Associate of Arts & Sciences

Do you want a bachelor’s degree, but need to complete your general education requirements first? Here’s your chance to earn the credits you need at your own pace, on your schedule, building on knowledge you already have.

The Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree is the foundation for more than 200 college majors. All University of Wisconsin four-year institutions, including UW-Madison, consider this AAS degree to satisfy the university-wide general education breadth requirements. An associate degree also signals to employers that you have the advanced skills in communication and critical thinking necessary to succeed in today’s workplaces.

Students Who Need to Complete General Education Requirements 

For students with transferable college credit who would like to earn their bachelor’s degrees—whether through a UW Flexible Option program or any other University of Wisconsin program—the courses offered by this flexible Associate of Arts and Sciences degree can be used to fulfill the general education requirements of the degree.

Who Should Apply

The UW Flexible Option is especially designed for self-motivated nontraditional students. The competency-based and self-paced format of the UW Flexible Option fits the schedules of students who must balance work and family responsibilities with educational goals. Because the UW Flexible Option competencies and assessments are delivered online, students have the opportunity to learn when and where they choose.

This self-paced program is ideally suited for:

• Motivated, disciplined self-starters who can work independently
• Students who may have completed some college-level work
• Adults with valuable professional work experience
• Those who recognize the value of a University of Wisconsin degree

Apply Now

About the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Accreditation

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools. 

Administrative Note:
Effective July 1, 2018 the 13 two-year campuses formerly known as University of Wisconsin Colleges were integrated as branch campuses with seven of the University of Wisconsin System’s four-year comprehensive or research institutions. As part of this restructure, UW Flexible Option courses offered through UW Colleges, including the Associate of Arts and Science (AAS) degree, transitioned to UW-Milwaukee.

To earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, students must complete a total of 60 credits:

• 30 credits: UW-Milwaukee Core General Education Requirements (CGER)
• 30 credits: UW-Milwaukee Letters & Sciences Requirements

Transfer credits will be evaluated upon admissions, at least 15 credits must be earned through UW-Milwaukee. Your Success Coach will assist you with determining your course plan.

UW-Milwaukee Core General Education Requirements

Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 3 credits, 1 course

Students learn how to use numbers, data and logic to solve problems and make decisions. These courses focus on real-world applications of math and data analysis.

Pre-requisite of 100 level mathematics & quantitative reasoning course OR minimum math palcement level of 30 OR other equivalent course work.

• MTHSTAT 215x: Elementary Statistics (3 credits)
  Elementary probability theory; descriptive statistics; sampling distributions; basic problems of statistical inference including estimation; tests of statistical hypothesis in both one- and two- sample cases.
• PHILOS 211x: Elementary Logic (3 credits)
  Introduction to traditional and modern logic; the concepts of argument, validity; proof, fallacy, persuasion, and reasoning; the development of certain practical skills.
• INFOST370x: Data Analysis and Visualization for the Information Professional (3 credits)
  Introduction to data analysis and visualization using simple statistical analyses to create graphical depictions of data that can improve comprehension, communication, and decision making.

Communication & Literacy | 6 credits, 2 courses

Students build strong writing, speaking, reading and listening skills that are essential in any field. These courses focus on clear communication critical thinkinG and using information effectively.

Passing grade in English 102 or equivalent AND 3 additional credits, OR place out of English 102 AND complete 6 additional credits with any courses in this CGER category. 

• ENGLISH 102x: College Writing and Research (3 credits)
  Extensive engagement with foundational concepts in information literacy, critical thinking, and writing with genre awareness to approach research as a rhetorical endeavor.
• ENGLISH 206x: Technical Writing (3 credits)
  Instruction and practice in writing technical reports, proposals, and other technical writing forms. Particularly appropriate for students in science, engineering, architecture, and other applied sciences.
• ENGLISH 237x: Digital Storytelling (3 credits)
  Generating dynamic digital stories on key social media platforms. Students will apply both traditional storytelling theory and visual design theory and techniques to write, produce, and publish digital stories.

Civics & Perspectives | 6 credits, 2 courses

Students explore how identity, history and government shape people’s lives and communities. These courses help students understand different perspectives and how people participate in civic and democratic life.

• PHILOS 204x: Introduction to Asian Religions (3 credits)
  Philosophy of Asian religions; emphasis on the Indian experience of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the Chinese experience of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
• POL SCI 104x: Introduction to American Government and Politics (3 credits)
  How the American political system works, with emphasis on the Constitution, elections, political parties, interest groups, Congress, the presidency, the courts, and national policy making.
• CHPS 245x: Client Diversity in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  Exploration of the impact of cultural identity, values, and social structures on healthcare delivery and health outcomes.

Humanities & Arts | 6 credits, 2 courses

Students explore ideas, culture, creativity and human expression. These courses help students understand how people think, communicate and create meaning across time and cultures.

• ART 118x: Digital Arts: Culture, Theory, Practice (3 credits)
  Introduction to electronic art and imaging. Focus on historical and cultural contexts, theoretical concepts and studio skills using imaging software.
• MUSIC 100x: Introduction to Classical Music (3 credits)
  A guide to enjoyment and understanding of European classical music, including listening experiences in the various styles and forms of music through assigned reading, recorded music, videos of performances, and attendance at concerts.
• MUSIC 273x: Jazz History and Appreciation (3 credits)
  An introduction to the styles and forms of jazz through a study of its history, literature, cultural influences, musical structure, and prominent performers. Includes recorded listening experiences.
• RELIGST 101x: Introduction to World Religions (3 credits)
  Basic concepts of world religions; broad overview of various religious traditions in ancient and modern configurations.
• WGS 201x: Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies: Humanities and Arts (3 credits)
  Interdisciplinary class using gender as a category of analysis, in relation to race, class, sexuality, and other categories of difference, to understand how power is structured and identities are socially constructed, from a humanities perspective.

Natural Science & Wellness | 6 credits, 2 courses – at least one lab

Students explore how the natural world and human health work. These courses focus on science and understanding health and well-being. One lab course is required.

• ANTHRO 101x: Introduction to Anthropology: Human Origins (3 credits, includes lab)
  Principles of evolution, Mendelian genetics, human adaptability, and concept of race; natural history of primates; human evolution; archaeological evidence for the evolution of culture.
• BIO SCI 141x: Heredity (3 credits)
  Principles of heredity with applications to plant, animal and human inheritance; current advances in genetics and their bearing on the life sciences.
• BMS 205x: Foundations of Diagnostic Science: Exploring Health, Technology, and Ethics (3 credits)
  Explores the science, ethics, and applications of diagnostic medicine while developing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and information literacy through interdisciplinary connections in biology, physiology, and natural science.
• BMS 232x: Introduction to Nutrition (3 credits)
  Fundamentals of human nutrition, functions and requirements of nutrients, nutritional needs throughout the life cycle.
• BMS 260x: Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (3 credits)
  Introduction to the philosophy, evidence and applications of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional western biomedicine.
• CES 210x: Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science (3 credits)
  Relations between human populations and resource depletion, pollution and ecosystem disturbance; search for solutions. Discussion section includes some community activities with environmental organization.
• CHEM 106x: Chemistry in the World Around Us- Chemistry for the Non-Science Major (3 credits, includes lab)
  An introduction to chemistry with an emphasis on outlining how chemistry affects our everyday lives.
• GEOG 120x: Our Physical Environment (3 credits, includes lab)
  Characteristics and significance of world land form, climate, soils, vegetation, and mineral and water resources.

Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits, 1 course

Students study human behavior, society and culture. These courses help students understand how people and communities interact and change over time.

• ANTHRO 100x: General Anthropology (3 credits)
  A survey of the subfields of anthropology, especially archaeology and physical and cultural anthropology. The course explores human biological evolution and variation, cultural evolution, language, and culture change.
• HIST 152x: American History: 1877 to the Present (3 credits)
  Survey of American social, political, diplomatic, and economic development, from 1877 to the present.
• PSYCH 101x: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  The scientific study of behavior.
• PSYCH 281x: Deviant Minds (3 credits)
  Approaches the concept of deviance from both sociological and psychological perspectives, including the ‘deviant’ (rule-breaking) categories of mental illness and criminal behavior.
• SOCIOL 101x: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  Sociology as a special field of social science. The relationship of the work of the sociologist to contemporary society; an examination of the sociological perspective.
• THERREC 202x: Disability: Society and the Person (3 credits)
  Goals are to introduce and sensitize students to individuals with disabilities and to enable students to understand the psychological and social impact of disability.

UW-Milwaukee Letters & Sciences Requirements

Humanities | 3 credits

• WGS 201x: Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies: Humanities and Arts (3 credits)
  Interdisciplinary class using gender as a category of analysis, in relation to race, class, sexuality, and other categories of difference, to understand how power is structured and identities are socially constructed, from a humanities perspective.
• PHILOS 204x: Introduction to Asian Religions (3 credits)
  Philosophy of Asian religions; emphasis on the Indian experience of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the Chinese experience of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
• RELIGST 101x: Introduction to World Religions (3 credits)
  Basic concepts of world religions; broad overview of various religious traditions in ancient and modern configurations.

Social Sciences | 3 credits

• ANTHRO 100x: General Anthropology (3 credits)
  A survey of the subfields of anthropology, especially archaeology and physical and cultural anthropology. The course explores human biological evolution and variation, cultural evolution, language, and culture change.
• HIST 152x: American History: 1877 to the Present (3 credits)
  Survey of American social, political, diplomatic, and economic development, from 1877 to the present.
• PSYCH 281x: Deviant Minds (3 credits)
  Approaches the concept of deviance from both sociological and psychological perspectives, including the ‘deviant’ (rule-breaking) categories of mental illness and criminal behavior.
• POL SCI 104x: Introduction to American Government and Politics (3 credits)
  How the American political system works, with emphasis on the Constitution, elections, political parties, interest groups, Congress, the presidency, the courts, and national policy making.
• PSYCH 101x: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
  The scientific study of behavior.
• SOCIOL 101x: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  Sociology as a special field of social science. The relationship of the work of the sociologist to contemporary society; an examination of the sociological perspective.

Natural Sciences | 3 credits

• BIO SCI 141x: Heredity (3 credits)
  Principles of heredity with applications to plant, animal and human inheritance; current advances in genetics and their bearing on the life sciences.
• CES 210x: Introduction to Conservation and Environmental Science (3 credits)
  Relations between human populations and resource depletion, pollution and ecosystem disturbance; search for solutions. Discussion section includes some community activities with environmental organization.
• CHEM 106x: Chemistry in the World Around Us- Chemistry for the Non-Science Major (3 credits)
  An introduction to chemistry with an emphasis on outlining how chemistry affects our everyday lives.
• GEOG 120x: Our Physical Environment (3 credits, includes lab)
  Characteristics and significance of world land form, climate, soils, vegetation, and mineral and water resources.

International | 3 credits

Language other than English at a 200 level or above and/or non-language Letters & Sciences courses with approved international content.

• PHILOS 204x: Introduction to Asian Religions (3 credits)
  Philosophy of Asian religions; emphasis on the Indian experience of Hinduism and Buddhism, and the Chinese experience of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

Electives (if needed)

• BUS ADM 100x: Introduction to Business (3 credits)
  Introduction to the nature and functions of business, the culture of the business world and business education, and the skills to be successful in both.
• SPANISH 103x: First-Semester Spanish (4 credits)
  Introductory course for students who have had little or no previous work in Spanish.
• SPANISH 104x: Second-Semester Spanish (4 credits)
  Continuation of SPANISH 103.

Please visit our general education & residency requirement policy page to learn more about the specific requirements to earn this degree.

Faculty

It’s not just what you’re learning that’s important, it’s also who you’re learning from that matters. The AAS program is taught by a diverse range of expert Universities of Wisconsin faculty. To learn more about the faculty, check out this page.

The UW Flexible Option offers working adults – like you – a more affordable way to finish a degree. Your coursework takes place in subscription periods – rather than semesters. These subscription periods start every single month, and are approximately 12 weeks long.

Instead of paying based on your course or credit load, you choose between two flat rate tuition plans. Our unique subscription period structure and flat-rate tuition model means you are in control of both your schedule and your cost. Financial Aid and the Aspire Scholarship are available for this program. We also encourage speaking with your employer about workplace tuition assistance.

• All-You-Can-Learn Option: Choosing this option allows you to enroll in as many courses as you have time for within the subscription period for a flat tuition rate of $2,250. You can add additional courses in your subscription period if you finish others early.
• Single Course Option: You may also decide you would like to focus on just one course at a time. The tuition for this is $1,125.  In this option, you are not eligible to add additional courses during your subscription period if you finish the first one early. In this case, you must wait until your next subscription period to add additional courses.

You can switch back and forth between these tuition options with each new subscription period. For example, perhaps over the summer you do the Single Course option because your family is home on summer break, but once the kids go back to school in the fall you switch to the All-You-Can-Learn option.

Are there any additional fees? There are no segregated fees with this program. However, your tuition does not include the cost of textbooks or other special materials that may be required for individual courses.

Finishing your associate’s degree is closer than you think! Schedule an advising call at 608-800-6762 or contact us at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Candidates for the Associate of Arts and Sciences degree must have a high school diploma, GED, or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).  Students with transferable college credit should have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.  Students below a 2.00 will be evaluated as part of our holistic admissions review.

NOTE: Transfer credit will be awarded from degree-granting colleges or universities with institutional accreditation from an accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  Non-CHEA approved institutional accreditors recognized by the Department of Education will be considered on a case-by-case basis and transfer credit allowed if appropriate based on the quality, comparability, and applicability of the coursework.  Schools with programmatic accreditation may be evaluated for transfer if the accreditor is recognized by CHEA and the relevant coursework falls within the accreditor’s area of specialization.

How to Apply

• You may apply up to five months in advance of your desired start date. See Steps to Apply.
• If previously enrolled in Flex, please review our returning student admissions process.

Note: On the e-application, this program is labeled ‘Liberal Arts – Associate Program.’

Transfer Credit Evaluations

• Transfer credit is awarded for college-level coursework completed at regionally accredited institutions.  See Transfer Credit Evaluations for more information.
• Learn more about how credit by exam and military coursework may apply towards your degree.

Still have questions?  Check out our Admission FAQ page.