VLPA & I&S Requirements
Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (VLPA) and Individuals & Societies (I&S) Requirements
Programs in the College of Engineering require students to take a minimum of 20 to 30 credits in the Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA) and Individuals & Societies (I&S). A minimum of ten credits is required in each area. It is generally recommended that about half of the VLPA and I&S requirements be taken during the first two years of study. Please refer to the table below for total VLPA and I&S departmental credits needed for graduation.
Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts
Courses in this area focus on the history, interpretation, criticism, and practice of the arts. The requirement is meant to help you develop a personal appreciation of the creative process. Examples of departments that offer such courses include art history, classics, dance, drama, English, music, and foreign languages. Most speech courses also count in this area. Foreign language courses at the third quarter of the first year level and beyond may count towards the College of Engineering VLPA requirement. UW VLPA List.
Individuals and Societies
This Area includes a wide variety of options for the study of human beings and societies. Courses focus on the history, development, and dynamics of human behavior, as well as social and cultural institutions and practices. Departments that offer such courses include American ethnic studies, anthropology, economics, geography, international studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and women studies. I&S includes, from departments such as history, philosophy, and religion, courses traditionally grouped with "humanities" at other colleges. UW I&S List.
In-Depth Sequence
NO LONGER REQUIRED
Total VLPA / I&S Credits for Graduation
Engineering Program |
Total VLPA/I&S Credits for Graduation |
Aeronautics & Astronautics |
24 |
Bioengineering |
24 |
Chemical Engineering |
24 |
Civil and Environmental Engineering |
24 |
Computer Engineering |
30 |
Electrical Engineering |
25 |
Industrial Engineering |
30 |
Interdisciplinary BS/BSE |
30 |
Materials Science & Engineering |
24 |
Mechanical Engineering |
24 |
Paper Science & Engineering |
20 |
Technical Communication |
30 |
