Summer 2026 and Later: Core GenEd
This page applies to students who first enrolled at UW–Madison or any other institution of higher education in Summer 2026 or later.
To meet your Core GenEd requirements, you will need to earn a total of 30 credits from 10 courses across 6 categories. The table below explains the specific requirements in more detail.
| Category | Credits Required |
|---|---|
| Civics & Perspectives (CP) | 3 |
| Communication & Literacy (CL) | 61 |
| Humanities & Arts (HA) | 6 |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning (MQR) | 62 |
| Natural Science & Wellness (NSW) + Lab (NSWL) | 6 (one course must have a lab designation) |
| Social & Behavioral Science (SBS) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
- A minimum qualifying score on the UW 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) allows you to substitute 3 of the 6 required credits in the Communication & Literacy category with 3 credits of any Core GenEd coursework. Qualifying placement scores do not award degree credit, and you must still complete at least 30 credits of coursework carrying Core GenEd designations. Refer to Guide for more information about placement tests. ↩︎
- A minimum qualifying score on the Math Placement Test (MFUND score of at least 466 and AALG score of at least 486) allows you to substitute 3 of the 6 required credits in the Math & Quantitative Reasoning category with 3 credits of any Core GenEd coursework. Qualifying placement scores do not award degree credit, and you must still complete at least 30 credits of coursework carrying Core GenEd designations. Refer to Guide for more information about placement tests. ↩︎
Note: A course can only have one Core GenEd attribute (i.e. Social & Behavioral Science or Humanities & Arts), but a course can satisfy both Core GenEd and school/college/major requirements.
You can look up which requirement a course satisfies in Course Search & Enroll.
Track your progress toward satisfying your degree requirements using the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) and by meeting with your academic advisor.
Definitions
Builds core abilities in writing, reading, speaking, listening, and critical thinking for clear, purposeful communication across contexts
Develops skills in math, logic, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning to interpret information and support sound decisions.
Examines the experiences and contributions of persistently marginalized racial or ethnic groups in the U.S. to foster informed, constructive engagement in a diverse society.
Examines human behavior and social systems using empirical methods to understand individuals, groups, and institutions.
Explores human culture, expression, and values through critical interpretation of literature, philosophy, history, languages, and the arts.
Natural Science: Studies the physical and natural world through scientific inquiry and evidence.
Wellness: Promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being.
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Natural Science & Wellness Laboratory: Natural Science or Wellness 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. experimental techniques, dance, meditation, mindfulness).