Program Overview

Introduction to the Individual Major, BSE

The Individual Major provides undergraduates with an opportunity to develop a unique course of study, one that is interdepartmental and not reflected in existing degree programs. Completion of the Individual Major does not lead to a professional license or certification, although graduates may be interested in pursuing alternative educational careers or graduate work. Graduates earn a BSEducation degree.

How to Get In

Admission Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Earn a 2.75 cumulative GPA on the UWMadison campus.
• Complete a minimum of 54 credits.
• Receive approval of major program proposal submitted by the applicant.

Last 60 Credits Rule

Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to the program. GPAs will be calculated using:

• All transferable college-level coursework attempted.
• The last 60 credits attempted. The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA.

Application Procedures

Once a committee of three persons has been chosen and required courses have been selected, students should:

• Submit an Individual Major in Education proposal form.
• Submit the program plan and narrative with the transfer application for associate dean's approval.

University General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. These requirements include:

• BreadthHumanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
• BreadthNatural Science: 4 to 6 credits
• BreadthSocial Studies: 3 credits
• Communication Part A & Part B
• Ethnic Studies
• Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B

School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements

All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. The Liberal Studies requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements.

Humanities, 9 credits

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:

• Literature
• Fine Arts
• Humanities Electives

Social Studies (Social Science)

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits.

Science

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:

• Biological Science
• Physical Science
• Laboratory Science
• Science Electives

Cultural and Historical Studies

All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program with an individual major has three components:

• Liberal studies courses
• Major coursework
• Elective credits

Requirements of the Individual Major

Development of the Major

Students must have an area of interest that they wish to develop into a 3642 credit formalized program of study, or major. A narrative describing the proposed course of study and its related career goals must be developed.

Selection of Major Coursework

Select courses that support the program narrative, in consultation with the major advisor. All courses in the major must be from School of Education course offerings.

Elective Credits

Elective credits make it possible to pursue additional areas of interest and are necessary to reach the minimum of 120 credits required for the degree.

GPA and Other Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements are based on UWMadison coursework. Graduation GPA requirements may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.

• 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
• 2.75 cumulative grade point average across all major coursework.
• Degree candidates must complete at least 120 total credits.
• Major residency: Degree candidates must complete at least 15 credits of upper-level major coursework in residence on the UWMadison campus.
• Senior residency: Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UWMadison campus.

Degree Audit (DARS)

UWMadison uses DARS to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree. A DARS report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet.

University Degree Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree from UWMadison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits.

Four-Year Plan

A sample four-year graduation plan is designed to guide course selection throughout the academic career. The plan includes:

• Freshman year: Communication A, Liberal Studies coursework, Ethnic Studies, Quantitative Reasoning A.
• Sophomore year: Communication B, Liberal Studies coursework, Quantitative Reasoning B, develop and submit major proposal for approval.
• Junior year: Major coursework, Liberal Studies or General Elective coursework.
• Senior year: Major coursework (upper level), Liberal Studies or General Elective coursework.

Advising and Careers

Advising for the Individual Major

Students interested in the Individual Major should first consult with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office. A committee to oversee the major will be formed and also provide advising in the major.

Career Advising in the School of Education

The Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development. Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with exploration of career and academic pathways, resumes, cover letters, job/internship search, interview preparation, and more.