Pre-business Requirements

These requirements are for students who matriculated (first started college coursework) between Summer 2003 to Spring 2008.   

Students who have matriculated in Summer 2008 and beyond should refer to these links below to learn more about their Pre-Business Requirements:

• New Business Curriculum Chart
• New Business Curriculum Factsheet/FAQ

Students who transferred to UW-Madison or returned to UW-Madison after an extended absence should know about the ten semester rule.  Students who matriculated prior to Summer 2003 should see their academic advisor and/or DARS report for their specific Pre-Business requirements.

UW-Madison students may apply to the School of Business at the beginning of the semester that they will complete at least 54 credits (junior standing) and all pre-Business Requirements (courses required prior to School of Business admission consideration). Students should also be aware of the 100 credit rule. Students must adhere to application deadlines. Application to the School of Business guarantees consideration but NOT admission.

Admission to the School of Business is competitive and selective.  Factors considered include UW-Madison GPA established in Pre-business Requirements (see list below) and in Business/Economics courses (Please note, the Bus/Econ GPA will include the following courses as well as all courses offered by the School of Business and the Economics Department: Math 303 and 431; Stat 201, 224, 301, 309, 310, 311, 312, 324, 333, 371, and Psych 210 (if completed Psych 225); Comp Sci 302, 367.)  Personal characteristics which contribute to the overall strength and diversity of the School of Business student body will also be considered.

Letters of recommendation are not considered. 

For detailed course listings and explanations for these requirements, click on the individual requirement.

• Communications - Part A 
• Literature
• Mathematics
• Biological, Natural or Physical Science
• Accounting
• Economics
• Foreign Language
• Psychology

For a printable list of Pre-business courses, click on the Pre-business Course Checklist.

Frequently asked admissions questions for current UW-Madison students.