graduation requirement in foreign language by taking two years of the same foreign language in high school.
UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: 1 credit of algebra, 1 credit of geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science or courses in vocational areas |
Although foreign language is not required for admission, students may fulfill the UW-Platteville graduation requirement in foreign language by taking two years of the same foreign language in high school.
UW-Platteville Richland
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: 1 credit of algebra, 1 credit of geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science or courses in vocational areas |
Although foreign language is not required for admission, students may fulfill the UW-Platteville graduation requirement in foreign language by taking two years of the same foreign language in high school.
UW-River Falls
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: including 3 credits of literature and composition |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra |
| 3 | Natural Science: biology, chemistry, or physical are preferred |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from the above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer sciences, and other academic areas |
Academic preparation, specifically the strength of high school coursework, is an important part of the admission decision. Applicants are encouraged to exceed the minimum credit requirements for admission.
UW-Stevens Point
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra, geometry, and higher |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: Two chosen from the above areas or foreign language, fine arts, or computer science (excluding keyboarding). Two chosen from the above areas and other academic, technical, and career areas (excluding cooperative education) |
UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: 1 credit of algebra, 1 credit of geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from a foreign language, fine arts, computer science, and other academic areas |
UW-Stevens Point at Wausau
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: 1 credit of algebra, 1 credit of geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
UW-Stout
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: emphasizing literature, composition, rhetoric, and speech. |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra II (Integrated Math 1,2,& 3). A fourth-year is strongly encouraged for majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math |
| 3 | Natural Sciences: Typically Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Physics is strongly encouraged for majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from the areas above or world language, business, family/consumer education, art and design, computer application/programming, and other academic areas |
A world language is not required for admission.
UW-Superior
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English: at least 3 units of Composition, Literature, and Rhetoric |
| 3 | Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematics courses with Algebra and Geometry prerequisites (preferably fitting the college preparatory math sequence of Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II) |
| 3 | Natural Science |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: chosen from foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
UW-Whitewater
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra , geometry, advanced algebra/algebra 2 |
| 3 | Natural Science: biology, chemistry or physics are preferred |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: 2 chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |
UW-Whitewater at Rock County
College Preparatory Credit Requirement
| Credits | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 4 | English |
| 3 | Mathematics: algebra and geometry |
| 3 | Natural Science: biology, chemistry or physics are preferred |
| 3 | Social Science/History |
| 4 | Electives: 2 chosen from above areas, foreign language, fine arts, computer science and other academic areas |