First-Year Interest Groups
First-Year Interest Groups, or FIGs, are clusters of (usually) three UW courses, linked together to explore a common theme, and offered to incoming freshmen who attend these classes together as a cohort. The purpose of the FIGs Program is to provide an interesting, intimate and interdisciplinary experience that helps students make a successful academic and social transition to the university.
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Undergraduate Research Scholars
Undergraduate Research Scholars apply at SOAR, as incoming students, for opportunities to work with faculty on important research projects that span the spectrum of the sciences and humanities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the scholar-mentor relationship, as well as engage in inquiry-based learning and creative work. The impact can be profound and life-changing. And it's one of the unique advantages of pursuing a liberal arts degree at a large public research university.
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Honors Program
The L&S Honors Program welcomes about seven percent of the College's total enrollment, for a high-powered course of learning. Honors courses are typically small, intensive and taught by professors who challenge students to grow as fully and richly as possible. The goal is to push beyond standard requirements to discover talents and broaden experiences. Honors students are not merely smart and creative; they also care about their communities, their university and their world.
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Biocore Program
This four-semester honors biology program instills in students the abilities to communicate scientifically, work collaboratively, value research and the process of science and understand the integrative nature of biology. It’s a challenging, one-of-a-kind experience that teaches students to probe the ‘why’ of science and prepares them for futures in research, medicine and beyond.
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Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an integral part of the learning experience at UW-Madison. L&S offers many opportunities to travel, including through the FIGs program and the Russian Flagship Program. But you will find most options in the International Division, which features more than 200 programs in more than 60 countries. Becoming a well-rounded global citizen means leaving your comfort zone and exploring the world. Go for it!
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Center for Academic Excellence
CAE offers an enriching, inclusive community and academic support for L&S students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, including first-generation and low-income students as well as students of color. High-touch advising, tutoring programs, health and wellness events, social events, graduate school preparation and connections are hallmarks of this 50-year-strong L&S program.
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Residential Learning Communities
UW-Madison offers Residential Learning Communities where students are grouped with peers who share an interest. For example, Bradley, Chadbourne, GreenHouse, Open House (Gender Learning Community) and Multicultural RLCs have been identified as high-impact educational practices on campus and nationally.
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SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science
You've heard it before: what can you possibly do with a liberal arts major? The answer: anything. Our job is to help you learn to articulate your skills and interests and define your career path. SuccessWorks is our brand-new, state-of-the-art career center, where you can meet with an advisor, network with alumni, discover fields that interest you, and so much more.
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