The individual major is a program for undergraduate students who want to fulfill a specific academic goal that is not attainable through a combination of existing majors in one or more departments. The major must meet a course of study that involves at least two departments and be targeted at a specific problem or academic interest identified by the student. A student proposal must be submitted and approved by the Human Ecology Undergraduate Program Council. Students are encouraged to begin working with faculty and advisors in the Advising & Career Center by the end of the sophomore year. Thirty credits must be earned in residence after the term in which the proposal is approved. The major will be guided by a committee of at least three faculty members (with no more than two faculty members from one department).
Individual majors are intended to create a unique program of study that otherwise does not exist on this campus individually or in a combination of majors and certificate programs. Students should carefully explore all University of Wisconsin–Madison majors and certificate programs before pursuing an individual major. A proposal that essentially parallels an existing Human Ecology or campus major will not be approved.
Graduates of the individual major earn a bachelor of science in human ecology. The major will match the approved proposal title, which must have a human ecology focus.
How to Get in
Current UW–Madison Students
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. Please contact the Human Ecology Advising & Career Center for the complete individual major application instructions. |
| Courses required to get in | None. |
| GPA requirements to get in | 3.50 minimum cumulative GPA. |
| Credits required to get in | 24 credits minimum. |
| Other | Must be in good academic standing with their current school or college. |
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Individual Major Requirements
The student will work with the faculty committee to develop the individual major proposal and select all required courses, the majority of which must be completed in Human Ecology. If the Individual Major is approved by the Human Ecology Undergraduate Program Council, the student will complete all required courses as outlined with the faculty committee.
University Degree Requirements
Advising and Careers
Students interested in pursuing an individual major should first meet with a Human Ecology academic advisor to ensure program eligibility and to discuss their area of interest and rationale. Appointments should be made by contacting the Human Ecology Advising & Career Center at 608-262-2608.
Wisconsin Experience
Internships
Internships are a vital component of student career development and a highly valued part of the undergraduate curriculum in the School of Human Ecology. By bringing classroom theories to life in real-world settings, high-quality internships foster essential professional development. They provide a unique opportunity for students to explore careers related to their major, gain hands-on experience in a field of interest, and understand workplace expectations by performing professional tasks in their chosen field.
For Human Ecology majors, completing an internship is a required part of the undergraduate curriculum. To fulfill this requirement, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment Requirements: Have at least junior standing (54+ credits) and taken INTER-HE 202 (SoHE Career & Leadership Development) before pursuing the internship.
- Time Commitment: Complete a minimum of 150 hours at the internship site to earn 3 academic credits.
- Eligibility & Approval: Secure an internship that is educational in nature, directly related to their major and career goals, and verified and approved by the Advising & Career Center.
- Note: Additional course prerequisites may be required for certain Human Ecology majors.
For more information and step-by-step guidance, please visit Human Ecology Internships.
Student Organizations
To see our active list of Human Ecology Student Orgs and for more information about joining, please visit Human Ecology Student Organizations.
Learn more about UW–Madison registered student organizations through the Wisconsin Involvement Network.
Resources and Scholarships
Scholarships
The School of Human Ecology (SoHE) awards many merit and need-based scholarships each year. Students can learn more about these opportunities on the Human Ecology scholarships webpage. To be eligible for these awards, scholarship recipients must be registered as full-time Human Ecology students. For further questions on the scholarship application, please contact the School of Human Ecology Scholarship Coordinator at scholarships@sohe.wisc.edu.
Support Resources
Human Ecology students experiencing personal, academic, or financial challenges should contact SoHE Academic Deans Services. Additional campus resources include the Financial Aid Basic Needs website, Office of Student Assistance and Support, and University Health Services.