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A liberal arts education entails mastery of certain basic skills, exposure to a broad range of academic disciplines, and concentration in a particular field of knowledge (the "major"). To receive a baccalaureate degree, a student in the College of Arts and Sciences must fulfill requirements in these areas: Areas of Knowledge, Reasoning and Writing in Context, Language Skills, and a major. The major can account for 50–90 of the total credits, while the Areas of Knowledge, Reasoning and Writing in Context, and Language Skills areas, along with electives, make up the remaining credits.
The Areas of Knowledge requirement is the means by which the student develops a breadth of knowledge. Undergraduate courses in Areas of Knowledge are divided into three categories, and students in the College of Arts and Sciences must take a prescribed number of credits from each of these three categories:
Depending on the first college enrollment year and quarter, a student may be required to take courses to fulfill requirements in Reasoning and Writing in Context, which includes Quantitative, Symbolic, or Formal Reasoning (QSR) and Writing (W), and Language Skills, which includes English Composition (C) and Foreign Language.
Students who are not majoring in a College of Arts and Sciences department may use courses in the Areas of Knowledge, Reasoning and Writing in Context, and Language Skills areas to fulfill degree requirements.
Whether you are a current or prospective student, it's best to consult with an adviser to verify which requirements are needed and how online learning credit restrictions may apply to your situation. You can contact Advising at 206-543-6160 or 1-800-543-2320 or advisers@extn.washington.edu. Current students should also consult with an adviser in their individual UW department or the Undergraduate Advising Center.
