Build the foundation for your success with an Associate Degree

Want to earn a bachelor’s degree, but need a convenient way to earn credits?

Whether you are seeking your associate degree first, need to take prerequisite courses, or want to supplement your coursework to complete your degree faster, the 100% online University of Wisconsin Associate of Arts and Sciences degree puts you on the path to your next step—whether it’s an associate degree or moving on to earn bachelor’s degree.

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Get information on courses, careers, admission requirements, and more.

 

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Reach your goals with UW Associate of Arts and Sciences

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Earn a foundational degree

This broad liberal arts degree fulfills the general educational requirements at Universities of Wisconsin schools and other campuses.

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Fulfill prerequisite courses

Take the general education courses required for admittance to your bachelor’s degree program or certain courses.

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Supplement coursework

Complete your on-campus bachelor’s degree faster by taking online courses while pursuing your degree.

Take the courses you need

The 60-credit associate degree program is designed to provide a broad, balanced liberal arts and sciences background, while satisfying the general education requirements at most four-year institutions. Program courses can also be used to fulfill prerequisites and supplement coursework at other campuses, both within and out of the UW System. Students may pursue the full degree or take a course or two for transfer

Coursework typically requires students to engage with and analyze human interaction and culture; social organizations and institutions; historical contexts; and complex interdependent systems. To earn the 60-credit associate degree, you must complete 12 credits in this area. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Anthropology
  • Introduction to Literature
  • US History Since 1877
  • General Psychology
  • Introduction to Religion

Learn the concepts and applications related to the natural and physical sciences and mathematics. To earn the 60-credit associate degree, you must take 12 credits in this area. Courses include:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Anatomy and Physiology II
  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry I Lab
  • Nutrition and Weight Management
  • College Algebra

 

Learn inquiry, problem solving, and qualitative and quantitative reasoning skills. Three credits in Critical and Creative Thinking topics are required to earn the 60-credit associate degree. Courses include:

  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Creative Writing
  • Critical Thinking

Develop speaking, reading, writing, and information literacy skills. Six credits in Effective Communication topics are required to earn the 60-credit associate degree. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Public Speaking
  • Critical Writing and Research
  • Business Communication

 

Learn how to interact and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures through courses in social sciences, humanities, fine arts, foreign languages, and ethnic studies. Courses in this area also typically satisfy the UW System Diversity requirement. Three credits in this area are required to earn the 60-credit associate degree. Courses include:

  • Intercultural Communication
  • Diversity in the US
  • Rock and Roll Roots
  • First Semester Spanish

 

Courses in this area provide the foundation for lifelong learning and the intellectual tools for engaging ethically as members of society. Six credits from this area are required to earn the 60-credit associate degree. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • Personal Finance
  • Lifetime Wellness and Self Growth
  • Crime and Criminal Justice

 

These foundational courses serve as prerequisites for some courses. The credits earned in these courses are non-degree credits and will not count toward a degree. Courses include:

  • Introduction to College Writing
  • Elementary Algebra
  • Intermediate Algebra

A Collaboration of the Universities of Wisconsin

Universities of Wisconsin is one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. By partnering with all UW campuses to offer online degrees and certificates, students of this program receive a quality University of Wisconsin education—no matter where they live and work.

The UW Associate of Arts and Sciences degree program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges.