University of Wisconsin: International Baccalaureate (IB)

Results of IB examinations are evaluated for academic credit. Advanced standing credit is awarded for scores of 4-7 on the higher level (HL) exams. Students who receive an IB Diploma with a minimum score of 28 are eligible for 3 additional elective credits. IB transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment from the International Baccalaureate Organization. Review the chart below to see how IB credit will be awarded.

IB Higher Level Exam	HL Score	UW–Madison Credit/Course Equivalent
Biology	4	5 credits, zoology electives (biological science, elementary) (consult with department for possible Zoology 151 credit)
Chemistry	4	9 credits, Chemistry 103 (4 credits) and Chemistry 104 (5 credits)
Chinese A1	4	6 credits, East Asian electives (advanced)
Computer Studies	4	6 credits, Computer Science 302 (3 credits) and Computer Science 367 (3 credits)
Economics	4	8 credits, Economics 101 (4 credits) and Economics 102 (4 credits)
English A1	5	6 credits, English literature electives (elementary) (exempt from GER Communication Part A)
	4	3 credits, English literature electives (elementary) (exempt from GER Communication Part A)
Foreign Language A1	4	6 credits, literature electives (advanced) (up to 6 credits possible following departmental review)
Foreign Language A2 or B (not English)	4	6 credits, language electives (advanced) or retroactive language credits*
French A1	4	6 credits, French literature electives (advanced)
Geography	4	8 credits, Geography 104 (3 credits) and Geography 127 (5 credits)
History	4	6 credits, history electives (social studies, elementary)
IT in a Global Society	4	3 credits, computer science electives (elementary)
Italian A1	4	6 credits, Italian literature electives (advanced)
Japanese A1	4	6 credits, East Asian electives (advanced)
Korean A1	4	6 credits, East Asian electives (advanced)
Math	4	5 credits, Math 221
Math with Further Math	4	9 credits, Math 221 (5 credits) and Math 222 (4 credits)
Music	4	3 credits, music electives (elementary)
Philosophy	4	4 credits, Philosophy 101
Physics	4	8 credits, Physics 103 (4 credits) and Physics 104 (4 credits)
Portuguese A1	4	6 credits, Portuguese literature electives (advanced)
Psychology	4	4 credits, Psychology 201
Social Anthropology	4	3 credits, Anthropology 104
Spanish A1	4	6 credits, Spanish literature electives (advanced)
Theatre Arts	4	3 credits, theatre electives (elementary)
Visual Arts	4	3 credits, general electives (elementary)

* In some schools and colleges, it is possible to earn retroactive language credits for prior work completed in a foreign language. Contact the language department to learn more about retroactive credits and to determine which type of credit (IB or retroactive) will best meet your needs.