AcademicsUndergraduate Admissions

Apply to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment

All prospective students applying to UW–Madison must do so through the central Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Be sure to indicate a Human Ecology major on your application as your first choice on the Admissions application.

Steps to Applying

• Indicate your interest in a specific Human Ecology major as your first choice on the Admissions application.
• Clearly articulate how your personal and professional interests relate to that major.
• Submit all required documents in a timely manner.

Read the Office of Admissions & Recruitment Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information.

Visit Campus

The School holds monthly campus visits for prospective students and their families and guests. Register now for upcoming Human Ecology Campus Visit days!

If you are unable to attend one of our upcoming visitation dates, please contact the School of Human Ecology Advising & Career Center to schedule an appointment at advising@sohe.wisc.edu or 608-262-2608.

Speak with a Student Ambassador

As official school representatives, student ambassadors provide an insider view of the School of Human Ecology’s student community. While earning a Human Ecology degree, they help build awareness of the school by leading tours, meeting with prospective students and families, participating in visit day events, and representing our school at college fairs and industry events. Connect with an ambassador.

Meet with an advisor

This one-stop office provides a welcoming and supportive environment with expertise to clarify and explore the School of Human Ecology’s offerings, ensure a clear academic path, and provide assistance for post-college endeavors.

Visit the Advising and Career Center website.

Attend Student Orientation, Advising & Registration

If you’ve already been admitted to the UW, you can also indicate your interest in a School of Human Ecology major when registering for SOAR: Student Orientation, Advising and Registration, or while attending SOAR.

Submit a TFD Portfolio

Textiles & Fashion Design (TFD) applicants may also submit an optional Design Studies portfolio to show off your creative and artistic talents for additional consideration for admission to UW–Madison. Visit the Textiles & Fashion Design page for information on how to submit a portfolio.

Applying as an on-campus student

Current UW–Madison students have the option to complete the SoHE Major Declaration form if they meet the declaration criteria. All other students must apply through the competitive Major Application form which is open during the first four weeks of each semester.

More information for declaration criteria.

Complete the Major Declaration Form

Pursuing a major in Community and Organizational Development, Human Development and Family Studies, Pre-Interior Architecture, or Textiles and Fashion Design:

• You may declare the major if you are a first semester transfer student OR student with fewer than 60 earned GPA credits at UW–Madison, a minimal 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not currently on probation. Fill out the SoHE Major Declaration form.

Pursuing a major in Personal Finance, Financial Planning, or Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies:

• You may declare the major if you are within your first two semesters enrolled at UW–Madison (excluding summer), and have a minimal 2.75 cumulative GPA, and not currently on probation. Fill out the SoHE Major Declaration form.

If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply to the major the first four weeks of each semester. Learn more about applying to the major. Call 608-262-2608 or email advising@sohe.wisc.edu if you have questions.

Complete the Online Major Application

Please complete the Major Application form during the first four weeks of the semester if you do not meet the declaration criteria. Learn more about declaration criteria. Call 608-262-2608 or email advising@sohe.wisc.edu if you have questions.

Presentation on becoming a SoHE Student

This presentation provides an overview and summary of the undergraduate degrees, degree requirements, and the steps to becoming a student in the School.

Exploratory Courses

The School of Human Ecology provides a number of introductory and exploratory courses for those undecided on a major. View the list of courses.