The University of Wyoming student learning outcomes provide a framework for the undergraduate educational experience. While students choose different academic majors, the University Studies Program provides a common experience for all undergraduate students. Through the pursuit of a baccalaureate degree, UW students will: develop knowledge of human cultures, the physical and natural world, and the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions; acquire a core set of intellectual and practical skills; and develop personal and social responsibility. In addition to helping students become successful in their chosen fields, UW aspires for its graduates to become life-long learners, ethical leaders, and contributing members to society.
Students who enter the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college beginning in fall 2015 will be required to meet the USP 2015 requirements for graduation. Requirements of the USP are divided into categories based on the student learning outcomes. All courses are mutually exclusive of each other; no single course may count in more than one category nor is any specific course(s) mandated. Students will have varied experiences depending on coursework and co-curricular activities chosen by them.USP designated courses are open to all UW students (with a few exceptions for the Fall Bridge and Honors College).
Human Culture (H) Credits 6
Students will understand human behaviors, activities, ideas, and values in different situations and contexts. Complete six approved credit hours of coursework. Approved coursework does not include courses taken with the student’s major department.
Physical and Natural World (PN) Credits 6
Students will understand the fundamental concepts of scientific and quantitative inquiry and develop the ability to understand the relevance of scientific, technological, and quantitative skills to contemporary society. Complete six approved credit hours of course work. Approved coursework does not include courses taken from the student’s major department.
U.S. & Wyoming Constitution (V) Credits 3
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the U.S. and Wyoming constitution in order to develop the combination of knowledge, values, and motivation to participate in and improve the life of our local and global communities. Approved V courses fulfill both the U.S. and Wyoming Constitution requirements.
Communication 1 (C1) Credits 3
Students will develop skills in written, oral, and digital communication as appropriate to specific disciplines and courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced level. Through repeated instruction, practice, and feedback, the communication sequence will emphasize and progressively develop transferable skills for students’ academic work and future professions. The introductory course (C1) will emphasize foundational skills for academic writing. Communication 1 must be completed with a C or better.
Communication 2 (C2) Credits 3
Intermediate courses (C2) will emphasize foundational oral and digital communication skills and continue to build on writing skills. Successful completion of C1 is required prior to enrolling in a C2 course. This category can be fulfilled by courses taken from the student’s major department. Communication 2 must be completed with a C or better.
Communication 3 (C3) Credits 3
Advanced courses (C3) will emphasize using the discourse of a discipline or interdisciplinary field to communicate to academic or professional audiences through written, oral, and digital communication. Successful completion of C2 is required prior to enrolling in a C3 course. This category can be fulfilled by courses taken from the students major department. Communication 3 must be completed with a C or better.
Quantitative Reasoning (Q) Credits 3
Students will reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of authentic contexts and everyday life situations. All students must fulfill the Q requirement, either through successfully completing the Q course or with SAT Math 600+, ACT Math 26+, or a proctored MEP Level 4.
First-Year Seminar (FYS) Credits 3
NOTE: Starting in the Academic Year of 2023/24, the First Year Seminar program has been put on pause. During this pause, students must take either a 3-credit hour First Year Seminar Course or a 3-credit hour USP elective. This USP elective can be any USP approved course from any USP category. Specific information can be found at www.uwyo.edu/usp.
WY Community College Transfer Students
Wyoming Community Colleges have defined a Common General Education Core Curriculum as a component of an associate’s degree. Per transfer policy, an AA or AS or AB degree from a Wyoming community college will satisfy the lower-division requirements of the University Studies Program. Students transferring to UW from any Wyoming community college without an associate’s degree will have their transcript review on a course-by-course basis.
For a complete and list of approved courses, see the USP website at http://www.uwyo.edu/usp/.
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