UWM Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013

ADMISSION

For the latest admissions information, visit our website at www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES

Department of Enrollment Services
Mellencamp Hall, Room 212
General Information: (414) 229-3800

Applications in Progress: (414) 229-2222

Undergraduate Admission: General Information

If you wish to apply as a degree candidate (freshman, reentry or transfer student), visit the University of Wisconsin System application website at apply.wisconsin.edu. You will need to supply the necessary documents like test scores and transcripts via mail. You will be notified of any additional materials needed to complete your application and can track the progress of your application online via PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services), including what we still need from you to make an admit decision.

If you wish to apply as a nondegree or summer guest student, you also may use the electronic applications available at apply.wisconsin.edu. If you require a paper application, you can download a PDF of any applications from this site.

Feel free to call (414) 229-2222 or email desadmiss@uwm.edu with questions about the application process, materials required, which application to submit, or any other concerns you might have.

Freshman Admission Policy Statement

UWM will consider for admission freshman applicants who present evidence of appropriate preparation and potential for intellectual development. Both academic and non-academic factors will be assessed in an individualized, comprehensive applicant review. Academic factors considered include high school graduation or the equivalent, completion of an appropriate college preparatory curriculum, and evidence of academic ability and readiness based on the applicant's high school record and performance on standardized tests. Relevant non-academic factors include characteristics or experiences that will contribute to UWM's diversity, support the university's educational mission, and provide additional evidence of the applicant's academic potential.

Freshman Admission Standards

Freshman applicants will typically demonstrate an appropriate level of preparation and potential by providing evidence of the following:

High school graduation or its equivalent
Graduation from a recognized high school or its equivalent (e.g. high school equivalency certificate, or diploma based on the GED or Wisconsin High School Equivalency Examination) is required. All freshman applicants must submit an official high school transcript with their application.
Those who have completed the General Educational Development or Wisconsin High School Equivalency examination are required to submit official test results in addition to ACT or SAT results and an official transcript of any high school work they have completed. Applicants who are home schooled, who have completed an alternative high school curriculum, or whose secondary school credentials are otherwise non-traditional, will be given full consideration for admission but may be required to present additional evidence demonstrating their academic preparation.
Completion of an appropriate college preparatory curriculum

Satisfactory completion of at least 17 credits (1 credit = 1 year) of high school courses, distributed as shown in the following chart, is the minimum expectation. Additional coursework beyond this minimum level is strongly encouraged, and will increase the applicant’s likelihood of academic success at the university. Some academic programs have additional academic preparation requirements.

Course

Credits Required

English
Including at least 3 years literature and composition

Mathematics
College prep courses at or above algebra level. Additional math is strongly recommended, particularly for engineering and science majors.

Natural science
Including at least 1 year lab science

History/social science

Additional academic courses
May be chosen from any of the above areas, foreign language, speech/communication, or other academic areas. At least two years of a foreign language is strongly recommended.

Additional academic courses or other electives
Chosen from above areas, computer science, fine arts, or other appropriate courses

Total

Evidence of academic ability and readiness as demonstrated by academic performance in high school

All relevant academic factors are considered, including grades and grade point average; high school class rank; choice of curriculum; and strength of the academic program relative to the choices available to the student in the high school.

Evidence of academic ability and readiness as demonstrated by performance on a standardized test
All freshman applicants except those who are over age 21 the semester they wish to enter UWM must submit official ACT or SAT scores. Students over the age of 21 may submit standardized test scores if they so desire. In some cases, applicants may be asked to undergo additional testing before an admission decision is made.
Additional factors considered
Additional factors will be considered as part of the application review process. These might include, but are not limited to: evidence of leadership, creativity, special talents or abilities; membership in an underrepresented racial or ethnic group; veteran status; involvement in community service; educational or economic disadvantage; evidence of motivation and maturity; or other relevant factors which provide evidence of the applicant’s readiness for university-level study. If we need to obtain additional information from you, we will communicate this to you after the initial review of your application.

Applicants lacking some of the specific academic qualifications listed in sections 1-4 above may be offered admission if, on the basis of other factors, they appear to have a reasonable probability of success.

In some cases, applicants may be offered admission through our Academic Opportunity Center (AOC), a program which provides supportive pre-enrollment counseling, academic advising, and special instructional services specifically targeting students who have academic potential, but whose prior education may not have adequately prepared them for college.

Application Deadlines

UWM begins accepting undergraduate applications September 15 for the following fall term. For most programs, applications are accepted until the following July 1, but earlier deadlines may apply if enrollment capacity has been reached. Applications for the spring term (classes start in January) are typically accepted until December 1. However, some programs have earlier deadlines and/or additional requirements. See below and check our website for up-to-date information.

It is to your advantage to apply early, especially if you are interested in on-campus housing. Housing availability is limited, and contracts are awarded based on the date of application for admission.

Variations in Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Architecture and Urban Planning

Admission to the School of Architecture and Urban Planning is selective and competitive. Most Wisconsin residents admitted to the School will rank at or above the top 40% of their high school graduating class and have a composite ACT score of at least 23 (SAT equivalent). Most out-of-state residents rank in the top 25% and have an ACT score of at least 25 (SAT equivalent). The application deadline for Architecture and Urban Planning is January 1 (for the subsequent fall term), or November 1 (for the spring term), but earlier application is advised.

Engineering and Applied Science

Admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science is selective. The primary review factors are the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, high school class rank, grade point average and ACT or SAT results. Well-prepared applicants will have four years of high school mathematics at the level of algebra and above, and four years of natural science including biology, chemistry and physics. Relevant nonacademic factors are also considered. See the CEAS section of this Catalog for additional specific information.

Nursing

High school science units must include at least one year of high school chemistry. Admission to the pre-nursing program is selective. Apply as early as possible; applications will be accepted only until program capacity has been reached.

Peck School of the Arts

Dance: An audition is required for entry into both the Dance BFA and BA. Audition dates are scheduled during the fall, spring and summer terms.
Visual Art: A portfolio review is required. Priority will be given to incoming freshmen who apply no later than January 1 (for the subsequent fall term) or November 1 (for the spring term), but earlier application is advised.
Other programs: Auditions may be required for other programs in the Peck School of the Arts. Check with the appropriate department for further details.

Application Process

It is strongly recommended that you apply online (apply.wisconsin.edu). Most applicants find it faster and more convenient, and applications are received and processed much more quickly. To apply for admission as a new freshman, refer to Undergraduate Admission: General Information.

For the latest admissions information, visit the UWM website at www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES, or call the Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-2222.

Four-Year Graduation Guaranty

Many students choose to attend classes part-time, but for others, attending full-time in order to obtain their degree as quickly as possible is the top priority. If that is your goal, UWM's Four-Year Graduation Guaranty may be for you.

To qualify, students must enter as new freshmen during the fall term, and must have appropriate academic preparation and placement test scores.They then sign a contract agreeing to satisfy other specified academic progress requirements while following the prescribed program of study. UWM, in turn, guarantees that students who fulfill these requirements will be able to complete their undergraduate degree within four years of initial enrollment at UWM. This program is available within all of UWM's baccalaureate programs, although specific requirements may vary. Your academic advisor can provide more specific information about this option, or contact the academic advising office of the school or college to which you will be seeking admission.

Special Admission Programs for Students Still Enrolled in High School

The High School Special Student Program and the Youth Options Program are designed to allow qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll in university courses concurrently with high school classes. Applicants must generally rank in the upper 10 percent of their high school class and have completed an appropriate pattern of academic courses. For further information, contact your high school guidance counselor or the UWM Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-2222. You also may want to review the information available on the website at www4.uwm.edu/future_students/new_freshmen/highschool.cfm.

Admission to Preprofessional Programs

Students pursuing preprofessional programs in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Peck School of the Arts, Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, School of Education, College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, and Helen Bader School of Social Welfare are admitted directly into those schools and colleges and are advised there. However, admission to a preprofessional program does not guarantee subsequent admission to the professional program or major.

Admission to the professional program/major occurs only after a student has completed the specific preprofessional requirements outlined in the school and college sections of this catalog. Admission to the preprofessional program does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to enter or complete a professional program/major within any specific time period, and in fact admission to some professional programs/majors is very competitive. Enrollment in required courses is subject to limitation due to demand on University resources.

Requirements for employment, licensing or professional organizations: Students should be aware that some professions and occupations are subject to licensing and/or bonding requirements. When a course of study includes clinical or field training, practice teaching, internships, or the like, students may be subjected to a check of criminal conviction records prior to acceptance by the placement site. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary to become knowledgeable about special requirements such as these, and should plan their studies accordingly.

Transfer Student Admission and Acceptance of Transfer Credit

TRANSFER ADMISSION STANDARDS

Admission to UWM as a transfer student typically requires at least an overall 'C' (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) grade point average on 12 or more transferable credits. However, this is the minimum standard. Some academic programs have higher standards and/or additional requirements (see examples below).

Each transfer application receives a comprehensive review. In addition to reviewing the student's record of post-secondary work for evidence of appropriate academic preparation, other factors considered may include the student's high school record, test scores, grade patterns, and evidence of motivation, maturity and/or other relevant nonacademic information. Under certain circumstances, transfer applicants who do not meet our standard admission criteria may be considered for admission via the Academic Opportunity Center.

Additional Specific Requirements

Transfer admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the College of Nursing is selective. Many programs in the Peck School of the Arts have audition or portfolio requirements. In addition, admission to many other individual programs/majors is competitive and subject to capacity limitations, with higher standards or additional criteria considered. For more details, check the admission requirements listed for the particular academic program in which you are interested.

International students have additional application requirements; see that section for details.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Apply electronically via the University of Wisconsin System electronic application website (apply.wisconsin.edu) or the UWM website (www.uwm.edu/Dept/DES). If you apply electronically, you will need to submit the necessary supporting documents via mail. Transfer applicants must submit, at minimum:

A completed application form
Official high school transcript(s)
Offical transcript(s) from all post-secondary institution(s) attended, and
The application fee (if required).

You will be notified of any additional materials needed to complete your application. Complete instructions and information about applicable deadlines are available on the website.

If you are unable to apply online, you may request an application form by calling (414) 229-2222 or emailing UWMLOOK@uwm.edu; however, applying online is preferred.

Upon admission, you will receive a complete evaluation of your transfer credit equivalencies. This typically takes 3-4 weeks, so it is important that you apply early in order to have this information in time for academic advising and registration prior to your desired term of enrollment (see dates and deadlines below).

DATES AND DEADLINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

Recommended Filing Dates

Fall term: If your application is complete (including all transcripts and the application fee) and received by the Department of Enrollment Services no later than February 15, you may expect to receive your admission decision and transfer credit evaluation by approximately April 1. This will allow you to receive an appointment to register for classes at approximately the same time as continuing students.

If your transfer application is complete by May 15, you may expect to receive a decision and credit evaluation approximately by July 1.

Spring term: Complete your application by September 15 in order to assure receipt of your transfer credit evaluation by November 1.

Transfer applicants who do not apply until after these recommended filing dates may not receive complete transfer credit evaluations prior to registration, and may be at a significant disadvantage in enrolling for desired courses.

Application Deadlines

Fall term: Applications for most programs are accepted until July 1 (classes start in early September).

Spring term: Applications for most programs are accepted until December 1 (classes start in late January).

Earlier deadlines apply for certain programs, or if enrollment capacity already has been reached. Check our website for up-to-date information, and for applicable deadlines for other terms.

Transfer Credit Acceptance

Credit is generally awarded for relevant and appropriate college-level course work successfully completed at institutions accredited by a regional accrediting association. Beginning January 1, 2012, credit also may be awarded for college-level work successfully completed at degree-granting institutions accredited by other national accrediting organizations that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), assuming the provisions outlined below also are met. (Foreign institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education, or equivalent, of the home country.)

In order for credit to be awarded, courses must typically be similar in nature, level, and content to a course in UWM's undergraduate curriculum, and applicable to one of UWM's academic programs at the baccalaureate level. Credit generally is not awarded for continuing education course work, or for courses that are remedial, vocational, technical or doctrinal in nature.

Additional transfer credits may be awarded to students who enter specific programs for which UWM has established articulation agreements, or other program-specific transfer credit agreements, with a paticular institution.

Seventy-two (72) credits is the maximum total number of credits that may be awarded for course work earned at one or any combination of two-year (associate degree level) institution(s).

Credit Transfer from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

Students enrolled in the Wisconsin Technical College System who wish to continue their education at UWM may transfer credits toward their bachelor's degree in the following ways:

Students enrolled in a WTCS liberal arts program (at present, these are offered at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, and Western Technical College) may be eligible to transfer up to 72 credits towards the baccalaureate degree.
Students enrolled at other WTCS programs or campuses may be eligible to transfer some appropriate general education course work towards the baccalaureate degree.
There also are many program-specific transfer credit agreements governing acceptance of credit from some WTCS programs. For details, see www. www4.uwm.edu/future_students/transfer/articulation_agreements/cfm.
The UWM Department of Enrollment Services maintains an office at the MATC-Milwaukee downtown campus in order to assist students with transfer-related questions. For more specific information, email transfer@uwm.edu or call (414) 229-2222.

For more information about these or other transfer opportunities, students should consult with their Wisconsin Technical College advisors or the UWM Department of Enrollment Services.

Another helpful resource is the online Transfer Information System, located at http://tis.uwsa.edu/index.html.

International Student Admission

UWM's Center for International Education is responsible for the admission of international (non-immigrant) students. In addition, the Center for International Education processes undergraduate applications submitted by U.S. permanent residents with foreign academic work.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online at http://apply.wisconsin.edu/. Application materials are located on the Center for International Education website at www.international.uwm.edu or can be requested via email to isss@uwm.edu. Prospective students may visit the Center for International Education, located in Garland Hall, Room 138, or write to The Center for International Education, International Student and Scholar Services, Garland Hall 138, P.O. Box 413, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee WI 53201-0413. Application materials sent via express mail should be addressed to the Center for International Education, ISSS, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211. The telephone number is (414) 229-4846.

Students are encouraged to apply a year in advance of the term in which they wish to enroll at UWM. The length of the application process can vary depending on how quickly the applicant provides all required materials to complete the application. The following materials are required to be considered for admission to UWM.

A completed and signed application form.
An $84 fee ($44 state-required application fee plus a $40 evaluation fee for applicants with non-US academic credentials). These fees cannot be waived, refunded, or applied to any other University fee or bill. Fees are subject to change.
Original or officially-certified copies of all grade reports, transcripts, or marks sheets for all secondary and higher studies undertaken, as well as original or officially-certified attested copies of all academic diplomas, certificates, and national or other major examination results. Official records must be submitted in the native language and must be accompanied by an official English translation. Notarized copies are not accepted. Whenever possible, academic records must be sent directly to Center for International Education from the issuing institution.
All non-native speakers of English are required to meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Undergraduate applicants must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) score that meets the minimum requirements below. Test scores must be received directly from the testing service and must be no more than two years old. TOEFL: 520 (paper based); 68 (internet based). IETLS: 5.5.

You can be admitted to UWM if you do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. There are two different types of admission with English deficiency:

Conditional Admission: If you did not take the TOEFL or IELTS or received a TOEFL score of less than 500 (paper-based)/61 (internet-based) or an IELTS score below 5.0, you can be conditionally admitted to UWM. You will then be required to satisfy one of the following requirements prior to becoming eligible to enroll in academic courses:

Submit a TOEFL score of 520 (paper-based)/68 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of at least 5.5.
Successful completion of the UWM ESL Immersion program with a grade of B or higher.

Dual Admission: If you received a TOEFL score between 500 and 519 (paper-based)/61-67 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 5.0, you will be admitted to UWM, but you will only be allowed to register for part-time academic courses (maximum of 6 credits). You must also complete part-time ESL courses so that you may meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.

Additional departmental requirements may apply. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services office for more details.
International students who require an F or J visa must submit proof that they have adequate financial support to live and study full-time at UWM. Updated financial figures can be found at www.international.uwm.edu. Financial verification is required before the University will issue the U.S. government form (Form I-20 or DS-2019) necessary to obtain a foreign student visa or to transfer from another U.S. institution.

Reentering and Readmitted Students

Students who have been out more than two semesters must file a reentry application to return to the University. Official transcripts of all college work taken during the absence from UW-Milwaukee must be submitted. This application is available at desforms.uwm.edu.

Applications for most programs will be accepted until July 1 (for fall term admission) or December 1 (for admission to UWinteriM or the spring term, for which classes start in January). However, earlier deadlines may apply for certain programs, or if enrollment capacity has been reached. Check our website for up-to-date information.

In addition to filing a reentry application to the University, a student who has been dropped from the University because of poor academic performance must be readmitted by the dean of the school or college from which the student was dropped.

For more information about reentry procedures or to request an application form, contact the Department of Enrollment Services at (414) 229-2222.

Summer Sessions Enrollment

Students admitted as degree candidates at UWM for the summer term may attend Summer Sessions and continue in the fall semester, providing they continue to satisfy established academic standards. Admission requirements are the same as for other semesters. Students enrolled for the spring semester automatically receive registration information for Summer Sessions.

New freshmen or transfer students admitted for the fall semester also may request a change of term to the preceding summer session in order to begin their studies earlier at UWM. For more information about a term change, call Enrollment Services at (414) 229-2222.

Students enrolled at another college or university during the academic year who wish to attend UWM during the summer term only may qualify for admission as Summer Guest students. See Nondegree Students section below for specific information.

For more information about summer sessions enrollment as a Summer Guest student, call (414) 229-2222.

Adult and Returning Students

Pre-admission advising for adults and other nontraditional students is available by appointment through the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS) in the Department of Enrollment Services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an advisor, call (414) 229-2222, email OARSS@uwm.edu, or stop in Mellencamp Hall, Room 212.

Nondegree Students

There are a number of different options for students who wish to attend classes at the University without being admitted as a degree-seeking student. These are described below. Please note that in most cases, nondegree students are not eligible for financial aid other than scholarships.

Nondegree Students. This program is designed for individuals interested in taking undergraduate courses for personal enrichment, career change, preparation for admission to graduate school, or as a first step into a degree program. Nondegree students earn college credit for courses successfully completed, and pay tuition at the same rate as degree-seeking students.

If you wish to be admitted as a Nondegree student and do not have a bachelor's degree, you must have graduated from a recognized high school at least one year prior to the desired semester of enrollment. All students out of high school less than two years must present official transcripts and meet regular admission requirements for undergraduate degree students.

If you already have completed an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, you must still complete the Nondegree ("Special Student") application form, but you will not be required to submit transcripts in order to be admitted.

Nondegree students need to maintain a 'C' grade point average in order to continue in good standing. Individuals who enter a degree program at UWM in the future will be able to transfer all undergraduate credits into their program. With a few exceptions, no credits earned will be considered now or in the future as graduate credits.

Many courses are open to Nondegree students, but there are some restrictions in high-demand areas. Information on courses open to Nondegree students may be obtained from the Schedule of Classes.

Information about admission and registration, as well as advising for Nondegree students, are available in the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-2222.

Summer and UWinteriM Guest Students. Most Guest students attend another college or university during the academic year, but take summer or UWinteriM courses at UWM for personal enrichment or for credit transfer to the institution where they are pursuing a degree. This category also is used for individuals who have an undergraduate degree but wish to enroll during a summer or UWinteriM term only. Guest students may qualify for admission without providing official university transcripts. For more information, contact the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-2222.

School/College Nondegree Students. Students who do not wish to enroll in a degree program, but who want to take courses in a specialized area of study such as business administration, engineering, or certain majors within the College of Letters and Science, may be admitted as Special Students by a specific UWM school or college.

Nondegree students admitted under these classifications may be eligible to enroll in certain high-demand courses that are not open to other Nondegree students. In the College of Letters and Science, students who have not completed an undergraduate degree are expected to meet the regular requirements for admission and submit transcripts. For more information, contact the specific UWM school or college in which you wish to enroll.

Education Nondegree Students. Students with bachelor's degrees who are interested in pursuing a teacher certification program may be admitted as Education Certification Nondegree ("Special") Students. Admission to the teacher certification program requires approval from the School of Education. For more information, contact the Curriculum and Instruction office at (414) 229-4904.

Audit-Only Students/Auditors. Students may opt to audit courses rather than enroll for credit. Students who are only auditing courses will typically pay lower fees for audited courses, and in some cases may audit courses free of charge, subject to space availability and instructor approval. Additional information about auditing classes is found in this catalog in the "Academic Opportunities" section. Or, contact the Office of Adult and Returning Student Services, Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-2222.

Information for Out-of-State Students

Residency. Residency, for tuition purposes, is governed by Wisconsin statute. It is the mutual responsibility of the University and the student to make certain that he or she is correctly classified as a resident or nonresident for tuition purposes. If an error is discovered, the student will be notified that he or she must pay the nonresident portion of the tuition immediately. Students who question their status should contact the Department of Enrollment Services in Mellencamp Hall, Room 212, (414) 229-4672. A student who wishes to appeal the nonresident classification should request a nonresidency appeal form prior to the tuition due date for the semester. For more information regarding residency, go to the website at www4.uwm.edu/future_students/residency_tuition_purposes.cfm.

Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement. Minnesota residents may be eligible to participate under the Minnesota/Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement. Students certified under this program pay tuition at a special rate that is less than nonresident tuition. A certification year runs from July 1 through June 30, although degree students are normally certified once during the full duration of their academic career if they remain continuously enrolled.

Persons not certified by the date fees are due will be required to pay nonresident tuition and fees. The appropriate amount will then be refunded upon certification by the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity Program. For more information, contact the State of Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity Program, 1450 Energy Park Dr., Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55108, (651) 642-0567, (800) 657-3866, or www.getreadyforcollege.org.

Illinois Scholar Award. Up to $7,500 depending on MSEP eligibility (see Midwest Student Exchange Program). Renewable up to four years, if criteria are met. Eligibility: Illinois residents not eligible for Wisconsin resident-status tuition; must also meet certain academic criteria. Contact: UWM Department of Recruitment and Outreach, 414-229-2222, or go to ilsa.uwm.edu for information on the award, deadlines, and to apply. Awards will be made to qualified applicants until funding is exhausted.

Midwest Student Exchange Program. UWM participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), a collaborative program which enables qualified students to attend a participating college or university in another state at a substantial discount from the usual tuition rate. Students attending UWM as part of the MSEP will pay 150 percent of the Wisconsin resident rate. For more information, visit msep.uwm.edu.

Advising and Orientation for New Students

All new students are assigned an academic advisor upon admission to UWM. New freshmen are required to participate in an advising, registration and orientation program prior to their first semester of enrollment. These programs are held during the summer for students entering in the fall term, and during December and January for students entering in January. Accommodations can be made for out of town students who need to combine placement testing, advising, registration and orientation in a single trip to the campus. A parent orientation program is held concurrently with the student program.

More detailed information about placement testing, advising, registration and orientation will be mailed to you upon admission to the University.

Advising and registration programs for transfer and nontraditional students also are conducted each year. Participation is strongly encouraged. For more information, go to taso.uwm.edu.

Placement Testing

All incoming freshmen admitted to UW-Milwaukee are required to complete placement testing in math and English. Depending on your course of study, you also may be required to take an exam in chemistry and/or foreign language. These tests help determine appropriate placement in your college courses, and must be completed before you can register for classes. Transfer students and re-entry students may be required to take placement tests also, depending on previous course work and intended degree plan. Check with your advisor to determine if you need to complete placement tests.

English Placement Test (EPT). The English placement test consists of three subtests in the following areas: English Usage, Sentence Correction, and Reading Comprehension. The English Placement test takes 90 minutes to complete.

Math Placement Test (MPT). The Mathematics Placement Test measures three different sets of skills: Math Basics, Algebra, and Trigonometry. The test takes 90 minutes to complete. Students are allowed to use a scientific calculator. Graphing calculators may not be used and will not be permitted in the testing room. Only non-graphing, non-programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.

Foreign Language Placement Tests. These are tests of grammar and reading comprehension, and take 60 minutes to complete. Students who have taken French, German, or Spanish in high school and plan to continue in the same language should take the appropriate foreign language test. Students are allowed to enroll in a course one semester more advanced or one semester less advanced than the recommended one. Students may be eligible for retro-credits upon completion of that UWM course. For example, if you place into the third-semester course and complete that course with a grade of 'B' or better, you can apply to receive credits for that course in addition to the retro-credits for the second-semester and first-semester courses.

The Japanese language program has its own placement test administered in the Testing Center. Students who take this test are required to meet with the coordinator of Japanese. For most other languages, students who wish to enroll in a course beyond the introductory one should confer with the relevant language coordinator. Students will be asked to complete a test administered through that particular office. For example, if you wish to be placed into the third-semester course, you will be asked to take the final exam from the second-semester course.

Chemistry Placement Test. The purpose of this test is to assist with placement in college-level general chemistry courses. Student preparation is assumed to include one full year of high school chemistry and one full year of high school algebra. Certain plans require completion of the Chemistry placement test. Check the Schedule of Classes for course prerequisites or contact the Testing Center to determine if you need to complete the test. There are three parts to the test: General Mathematics, General Chemical Knowledge, and Specific Chemical Knowledge. This test is 55 minutes. Only non-graphing, non-programmable calculators are permitted for use on this test.

English as a Second Language - Placement in Composition Test (ESL-PIC). If you grew up speaking a language other than English, you should take this test. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) writer, you can complete your English requirement by taking ESL writing courses instead of the English composition courses designed for native speakers of English. The ESL writing courses also can help you do better in all of your university courses. This test lasts 75 minutes and dictionaries are optional.